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Planning commission opens discussion on regulating temporary structures in parking lots; council review recommended
Summary
Commissioners discussed code changes Wednesday to regulate temporary and permanent accessory structures in commercial parking lots — including shipping containers, seasonal kiosks and temporary retail — and asked staff to draft options for council review.
Commissioners spent substantial time Wednesday discussing whether the city code should be amended to regulate temporary or permanent accessory structures placed in commercial parking lots — examples included shipping containers (Conexes), temporary retail kiosks and seasonal sales setups.
Commissioners and staff referenced recent instances of large temporary storage placed in parking areas and said the existing code contains no specific restrictions governing detached accessory structures in parking lots. Commissioner comments emphasized aesthetics and safety: “Parking lots are for parking cars and vehicles, not for storage,” one commissioner said. Another commissioner asked staff whether other jurisdictions allowed temporary accessory structures; staff reported Riverton allowed temporary accessory structures for events but prohibited permanent accessory structures in front of commercial buildings.
Staff and the city attorney (Roger) advised that the city council could adopt a temporary zoning ordinance (moratorium) for up to six months while staff drafts a permanent code amendment; the temporary ordinance would preempt approvals during that period. Roger said the council would be the body to enact such a temporary ordinance and that a permanent ordinance would return to the commission for public hearing and recommendation.
Commissioners asked staff to research definitions (what constitutes “temporary” vs. “permanent”), permissible durations (e.g., 3 months, 6 months), location (front, side, rear of buildings), and design standards, and to prepare draft language for the city council’s consideration. Commissioners noted the need to balance preventing unsightly long-term storage units while allowing legitimate temporary uses such as seasonal sales or emerging retail models (e.g., temporary coffee shops or future drone-delivery facilities) that may require temporary structures.
There was no formal action; the commission’s discussion will be transmitted to the city council and staff for ordinance development as appropriate.
