Planning commission recommends conditions to allow outdoor storage of empty shipping containers at Willow Properties

The Cranston City Planning Commission voted to forward a positive recommendation to the zoning board for a use variance that would allow outdoor storage of empty shipping containers at a Willow Properties site, with conditions set by commissioners.

Attorney David Johnson described the proposed operation for his client William Hogan as a temporary outdoor storage use: empty containers would be delivered for client use on construction or renovation sites, returned empty and stored on site until redeployed. Johnson said the operation typically has fewer than the theoretical maximum number of containers and that the proposed area on the former Frito‑Lay site would be well away from the road and neighboring businesses.

Planning staff (Mr. Ray) recommended a positive recommendation, noting the container stacks would sit below the maximum height for the zone and be within rear setbacks. Commissioners expressed caution about treating this use as a terminal container yard and suggested conditions to prevent future intensification.

Commissioner Lamphere moved to accept the staff recommendation with conditions: containers must be empty, contain no hazardous materials, stack no more than three high, and the site must limit total containers to 84. The motion was seconded and approved; the chair stated "the ayes have it."

A public participant raised a concern about empty containers stacked three high and potential hazard in severe weather; the applicant responded that his operation has stacked containers three to four high at other sites for decades without incidents.