Planning commission backs Ordinance No. 51‑96 amendment to regulate storage‑shed sales, recommends higher shed cap

The Spanish Fort Planning Commission voted to recommend the City Council amend Ordinance No. 51‑96 to allow storage‑shed sales and the display of model sheds in B‑3, B‑4 and M‑1 zoning districts and to add a new section 7.13 establishing standards for that use.

David, a city staff presenter, told the commission the city had received multiple inquiries about permitting storage‑shed sales but lacked a clear code classification and standards. The proposed amendment creates section 7.13, permits model sheds and sales in specified commercial and industrial districts, and sets quantitative limits on how many model sheds may be displayed on a single property.

As revised following City Council discussion, staff said the amendment would allow a maximum of eight model sheds on properties that meet the minimum lot size of 21,780 square feet (one half‑acre) and would allow one additional shed for each additional 2,722.5 square feet of lot area, up to a total cap of 16 sheds. Staff explained the 2,722.5 figure is the half‑acre divided into eight equal increments; the amendment also includes a provision preventing property owners from combining adjacent or affiliated properties to exceed the maximum.

Commissioners asked whether two‑story sheds were covered; staff said the general zoning height restriction (40 feet) would apply and the measure does not create a separate height allowance. There was no public comment. A motion to forward the amendment to the City Council for approval carried unanimously on roll call.