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Planning Commission backs edits to allow certain enclosed trailers and cargo containers for on-site storage
Summary
The City of Green River Planning Commission recommended edits to Title 10, Chapter 18 to treat some enclosed trailers, box truck boxes and railroad cars as accessory cargo containers for on-site storage, subject to conditions including removal from transportation apparatus, solid color paint and setback requirements; the recommendation will go to City Council July 8.
The City of Green River Planning Commission on Tuesday recommended that City Council approve amendments to Title 10, Chapter 18 that would allow certain enclosed trailers and other cargo units to be used as on-site accessory storage.
Commissioners discussed two drafting approaches: a broad definition of “enclosed trailer” that would cover semi trailers, box trucks and cargo trailers removed from their transportation apparatus, and a more detailed treatment that places specific items under a cargo-container section. Staff said the proposed wording would permit units "when used solely for on-site storage removed from transportation apparatus, painted a solid color, and meeting all setbacks and conditions outlined herein." (language read aloud by staff during the meeting.)
Members debated whether to enumerate specific vehicle types or to keep the definition deliberately broad and leave interpretation to the zoning administrator. Concerns included excluding vehicles with windshields or windows (for example, mobile homes or RVs not intended for storage) and avoiding overly prescriptive lists that could miss future, unforeseen container types. Several commissioners favored moving the specific cargo-container language into the cargo-container section and keeping the top-level accessory-storage-building definition concise.
After a read-through and minor formatting corrections by staff, Commissioner Tanya McLeod moved to approve the edits as discussed and forward the recommendation to City Council; Ken Johnson seconded the motion. The commission recorded affirmative votes and the chair said the item will go before council at its July 8 meeting for final action. The commission’s recommendation includes direction that allowed units meet setbacks, be painted a solid color and obtain a valid zoning clearance prior to placement.
What happens next: the council may adopt, modify, or return the ordinance to the commission. If the council approves it on July 8, the change to Title 10, Chapter 18 will alter how certain enclosed trailers and cargo containers are regulated for on-site storage in Green River.
