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Commission approves consolidation of outdoor storage rules, limits temporary storage containers
Summary
Planning staff consolidated several sections of the zoning code into ZTX 26-7 to regulate outdoor storage, parking and display; the commission recommended approval, adding a temporary residential allowance for one container up to 30 days and compliance deadlines for existing nonconforming storage.
The North Myrtle Beach Planning Commission on April 21 recommended approval of zoning-text amendment ZTX 26-7, which consolidates multiple parking, storage and display provisions into a single outdoor storage/parking/display section and clarifies rules for storage containers and outdoor personal property in residential districts.
Staff said the amendment collects existing provisions, adds trailers to the definition of major recreational equipment where applicable, and defines storage containers as prefabricated, fully enclosed box-like units. The proposal generally prohibits storage containers in residential districts but allows one temporary placement for residential moving or renovation activity "for a period not to exceed 30 days," a staff member (S7) said.
The draft adds new standards limiting outdoor personal-property storage to side or rear yards with screening requirements, safety and access conditions (must not obstruct emergency access or required parking), and a set of exempt items commonly associated with residential use such as lawn furniture and grills. Staff included compliance dates for lawfully existing, nonconforming outdoor storage: bring location and safety items into compliance by 12/31/2026 and full compliance by 12/31/2027.
Commissioners discussed examples and edge cases (bicycles, washing machines, disaster recovery lay-down yards) and asked staff to refine exemptions for city-owned equipment and disaster response in the draft that goes to council. After discussion the commission moved and recommended approval of the amended text to city council.
Why it matters: The amendment creates a single, clearer regulatory framework for outdoor storage and temporary containers in residential areas, includes a defined temporary use window, and sets deadlines for existing nonconforming conditions.
What comes next: The recommendation will be forwarded to city council with staff refinements on exemptions and disaster-recovery wording.
