Redfield adopts ordinance regulating shipping containers for storage, limits size and requires permits

The Redfield City Council adopted Ordinance No. 01-2025 on Feb. 19, 2025, amending Title 17 (Zoning) to define and regulate "Shipping Container for Storage." The ordinance sets a definition for shipping containers, prohibits using them as dwellings, and requires that containers conform to setback and foundation requirements. The ordinance limits exterior dimensions to no more than 20 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 9 feet in height, requires the exterior be painted or altered to neutral colors and be visually compatible with the principal structure, and prohibits stacking of containers.

Use rules vary by zone: one shipping container is permitted per residential lot; commercial, highway commercial, and industrial districts also allow one container per lot with building permits required. The ordinance creates separate temporary-permit categories: a residential temporary permit once per calendar year for a maximum of 60 consecutive days for moving/property improvement; a temporary construction permit valid for 180 days (extendable an additional 180 days subject to active construction) for placement on construction sites; special rules for emergency placement (valid up to one year, extendable 180 days). Portable moving containers placed on private property for no more than 30 days in a 12-month period are not regulated by the chapter. The minutes record the motion to adopt (Weller/D. Lewis) and a unanimous roll call approval.

The ordinance record in the minutes also lists administrative dates: First Reading Feb. 3, 2025; Second Reading Feb. 19, 2025; Adopted March 25, 2025; Published Feb. 26, 2025. The minutes contain the ordinance text and the council vote but do not summarize citizen testimony or opposition in the body of the minutes.