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Business owner urges flexibility as Stephens City drafts storage‑container ordinance
Summary
A Newtown Auction Gallery owner told Stephens City council the town’s proposed storage‑container rules could burden small businesses; the Planning Commission and staff say a draft sample ordinance and flexible screening options are under review, with referrals to Historic Preservation where applicable.
Jon Anderson, owner of Newtown Auction Gallery, told the Stephens City Town Council during public comment on May 6 that screening requirements for sea/ storage containers are creating compliance challenges for his business. Anderson said he met with the Planning Commission, that an 8‑foot wood fence is not locally available and that shipping wood from California would be required; he proposed a 6‑foot fence alternative and asked the town for guidance and a possible grandfathering approach for existing businesses.
Council and staff discussed the item later in committee and at the Planning Commission. Planning Commission Chair Linden A. Fravel Jr. reported the Commission reviewed proposed storage container ordinance updates and said the Commission’s principal concern is screening containers from public view, especially when border residential properties. Town Manager Mike Majher said a sample container ordinance has been drafted in response to business concerns and that screening materials are not stipulated in the draft — options include plantings or chain‑link fencing with vinyl slats; if a property is in the Historic District, applicants must also consult the Historic Preservation Commission.
The ordinance and draft changes have been referred back to the Town Manager and Town Attorney for further refinement and will return to Planning Commission for continued review. The minutes record discussion and referral but do not include the full draft ordinance text or an adopted standard on required screening height or materials.
Council did not take a formal vote on the ordinance at the May 6 meeting; staff and planning bodies will continue work on language and enforcement approaches.
