Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Spencer County adopts zoning limits on shipping containers after vote and amendments
Summary
Spencer County Fiscal Court on Feb. 3 adopted Ordinance No. 17 amending local zoning rules for storage/shipping containers, allowing limited permanent containers in some agricultural zones with Board of Adjustment review and imposing color and placement requirements.
The Spencer County Fiscal Court on Feb. 3 adopted Ordinance No. 17, amending Article VIII, Section 807 of the Taylorsville-Spencer County zoning regulations to restrict placement and appearance of storage and shipping containers.
The change narrows where containers may be used and establishes conditions for permanent use. Under the ordinance as amended, containers are tightly limited on agricultural parcels: in AG-1 parcels of 10–20 acres the ordinance sets a small cap on containers, larger tracts permit more with conditions, and AG-2 parcels of 5 to 9.9 acres may allow one permanent container only with Board of Adjustment consideration and permitting procedures aligned with other agricultural structures. The ordinance requires containers be consistent in color, free of logos or signage, and placed to the rear of a primary residence or at least 150 feet from the right of way on tracts without residences.
The measure followed extended debate. Magistrate Esq. Stump first moved to approve the ordinance; that motion briefly died for lack of a second before being reintroduced and seconded by Esq. Pharris. Judge Scott Travis proposed an amendment to allow one container in AG-2, which drew a second amendment from Esq. Eldridge to require Board of Adjustment consideration for permanent use. The court approved the amendment to the amendment, then rejected an attempt (moved by Esq. Pharris) to add a 20-foot maximum length limit for permanent AG-2 containers. The final motion to adopt Ordinance No. 17 as amended carried by voice vote.
Why it matters: the ordinance responds to residents' concerns about the visual impact and location of metal storage units in rural and residential areas. Resident Julie Sweazy had urged that containers “not be visible from the street” during the public-comment period. Supporters said the rules preserve agricultural character while allowing limited flexibility through the Board of Adjustment for site-specific needs.
The court gave the ordinance its second reading and adopted it at the Feb. 3 meeting. Next steps include updating permitting guidance to reflect the new Section 807 language and notifying the planning commission and building/zoning staff to implement the placement, setback and color requirements.
