Emmons County commissioners deny permit to convert stacked Connex containers, plan ordinance review

The Emmons County Commission voted to deny an application to convert stacked shipping containers into a permanent building, saying the county needs a clearer public process before allowing the use.

Commissioners debated the proposal at length, weighing appearances, durability and precedent. Commissioner Aaron moved to deny the permit; Commissioner Jim Niigwirth seconded the motion. The commission recorded the motion as carried.

The commissioners discussed that the county previously passed a resolution limiting Connex boxes on lots to one container and requiring appearance standards. Several commissioners said that when the current rules were written they had not anticipated using shipping containers as construction material to form a single, permanent-looking building. One commissioner said, “If this turns out to be really good and it's something that's not a big deal, then maybe our resolution needs to be amended,” while also warning that a poor example could prevent future approvals.

Commissioners expressed concern about allowing multiple similar projects without first testing how a single permitted example would affect neighboring properties and property values. Several asked that staff pursue either a variance-review framework that limits approvals to single pilot projects or a formal ordinance amendment that would include public notice and hearings.

The commission directed staff to pursue a public hearing process and tentatively target November or December for public outreach and possible first readings of an amendment. Commissioners said the county will avoid approving multiple similar permits until the policy is reviewed.

The motion to deny the permit carried; commissioners emphasized the denial was not final policy and that the matter could return after a public hearing and ordinance revision.

The applicant was told the denial does not permanently bar the idea and was encouraged to monitor the county’s public hearing schedule.

What happens next

County staff will research model ordinances used by nearby counties and prepare a proposed amendment or a public hearing notice. The commission said it prefers a public hearing process rather than repeated single-variance decisions and will consider a temporary pilot allowance or a capped number of containers if the ordinance is revised.