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Jurupa Valley council asks staff to draft ordinance to allow residential shipping containers on larger lots
Summary
At a Nov. 20 study session, city planning staff outlined proposed standards to permit metal shipping containers as residential accessory storage on lots 20,000 sq ft or larger; council signaled support for condition- and maintenance-focused rules and asked staff to return with an ordinance for first reading.
City planning staff presented options on Nov. 20 for allowing metal shipping containers as residential accessory storage on larger Jurupa Valley lots and won general council support to draft a code amendment.
Senior planner Reynaldo Aquina told the council the goal is "to potentially be able to allow metal shipping containers on lots that are 20,000 square feet or larger" and reviewed proposed standards covering placement surfaces, quantity per lot, non‑habitable use, setbacks, color and maintenance. Aquina said staff did not find nearby jurisdictions that allow containers on lots smaller than 20,000 square feet and recommended limiting their use to agricultural or large‑lot residential zones (A1 and RA) where 20,000 sq. ft. minimums already apply.
The presentation included several proposals designed to address durability and neighborhood appearance: require an impervious surface such as concrete or asphalt to limit corrosion; permit no more than one container per parcel by right (with a site development permit available for additional units); prohibit conversion to habitable space; and require neutral or earth‑tone paint or adequate screening.
Council discussion centered on how to measure and enforce age and maintenance standards and on permit complexity. One council member cautioned against relying on the container’s manufacture date and urged focusing on condition: "I think the thing we have to focus on is not the age of it, but the condition that they present and maintain," the presiding official said, noting the city could ask for photos or perform inspections at permit intervals.
Council members asked staff to add more specific maintenance language (for example: visible rust, holes, welding or paint deterioration) and to consider flexible size options (e.g., allowing two 20‑foot units in place of one 40‑foot unit, and a site development permit pathway for additional containers). Staff indicated the permit could include structural or thickness requirements for a concrete pad if the council desires.
No ordinance was introduced or voted on Nov. 20; council approved the direction given to staff and indicated they expect a formal ordinance to return for first reading in the first quarter of next year. The council emphasized that containers must remain storage only and not be converted to living units.
