Clay County planning panel recommends allowing shipping containers on 3-acre lots with screening, height and inspection rules

The Clay County Planning and Zoning Commission on July 25 recommended that the County Commission adopt revisions to the Clay County Land Development Code to permit intermodal shipping containers on lots of at least 3 acres, subject to specific setbacks, screening and maintenance rules.

The recommendation would change a code adopted in 2020 that previously prohibited containers on lots smaller than 10 acres. The commission’s motion, which passed on a roll-call vote, endorses the September draft staff proposal as revised at the meeting, and adds an exemption for farm-use containers on properties of 40 acres or more so long as they meet setbacks. The recommendation now goes to the Clay County Commission for a final decision.

Planning staff summarized two earlier proposals and the revisions under consideration. The July draft would have allowed containers on any lot size with a sliding scale of how many containers are permitted; the September draft sets a minimum lot size of 3 acres, requires containers not be located in front of the principal building line, and adds a 10‑foot maximum height. Staff said the code will also require a building permit and on‑site verification that setback and screening requirements…