The Reno City Planning Commission on Wednesday approved a conditional‑use permit allowing outdoor storage of empty shipping containers at a United Rentals site on Leer Boulevard, including stacked containers up to 50 feet in height in the rear of the lot.

Associate planner Jeff Foster told commissioners the site is roughly 8.45 acres and in the industrial zone; outdoor storage is allowed by right but storage over 10 feet requires a conditional‑use permit with screening as appropriate. Foster said containers along property lines would be limited to 20 feet (two containers stacked) and that 4‑to‑5‑high stacks would be allowed only toward the back of the site, where they are roughly 650 feet from Leer Boulevard.

Foster said containers stored on the property will be empty, remain locked to prevent unauthorized access, and must follow industry standards from ISO and the 2019 International Code Council G5 guideline for the safe use and stacking of intermodal shipping containers. Condition number 9 requires stacking occur on concrete or asphalt.

Rob Heaton, United Rentals’ director of fabrication, said the facility refurbs ISO shipping containers into portable buildings and that containers are delivered in waves and stacked for density. He told commissioners the units the company will store are “predominantly 1‑trip containers” and that they are maintained and controlled by United Rentals.

Commissioners asked about visibility from Leer Boulevard, winter screening when foliage is sparse, and stability of stacked containers. Foster said much of the screening relies on distance, intervening buildings, existing vegetation and a slatted security fence along the east side; Fire Marshal John Beck previously commented on stability and separation distances and staff included paving and industry guidance conditions.

Commissioner Ganfiantini moved to approve the conditional‑use permit subject to staff conditions; Commissioner Williams seconded. The motion passed unanimously.