Opa-locka commission approves rules for commercial shipping containers, removes residential references

The City Commission of Opa-locka on April 9 approved an ordinance that allows metal shipping containers to be used for storage or office purposes in commercial and industrial zones, with building-code requirements and time limits.

City officials said the ordinance was revised after first reading to remove references to residential properties. Interim City Manager (presenting the item) said the ordinance “has been amended to remove references to residential properties,” and Gregory Gay, director of planning and community development, answered commissioners’ questions about how the rules would apply.

Gay said the rules “basically speak to the use of shipping containers to be used as either a office or for storage use. Only in commercial and industrial areas.” He added that containers must be mounted to the ground and meet Florida Building Code requirements.

Commissioners asked about duration and fees. Gay said the city will treat most installations as temporary—generally allowed for up to one year—and that applicants must follow the building code process and pay building fees; he said there is also an associated permit fee but did not state the schedule amount at the meeting.

Supporters and at least one commissioner said the rules would align Opa-locka more closely with Miami-Dade County practice while removing residential allowances. The commission called the public hearing, asked questions of staff and Gay, and voted 4-0 to approve the first-reading ordinance.

The ordinance text amends Article 1, Chapter 7, Section 7-1 of Opa-locka’s code and Land Development Regulation sections 22-80, 22-81 and 22-82 to add limitations on metal coverings and containers for buildings and additions; it includes penalties and codification language. The commission approved first reading and moved the item forward.

The item drew questions from Commissioner Santiago about a specific property near Scheherazade where commercial uses abut single-family homes; Gay said the site is in a commercial zone and would meet the commercial criteria but acknowledged residents’ concerns about trucks and visual impacts. Gay said the rules allow temporary containers to expand commercial kitchen operations but that the commercial/industrial location remains the controlling factor.

The commission’s vote: Commissioner Irvin — yes; Commissioner Santiago — yes; Commissioner Bass — yes; Mayor Taylor — yes. Motion passed, 4-0.

City staff can provide the formal permit fee schedule on request; the ordinance is returned to a subsequent agenda for additional readings and codification.