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Green River planning commission weighs allowing repurposed semi trailers as on-site storage
Summary
The commission discussed amending code (10-18-2) to permit semi trailers repurposed and taken off axles to be used as accessory storage, with potential conditions such as neutral paint, setbacks and building-permit requirements. Staff will draft options and a public hearing is expected.
City of Green River planning commissioners spent the bulk of their April 15 meeting debating whether repurposed semi trailers can be treated like shipping containers for on‑site storage.
Staff opened the item by noting that current code excludes items “originally built for purposes other than the storage of goods and materials,” and that the accessory-storage definition explicitly lists “semi trailers” as not allowed. The business owner who prompted the request, Vicenia of Tacos La Tazadilla, said the trailer she proposes to use has had road-use components removed: "all the parts were taken off... just to be used as a container." Commissioners and staff discussed how that condition differs from an active trailer parked on a property.
The conversation focused on three practical issues: safety and building-permit requirements, aesthetics and screening, and zoning placement. Staff flagged that structures larger than 180 square feet typically require a building permit and that some repurposed trailers may need an engineer’s stamp and an approved foundation or anchoring method. Commissioners repeatedly said they would prefer repurposed trailers to be taken off their axles, painted a neutral color and sited out of primary street view, consistent with existing cargo-container rules for commercial zones.
Staff reiterated the legal process: a change would require formal ordinance language, a public hearing, and referral to city council. Staff proposed circulating draft verbiage before the next planning commission meeting; commissioners asked for options that could be reviewed at the next meeting so the body could decide whether to schedule a public hearing. The commission did not take formal action at the meeting and left the item for further consideration.
Next steps: staff will prepare draft ordinance language and circulate it to commissioners for review before the next meeting; a public hearing would be required before any ordinance change could be adopted.
