A.

An "accessory storage container" is an accessory storage building and, in limited circumstances as set out in subsection (C) below, a shipping container.

B.

An "accessory storage building" is:

1.

A building originally constructed for use as an accessory building for the storage of material and equipment accessory to a primary use located on the property.

2.

For purposes of this chapter, shipping containers, railroad cars, truck vans, converted mobile homes, trailers, recreational vehicles, bus bodies, vehicles, and similar prefabricated items and structures originally built for purposes other than the storage of goods and materials are not accessory storage buildings.

C.

"Shipping containers" include standardized reusable vessels that were:

1.

Originally designed for or used in the parking, shipping, movement or transportation of freight, articles, goods or commodities; and/or

2.

Originally designed for or capable of being mounted or moved by rail, truck or ship by means of being mounted on a chassis or similar transport device. This definition includes the terms "transport containers" and "portable site storage containers" having a similar appearance to and similar characteristics of shipping containers.

3.

Not intended to include pre-fabricated garden sheds.

(Ord. No. 1261, § 1, 2-1-2021)

A.

A zoning permit is required prior to construction of an accessory storage building (per Section 17.16.030, accessory building) or the temporary placement of shipping container. The application shall show that the construction of an accessory storage building or the temporary placement of a proposed shipping container is accessory to the permitted use of the property and meets the placement criteria for the zone.

B.

Only accessory storage buildings defined in subsection 17.53.010(B) above shall be permitted as accessory storage containers on property in any residential zone of the city, or on any property within the city the primary use of which is residential. Shipping containers, railroad cars, truck vans, converted mobile homes, travel trailers, recreational vehicles, bus bodies, vehicles and similar prefabricated items and structures originally built for purposes other than the storage of goods and materials are not permitted to be used as accessory storage building on property zoned residential or on property the primary use of which is residential.

C.

Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in subsection (B) of this section, the temporary placement of shipping containers on residentially zoned properties, or on properties the primary use of which are residential, for the limited purpose of loading and unloading household contents shall be permitted for a period of time not exceeding one hundred eighty days in any one calendar year without approval for a limited extension from the city's code enforcement officer. Original permit holder is allowed two placements of the container within the one hundred eighty-day period when listed on the original permit. Denial of any extension from code enforcement office can be appealed to the planning and zoning commission for an extension.

D.

Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in subsection (B) of this section, all contractors may use shipping containers for the temporary location of an office, equipment and/or materials storage structure during construction which is taking place on the property where the shipping container is located, if the use of the shipping container is authorized pursuant to a city zoning permit. (Exception: With written approval from adjacent lot owner at the time of permit application container may be placed on adjacent property during construction).

E.

Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in subsection (B) of this section, shipping containers may be used as a building construction material. Buildings utilizing shipping containers as construction material must comply with City Code Chapter 15.12 and Section 3115 of the International Building Code 2021 Edition. Furthermore, shipping containers must be finished with roofing materials such as asphalt shingle, metal shingle, metal panels, or other suitable materials and finished with exterior siding materials such as vinyl, wood, fiber cement, brick, stone, or other suitable materials.

F.

Shipping containers shall not occupy required off-street parking or city rights-of-way without proper approval and permitting as provided for in City Code Section 12.20.010.

G.

As a condition of placement, shipping container sites shall be required to meet all applicable zoning and property maintenance regulations.

H.

Material stored within shipping containers are subject to review by fire chief. He/she shall conduct such investigation or inspection and make such recommendations that he/she consider necessary. Failure to timely eliminate any fire hazards as recommended by the fire chief shall constitute a municipal infraction.

This section shall not apply to pre-fabricated garden sheds or similar structures specifically designed and intended for use on properties for storage purposes and which comply with all city ordinances applicable to detached accessory structures.

(Ord. No. 1261, § 1, 2-1-2021; Ord. No. 1318, § 1, 8-21-2023)

Shipping containers placed on any site shall comply with the provisions of this section.

Exception: Portable moving containers/moving pods placed on private property for no more than thirty days in any twelve-month period shall not be regulated by this chapter.

A.

Residential Zones. Shipping containers are not allowed in residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and R-5). A temporary permit for a shipping container may be obtained for containers used ancillary to a project with a valid residential compliance certificate permit. A temporary permit may allow placement of a container at a residential building site for up to one hundred eighty days for temporary storage after the building permit is issued. The temporary permit cannot be extended.

B.

Industrial Zone.

1.

Shipping containers are allowed in industrial zones (M-1, M-2, M-3); provided, that the use is in conformance with current permitted zoning uses. Placement of a shipping container for permanent or semi-permanent use shall require a building permit and shall have an engineered foundation and meet all other codes for placement on the property.

2.

Shipping containers are not allowed on industrially zoned properties on which the primary use is a nonconforming residential use unless a temporary permit is obtained.

C.

Commercial Zones and Central Business District.

1.

Shipping containers are allowed in the commercial zones (C-1, C-2) and central business district (C-3), provided said containers:

a.

Are screened with sight-obscuring fencing or landscaping approved by the zoning administrator; and

b.

Are being used as a shipping container and that all applicable Department of Transportation (DOT) licenses for the containers are active and valid. The city may require proof of active DOT licenses; and

c.

Are not permanently installed.

2.

Shipping containers are not allowed in the central business district or mixed commercial zone when the primary use is a nonconforming residential use. A city right-of-way permit for a shipping container may be obtained or containers used ancillary to a project with a valid city permit. A temporary permit may allow placement of a container at a building site for up to one hundred eighty days for temporary storage after the building permit is issued. The temporary permit cannot be extended.

D.

Shipping containers are allowed on construction sites in the central business district, commercial, and industrial zones where there is an active building permit if ancillary to a project with a valid commercial building permit. A temporary permit may allow placement of a container at a commercial building site for up to one year for temporary storage after the building permit is issued. The temporary placement permit may be extended up to an additional one hundred eighty days by the zoning administrator.

E.

Look-alike shipping container buildings or metal buildings marketed as "containers" or "portable storage units" are regulated as shipping containers to which this section shall apply.

F.

Placing a shipping container on a city street or right-of-way is not allowed without a right-of-way obstruction permit and approval from the city engineer.

G.

Temporary signs on containers must follow Zoning Code Section 17.16.110.

(Ord. No. 1261, § 1, 2-1-2021)