Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning And Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission schedules work session after lengthy discussion of storage containers and 'Conex' boxes
Summary
Fort Scott commissioners discussed expanding code to address shipping-container (Conex) storage and potential container homes, directed staff to hold a work session Feb. 24 to review proposed ordinance language and research, and agreed not to immediately force removal of existing off-chassis units while rules are finalized.
The Fort Scott City Commission on Feb. 4 discussed proposed rewrites to zoning and code language covering storage containers (Conex boxes) and containerized housing, and directed staff to schedule a work session for Feb. 24 to review the draft ordinance and supporting research.
Codes staff explained the current zoning language lacks explicit reference to off-chassis shipping containers: trailer-style units (on chassis/wheels) are treated differently from container units removed from chassis. Under current wording, a container that has been removed from its chassis is not clearly regulated by existing code. Staff presented a proposed rewrite that would require storage containers on residential lots to be located in the rear 40 percent of a lot, painted to match the house, and placed on a permanent foundation in some cases; the rewrite also contains prohibitions on placing containers in front yards.
Several commissioners and staff discussed how container homes are being used elsewhere, the option of design-review exemptions for historic districts, and the idea of permitting single containers (but not multiple in a row) for storage. One commissioner suggested a community-design-based approach and use of the design review board for historic districts. Another proposal discussed by commissioners would create a designated off-site storage area as an alternative to backyard containers.
Staff said some citizens had recently been told to move containers even though the code does not clearly cover those units; commissioners agreed that staff should not create new, inconsistent enforcement in the short term. The commission directed city staff to schedule a work session on Monday, Feb. 24, to review the proposed rewrite, associated examples from other municipalities, and additional research. Staff also said they will circulate the materials to commissioners before the session.
No ordinance vote occurred; existing partially off-chassis units will not be ordered removed pending the work session and refined ordinance language.
