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Board discusses zoning rules for storage containers; refers possible ordinance to council
Summary
At a Jan. 8, 2025 meeting, an unnamed municipal board discussed whether and where storage containers and large prefab storage buildings should be permitted under local zoning and whether the city should create a specific ordinance addressing them.
At a Jan. 8, 2025 meeting, an unnamed municipal board discussed whether and where storage containers and large prefab storage buildings should be permitted under local zoning and whether the city should create a specific ordinance addressing them.
City staff told the board numerous residents have asked to use storage containers "similar to the Amish type storage buildings" and that existing zoning and ordinances do not specifically cover those structures. "I don't have really really much paperwork on that. We have had numerous residents come in requesting to use up storage containers as a storage building," a staff member said, adding that current rules do not address the newer prefabricated structures.
Staff noted that a building permit is not required for structures up to about 200 square feet, and that accessory-structure rules and setback requirements apply. Some board members flagged examples in town where multiple containers had been stacked and said they did not want container clusters that could function as residences or businesses. "I don't think you want somebody to come in and drop them like those with tall arms ... Create a residence or a business out of it," a board member said, referencing stacked containers observed along Route 19.
Board members discussed options including allowing storage containers in limited areas, applying aesthetic standards, setting a maximum percentage of lot coverage, or restricting accessory structures to properties with a primary residence. Staff said there is a setback and percentage rule for residences but not a clear lot-percentage cap for accessory structures.
No ordinance or formal amendment was adopted. Board members agreed to notify the council that the issue might come before it and to have further discussion on potential standards, including whether accessory structures should require a primary residence in R-1 through R-4 zones.
The conversation included detail that some storage buildings encountered locally measure about 12 by 40 feet and can be as large as a house trailer, and that the question of tiny homes built from containers was a separate topic staff had not recommended at this time. The board requested staff keep them posted when the item goes to council.
