Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Town council adopts ordinance regulating temporary storage units after public comments
Summary
Council voted to adopt a new ordinance regulating temporary storage units on residential properties, following public comments about permit fees and permitted durations; town staff said the proposal addresses complaints about long‑term, business‑style use of pods and the permit fee was revised to $50 in the council packet.
The Town Council adopted an ordinance Monday that regulates temporary storage units (often called “pods” or portable storage containers”) on residential property and establishes a permitting process after staff and the planning board reviewed complaints and options.
The ordinance was advertised for public hearing; during the public forum several residents opposed what they described as excessive permit fees and short allowable durations for residential use. One resident said the $100 fee and a 240‑day maximum (with possible extension) were onerous for homeowners who use a unit seasonally to store holiday decorations. Another resident who formerly worked in zoning said the regulation reflects prior enforcement issues: large containers were staying on private property indefinitely, sometimes used as business storage, and the town lacked a codified remedy.
Town staff told the council they had investigated biodegradable and paper alternatives for pay‑as‑you‑throw yard‑waste bags and found them impractical; they also noted the packet recommendation reduced the building‑permit fee from $100 to $50, the minimum building permit fee. Councilors emphasized they wanted to balance resident needs with neighbors’ complaints about unsightliness and businesses using residential property for commercial storage.
The council voted to receive the memorandum, advertise for a future public hearing, and subsequently closed the hearing and adopted the ordinance on its second reading. The town clerk will advertise for additional notice and the town will continue to refine permit language in response to public comment.
Ending: The council directed staff to advertise and move the ordinance forward; staff said they will review technical details and return with any necessary clarifications to the council before final implementation.
