Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning board recommends ban on cargo containers in Pacific’s commercial and residential zones
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Board voted 6–1 to recommend the Board of Aldermen prohibit cargo (shipping) containers in commercial and residential zoning, while leaving industrial and non‑urban districts subject to separate rules or permits.
The Pacific Planning & Zoning Board voted 6–1 to send a recommendation to the Board of Aldermen that cargo (shipping) containers be prohibited in commercial and residential zoning in the city.
Board members debated whether to allow containers temporarily for construction work or to keep a permanent ban. One participant during the public hearing urged clearer enforcement: "As soon as we get everything settled black and white, that's what we intend on doing," and several commissioners said existing containers around town are not being maintained and should be addressed.
Commissioner Bates moved to forward the recommendation; Commissioner Love seconded. During the roll-call vote the board recorded six yes votes and one no. After the vote the board directed staff to notify property owners and said letters will be sent to begin addressing noncompliant containers.
Board discussion focused on zoning distinctions. Members said industrial (M‑1, M‑2) and NU (non‑urban/agricultural) zones currently allow containers and should be treated separately from commercial and residential districts. Several commissioners favored permitting temporary containers for bona fide renovation projects through the city's permitting process so staff can track and enforce time limits.
The board also discussed the history of the regulation: a prior subsection with an effective date of 10/19/21 had required removal of some existing containers within two years of that date; board members clarified that the current recommendation would be a new directive to the aldermen rather than restoring a past removal deadline.
The Planning & Zoning Board will forward its recommendation to the Board of Aldermen, which is expected to consider it at a future meeting. The board indicated follow-up enforcement steps — including mailed notices to noncompliant property owners — will begin after aldermanic action.
A separate item discussed near the end of the meeting: the building commissioner said the Highlands PUD, a proposed roughly 20‑lot development on about 55 acres near Longview, will be scheduled for a forthcoming hearing and that traffic impacts would be a primary concern.
