Planning panel tables proposed rule changes for shipping containers after public debate over setbacks, screening and lot size

The Clay County Planning and Zoning Commission on July 1 heard staff proposals to revise the county land development code to relax rules on intermodal shipping containers and then voted to table the item for further study after extended public comment and commissioner concerns.

The proposal would loosen several existing restrictions, allow containers on smaller lots under specified setbacks and add new requirements for painting, screening and surfaces. Planning staff presented proposed tabled changes including: permitting containers on lots smaller than 10 acres, reducing side and rear setbacks from 250 feet to 50 feet and specifying a 100-foot front setback, requiring containers be placed on a hard, level surface, requiring containers be painted to match an adjacent accessory building or the house, and adding screening requirements that vary by lot size (lots 5 acres or less: 75% obscured; 5–20 acres: 50%; 20+ acres: 25%). Staff also proposed extending a temporary-storage removal period from 30 to 60 days when containers are used during construction and removing the need for a separate temporary-storage permit in some cases.

Planning…