Nashville planning board tables proposal to allow shipping containers in town zoning

The Town of Nashville Planning Board on June 24 voted to table a proposed text amendment that would create definitions and permit rules for shipping containers in local zoning code, including where and how long containers could be placed.

The measure, requested by local container seller Christopher Sadie, would add a definition for “shipping container,” set dimensions and setbacks, create separate short-term and long-term rules for residential and commercial uses, and add an emergency provision allowing temporary use without a permit for up to 14 days. The planning board moved to table the item to allow staff time to revise language for residential districts and to solicit more public input.

Christopher Sadie, identified as the applicant and a business owner who sells and leases shipping containers, told the board he brought the proposal because of local demand. “I’ve got a vested interest in this,” Sadie said, adding that nearly all local business owners he polled signed a petition supporting the change. He described both commercial and residential uses, and asked the…