(A) Definition. For the purposes of this chapter, PORTABLE STORAGE AND PORTABLE SHIPPING CONTAINERS are defined as any container not permanently attached to a building and designed to store or ship personal property. Portable containers are typically rented to owners or occupants of residences and intended to be delivered, temporarily used, and then removed from the premises.
(B) Use regulations. Notwithstanding any provision of any city ordinance or regulation, or relevant provisions of the International Building Code or International Property Maintenance Code which may allow use as a component of a principal residential use, portable storage and portable shipping containers located outside of a fully enclosed building or structure shall be regulated in all residential and commercial zoning districts in accordance with the following provisions.
(1) Permit requirements for placing containers on private property or public right-of-way.
(a) Before any portable storage or portable shipping container is placed for use on private property a portable storage unit permit must be obtained by the property owner or the owner’s authorized designee from the city’s Building Department. Before any portable storage or portable shipping container is placed for use on public property, a right-of-way permit must be obtained from the city’s Building Department.
(b) The applicant for the permit shall submit a completed application form and such information as required by the city’s Building Department at least 15 days in advance of the date of the intended use of the portable container. The application shall contain the following information:
1. The name, address, telephone number and email address of the applicant;
2. The date, location and beginning and ending dates of the proposed placement of the portable container; and
3. The name, address and phone number of the person or entity supplying the portable container.
(c) The permit fee is $25 for a permit allowing the portable container to remain on the property for 30 consecutive days and an additional $25 if it is necessary to have the portable container remain on the property for an additional 15 days.
(2) Maximum number and time limits allowed for portable containers to be on property.
(a) In all residential zoning districts and all commercial zoning districts, a maximum of one portable storage or portable shipping container will be allowed not more than two times within any 12-month period for any property or parcel of real estate for which a permit is issued. No portable storage or portable shipping container for which a permit is issued will be allowed to remain on any property or on any parcel of real estate for a period greater than 30 consecutive days within any 12 month period. An extension may be granted by the City for an additional 15 days.
(b) Portable storage or portable shipping containers remaining on the property in excess of the permitted time period will be considered in violation of this chapter and the property owner will be subject to a fine of $750 per day for each day the portable container remains on the property after expiration of the permitted time period.
(3) Location or placement of portable containers. In all residential zoning districts and all commercial zoning districts, portable storage and portable shipping containers shall be placed on a paved surface in a driveway or, if permitted by the city, in an off-street parking space, and shall meet all minimum setback requirements of the zoning district unless otherwise allowed by the permit when issued. If a driveway or off-street parking space is not available on property, not more than one portable storage or portable shipping container may be placed in a public right-of-way in a legal parking space only with the prior approval of the city as set forth and described in the right-of-way permit issued by the city.
(4) Dimensions of portable container. No portable storage container or shipping container located in any residential zoning district or any commercial zoning district shall have dimensions greater than 20 feet in length, eight feet in width and eight feet in height.
(5) Signs. Except for the city permit(s) and container ownership identification affixed to the container, no advertising sign shall be attached to a portable storage or portable shipping container.
(6) Maintenance of portable container. All portable storage and portable shipping containers shall be maintained in a condition free from rust, peeling paint and other visible forms of deterioration.
(Ord. 2018-032, passed 5-22-2018)