4.32 METAL STORAGE CONTAINERS

A.   Purpose. The purpose of this section is to regulate the siting and use of metal storage containers on commercial, industrial, and larger residential lots while ensuring that the storage container is compatible with the zoning and the surrounding area through the reduction of visual prominence by placement, quantity, and paint.

B.   General Requirements. When allowed, Metal Storage Containers shall meet the following development standards:

1.   No metal storage container is allowed to be in any district not specifically authorized by this ordinance.

2.   A primary structure is required on the property in order for any metal storage container to be allowed.

3.   Metal storage containers shall be placed at the rear of any residential lot to reduce the visual prominence of the container.

4.   Metal storage containers are for storage only. No human habitation or occupancy is allowed.

5.   No modification of the metal storage container is allowed, other than painting and passive ventilation.

6.   No addition of plumbing or electrical equipment is allowed.

7.   When required to be painted, as set forth in Table 4.32-1, metal storage containers shall be painted a single color, either the color of the primary/closest structure onsite or an earth tone consistent with the surrounding terrain.

8.   Metal storage containers shall not be placed in retention basins or known flood areas.

9.   Metal storage containers shall not occupy any required off-street parking space.

10.   Metal storage containers shall not be stacked without a valid Conditional Use Permit.

11.   No graffiti, logos, or signage is allowed on metal storage containers.

12.   Metal storage containers on properties along SR-89 shall be screened from public view or painted.

13.   Temporary/seasonal (6-week) placement of metal storage containers in commercial and industrial zones is permissible with Administrative Approval of a Temporary Use Permit).

14.   All metal storage containers placed on residentially zoned properties shall be painted. Those placed before September 11, 2024, must be painted no later than September 10, 2025, and those placed on or after September 11, 2024, must be painted within one year of placement.

C.   Grandfathering. Metal storage containers existing in Chino Valley before September 11, 2024, are considered “grandfathered” and not retroactively required to comply with these regulations, with the exception of residential painting. Any containers placed after September 11, 2024, must comply with the standards in Section 4.32.

D.   Containers by Zoning District. Table 4.32-1 below sets forth the number of metal storage containers allowed per zoning district.

Table 4.32-1
Zoning District	Containers* Per Acre	Max. #	Paint Required	If Adjacent to SR-89: Paint/Screening Required
AR-36	1	5**	X	X
AR-5	1	5**	X	X
AR-4	1	4**	X	X
SR-2.5	1	2**	X	X
SR-2	1	2**	X	X
SR-1.6	1	1**	X	X
SR-1	1	1**	X	X
PL	1	1**	X	X
SR-0.16	Prohibited
SF-24,000	Prohibited
SF-12,000	Prohibited
PAD	Prohibited
MR-1	CUP			X
MHP-4	CUP			X
OS	CUP			X
CL	5		Along 89	X
CH	5		Along 89	X
I	5		Along 89	X
*   All containers are limited to 40' in length. Two 20' containers can be used in place of one 40' container in all zones where containers are permitted.
**   For properties larger than the minimum acreage in the zone: for every five acres above the base acreage in the zone, an additional 40' container is allowed.
For all zones: Contractors and Homeowners may use metal storage containers in any zone for temporary storage of construction equipment, materials, or personal household items during construction that is authorized by a Town of Chino Valley building permit. The containers are allowed for the duration of the building permit.
Property owners requesting more than the maximum number of containers may apply for a CUP.
No new Metal Storage Containers permitted in HMU-designated areas of the 2040 General Plan.

 

(Ord. 2024-943, passed 9-10-2024)