(a)

Definition. A portable storage unit is a fully enclosed structure, box, or trailer that is used for temporary storage. It is typically rented by the owner or residents of a property and delivered and/or removed by truck or trailer.

For the purposes of this section, storage sheds, shipping containers, tool sheds, and dumpsters are not considered portable storage units.

(b)

Use of portable storage units in residential areas.

1.

The temporary use of one (1) portable storage unit in a residential district is permitted while actively being loaded or unloaded for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days per calendar year.

OR

2.

The temporary use of two (2) portable storage units in a residential district is permitted while actively being loaded or unloaded for a period not to exceed fourteen (14) days per calendar year.

(c)

Portable storage units in non-residential areas.

1.

In non-residential districts, the temporary use of one (1) portable storage unit is permitted for a period not exceeding sixty (60) days, provided that the storage unit is not visible from surrounding parcels or the public right-of-way (i.e., the unit is located behind the building, buffered by tall, opaque fencing, or located on a portion of the parcel with no abutting development, etc.). Two (2) instances of storage of up to sixty (60) days are permitted per calendar year.

OR

2.

In non-residential districts, the temporary use of two (2) portable storage units is permitted for a period not exceeding fourteen (14) days, provided that the storage unit is not visible from surrounding parcels or the public right-of-way (i.e., the unit is located behind the building, buffered by tall, opaque fencing, or located on a portion of the parcel with no abutting development, etc.). Two (2) instances of storage of up to twenty-eight (28) days are permitted per calendar year.

(d)

Portable storage unit permit. The user or provider of a portable storage unit shall apply for a permit with the zoning department. The application must identify a purpose for the unit, proposed duration on the site, and include a site plan or sketch showing the property boundaries and the proposed location of the unit on the premises.

1.

Residential use permit.

a.

The duration of the permit for one (1) portable storage unit will be thirty (30) days for residential use.

OR

b.

The duration of the permit for two (2) portable storage units will be fourteen (14) days for residential use.

2.

Non-residential use permit.

a.

The duration of the permit for one (1) portable storage unit will be sixty (60) days for non-residential use.

OR

b.

The duration of the permit for two (2) portable storage units will be fourteen (14) days for non-residential use.

The duration of the permit will be thirty (30) days (one (1) month) for residential use, or sixty (60) days (two (2) months) for non-residential areas.

(e)

Reasonable need. A permit of longer than thirty (30) days (residential) or sixty (60) days (non-residential) can be issued by the zoning department to extend the duration of temporary outdoor storage. For the purposes of this section, reasonable need includes cases of home damage or destruction, significant renovation or repair, construction, relocation, or other events warranting the need for temporary storage outside the home. At the discretion of the zoning administrator, an extended permit may provide the applicant up to an additional ninety (90) days (total of four (4) months) or for the duration of a building permit, whichever is shorter.

(f)

Placement and dimensions of portable storage units.

1.

Physical dimensions. Each storage unit cannot exceed the following dimensions: eight and one-half (8½) feet in height; twenty (20) feet in length; eight (8) feet in width.

2.

Location. Portable storage units shall be housed in the rear yard of residential property. However, if there is no practical access for the rear yard, the unit may be positioned in the side yard side. If there is no practical access for the side yard, then the unit may be positioned in the driveway in the front yard. Storage units are prohibited in front yards, side yards, sidewalks, roads, or other rights-of-way, unless no other reasonable alternatives exist, or unreasonable hardship to the owner is created.

3.

Placement. The placement of portable storage units must meet all setback requirements, and other applicable building and fire regulations for accessory structures.

4.

Signage. A sign displaying the storage unit provider and contact information must be located on the storage unit. The amount of signage on the unit is not limited, but must pertain to the provider of the storage unit, and must not include advertising for any additional products or services.

(Ord. No. 2010-14, 3-11-10; Ord. No. 2011-019, 5-26-2011)