Planning commission permits backyard shipping container in Spring Valley, orders color match to house

The Planning Commission voted on Aug. 19 to allow an applicant to keep a temporary shipping container and an existing shed in the backyard of a Spring Valley home while the owner completes plans to build a garage, and added a condition requiring the container to be painted to match the house.

Bridget Little, the property owner, told the commission the container has no electricity and is being used for storage while she remodels the house. She said the container is temporary and that she intends to build a garage but cannot afford construction immediately.

Neighbor Doug Long testified in support, saying the container did not bother him from his yard. Commissioner discussion focused on neighborhood precedent and aesthetics; several commissioners pointed out that multiple properties in the area have similar containers.

Commissioner Mejica suggested requiring the container be painted to better match the residence; the commission added that condition to staff’s recommended approvals. The commission also discussed but did not impose an immediate requirement to dedicate an intersection spandrel; staff said that dedication could be required later if the applicant pursues additional site work that affects the right‑of‑way.

The motion carried on a 4‑3 vote, as recorded by the chair. The file shows the county had briefed the applicant on a one‑year permitting path and annual renewals; Little told the commission she expects the container to remain “at the most 3 years” while she arranges construction.

Why this matters: the decision balances a homeowner’s temporary storage needs during renovation against neighborhood appearance and sets a condition meant to reduce visual impact. The approval is final unless appealed.