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Plan commission approves shipping-container home variance on Hawk Street; neighbor raises drainage concern
Summary
The commission approved a variance to allow exposed metal siding and a 75-foot front setback for a shipping-container house on the 1100 block of Hawk Street, 6-0. A nearby resident urged grading and drainage measures to avoid basement flooding.
The City of Oshkosh Plan Commission on Jan. 7 approved a variance allowing metal siding and an increased front-yard setback for a proposed shipping-container home on the east side of the 1100 block of Hawk Street.
Planning staff described the lot as roughly 32,000 square feet with frontage on Hawk Street and two sides along Sawyer Creek. Staff recommended approval after the applicant participated in a November 2024 workshop and proposed cladding parts of the shipping container with cedar shakes and leaving portions of metal siding exposed.
Lehi Hoagy of 1116 Hawk Street told the commission he supports the variance but is worried the lot—about three feet higher than his property—could increase runoff into his basement; he asked whether drain tiles or other measures could be required. Planning staff responded that the city’s housing code requires grading review to ensure proper drainage for new homes.
Commissioners expressed support for creative infill housing solutions and noted the city’s stormwater standards must be met. Council member Nichols said the project helps address the city’s housing shortage. The commission voted 6-0 to adopt staff findings and recommendations.
Conditions of approval include the findings and conditions listed in the staff report and compliance with grading and stormwater standards at building permit review.
