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Commission approves conditional use permit for eight shipping containers in downtown Show Low with conditions
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Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved CUP 602-04-281 allowing eight shipping containers on downtown commercial parcels owned by David Owens, imposing screening, neutral color, non-transferability and revisit conditions; vote 5–1 with one commissioner recused.
The Show Low Planning and Zoning Commission on April 28 approved a conditional use permit allowing eight shipping containers to remain on a downtown commercial property owned by David Owens (CUP 602-04-281), subject to multiple conditions meant to reduce visual impacts and ensure compliance.
Staff (Miss Celine) told commissioners the property is in the downtown commercial zone and currently contains eight shipping containers; city code (section 19.25.0.06 h2, and related ordinance language) permits containers in commercial districts only by conditional use permit, with specified setbacks and screening requirements. Director Tragaskis reiterated that the code requires containers be at least 100 feet from any right of way, adequately screened, and compliant with other city requirements.
David Owens, who identified himself at the microphone, said the containers were on the family property when he inherited it and that one container had been relocated after a modern survey. Owens said he intends to remove abandoned vehicles and other debris from the site but did not provide a firm timetable for complete cleanup: "The containers were on the property when I inherited it... I would like to get it cleaned up."
Several commissioners pressed concerns about downtown character and long‑standing violations. One commissioner said a site visit left them "pretty appalled" by visible containers, abandoned semi‑trailers and a bus; that commissioner argued the CUP would effectively allow a use that conflicts with the general plan and could signal lax code enforcement. Staff and the director responded that the CUP process exists to make conditional uses compatible through conditions and that, in this case, the owner has been served with a notice of violation and is now seeking compliance.
The commission's final motion (made by the chair and seconded by Vice Chair Wilson) approved the CUP subject to staff recommendations with several modifications: all containers must be painted a uniform neutral/natural color on all four sides; the screening fence on the east side must be extended to encompass the entire western boundary of APN 210-16-048D; the fence color must be neutral or natural (not white); the CUP will be non‑transferable (it will not automatically transfer to a future owner unless the commission specifies otherwise); the commission asked staff to place the item on the schedule for review in three years; and the east‑side fence must be erected within 60 days unless the city and owner agree to a different cooperative timeline. The motion passed with five votes in favor, one vote opposed (Commissioner McGregor), and one recusal for conflict (Commissioner Whipple).
Director Tragaskis reminded the room that there is a seven‑day appeal period to the city clerk; if no appeal is filed the approval will become effective per city process.
What to watch: the commission included a revisit date and non‑transferability requirement to provide a mechanism for the body to reassess compliance and neighborhood impacts if conditions are not met.
