Council approves PUD to allow shipping-container accessory at Nico's Red Mill after 4-2 vote

The Woodstock City Council approved an ordinance on Jan. 20 authorizing a planned-unit development to allow a modified shipping-container accessory structure at 1040 Lake Avenue, the site of Nico's Red Mill.

Mayor Turner and council members framed the decision as a case-by-case use of the PUD process, with the approval conditioned on staff receiving a notarized Exhibit B showing the property owner's consent. Councilman Segers moved the ordinance, and Councilwoman Ziemba seconded the motion. Jane called the roll; the motion passed 4-2, with Councilmen Hansen and McMahon voting no and one member absent.

Supporters, including the proposal partner Brent Schroeder, described the containers as extensively modified structures that would be subject to building-code review and safety inspections. Schroeder told the council the unit would include a flip-up face and would be closed and secured when the venue is not operating: "The container will have a flip up on it," he said, adding doors would be locked after hours.

Opponents raised concerns about zoning code consistency, potential precedent and the tax implications of allowing container structures where the Unified Development Ordinance typically prohibits them. Councilman Hansen said he feared the council was granting an unusually broad PUD for a single-owner, single-use project. "I have great concern about this because our UDO does not allow the use of containers," he said.

Staff and the city attorney proposed an administrative condition: the petitioner must provide a notarized statement from the owner confirming consent before finalization. City staff also said the containers must meet applicable building and safety codes and noted the proposed unit is roughly 600 square feet, below thresholds that would trigger additional ADA-accessibility obligations for second-story access.

The ordinance will not take final administrative effect until the required owner consent (Exhibit B) is provided to city staff and the building-review process confirms code compliance.

The council’s approval highlights a practical tension the council discussed: the desire to support local businesses experimenting with new formats while protecting zoning standards and avoiding unregulated proliferation of nontraditional structures. Council members said they view future requests individually.

The council moved on to other business; the PUD will be processed by staff along with building and safety reviews.