BZA allows two shipping containers to become a covered garage in R1A, requires 90-day completion

On July 21 the LaPorte County BZA approved a petition from Land Trust #4965 to place two shipping containers on a residential R1A lot at 0352 E Hwy 20 and convert them into a 34-by-20-foot garage, with the requirement that the cosmetic work and garage completion be finished within 90 days of the containers' arrival.

Applicant representative Monalisa Kimmel said the containers will be cosmetically covered so the structure will not appear to be shipping containers and will provide storage for the family's move to a smaller house. "It's not really going to look like a shipping container, because they are going to be cosmetically covered up on the outside," she told the board. Neighbors said they had no objection provided the installation met the conditions and required permits.

Board action: Eric Pointon moved to approve with a 90-day completion condition; motion seconded and passed 4-1. The board and building commissioner discussed the pending state-level consideration of whether shipping containers may be used as building material; the building commissioner noted local practice continues pending state action.

What happens next: Petitioner must obtain required building permits and complete the exterior work within the 90-day window or risk enforcement action; the building commissioner's office will inspect for code compliance.

Evidence: Statements and the vote appear in the public transcript for the July 21 meeting.