Chino Valley planners forward metal storage-container rules to council, set limits and grandfather existing units

The Chino Valley Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to forward text amendment TA2024-01 to Town Council on a recommendation to allow metal storage containers as a permitted accessory use in select zoning districts and to add a new section to the Unified Development Ordinance establishing standards for those containers.

The change responds to public input and Town Council direction and would create UDO section 4.32 with rules on placement, quantity, color, screening and grandfathering. The commission approved the staff recommendation “as reflected in Attachment 1 as amended by the commission and staff at tonight’s meeting,” and directed staff to carry the commission’s edits into the ordinance before Council consideration.

Why it matters: the amendment would legalize many existing shipping-container uses that are currently not permitted, set limits and design rules for new containers, and create an administrative path for businesses and homeowners to seek exceptions. Planning staff said the move aims to balance property-owner needs for low-cost storage with neighbor protections.

Key actions and rules agreed - The commission asked that metal storage containers be treated as customary accessory structures so they follow…