Kenai P&Z approves temporary permit for shipping container at 1012 Third Street

The Kenai Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 10 approved Resolution PZ2025-28 to allow a temporary shipping container on a vacant lot at 1012 Third Street while the owner pursues construction of a residence.

Commissioner Woodard moved to approve the resolution and Commissioner Rubio seconded; the measure passed 4-0 with three commissioners absent. Vice Chair Ersley cast the deciding vote during roll call, and Commissioners Woodard, Reveal and Fikes voted yes.

Director Buettner delivered the staff report, saying, “The applicant is requesting to temporarily place a storage container at 1012 Third Street located North of Redoubt Avenue along Third Street.” Buettner said the city’s zoning code requires a conditional use permit to place an accessory building on a parcel without a main building in the suburban residential district and reviewed the criteria in Kenai Municipal Code (KMC) 14.20.150 and related sections.

Buettner told the commission the owner also owns adjacent lots and intends to build a residence; until construction, the owner requested a locked “Connex” shipping container to store materials and tools. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including that the conditional use would become effective when a building permit is issued, that the use would expire 30 days after issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the proposed structure, and that the container must meet yard and screening requirements once a main building exists.

Resident Darren Marion spoke in support, identifying himself as a Third Street neighbor and saying the property owner is “a fine person.” The applicant participated remotely (identified in the record as Mr. Heidman) and confirmed the lot has no existing utilities; he said electrical service would likely be extended in coming years as development continues.

Commissioners who spoke during discussion described the permit as short-term and consistent with the city’s goals for infill development. Commissioner Porter said, “Seems clearly clear cut to me and I’m in favor of it.” Commissioner Pikes said he supported approval “with the understanding that the intent is short term and not long term.”

The commission adopted PZ2025-28 with four affirmative votes and three members absent. The approval includes the staff conditions that all applicable federal, state and city regulations apply; that the conditional use becomes effective upon issuance of a city building permit; that the conditional use expires 30 days after the certificate of occupancy is issued for the new dwelling; and that the applicant meet with staff for a site inspection upon request.

Background details recorded in the staff report note that the lot is in the suburban residential land-use classification of the city’s 2016 comprehensive plan, that adjacent property owners within 300 feet were notified, and that one public comment in support was received before the hearing. Staff also noted Third Street is a gravel road not currently city-maintained and that either a replat to merge lots for a septic system or extension of a sewer line would be needed before development of a dwelling.