(a) Scope of Provisions.
(1) Portable Storage Container Units. A portable storage unit may be either:
a. Any container, shed-like container, or other portable structure, typically enclosed or open only on the top of the unit, no larger in dimension than ten (10) feet wide x ten (10) feet in height x twenty (20) feet in length and transported to a residential location for temporary storage purposes (typically known as PODs, MODs, etc.). Such units or containers are designed or intended to be used for the storage of personal property and are located for such purposes outside of an enclosed building; or
b. Non self-propelled, fully enclosed trailers that are designed or used to transport materials, goods and equipment and are temporarily placed on property zoned or used for residential purposes (semi-trailers) for storage purposes.
(2) Units Excluded; Limitations. Commercial shipping containers of the kind used to ship goods and materials by rail, ship or truck shall not be placed or used for storage use or any other purpose in any zoning district.
(b) Permissible Portable Storage Unit Use. The use of portable storage units on a residential parcel is allowed under the following conditions:
(1) Authorization. Authorization has been obtained from the Building Inspector pursuant to Subsection (c) below for temporary placement on a property.
(2) Number. There shall be no more than one (1) portable storage unit per residential property. No other type of temporary storage or shipping container may also be located on the property.
(3) Duration. A portable storage unit shall not remain on a residential property for more than sixty (60) consecutive days, and must not be placed on any one property in a zoning district in excess of sixty (60) days in a twelve (12) month period.
(4) Placement Location.
a. The portable storage unit shall be placed within the buildable area of the lot and be on a concrete, asphalt or similar hard surface.
b. If a portable storage unit is placed in the required front yard, the unit shall be located only in the area primarily used for vehicular ingress and egress and shall be located a minimum of ten (10) feet from the edge of the curb. Where no curb exists, the portable storage unit shall have a fifteen (15) foot setback from the edge of the pavement.
c. If a portable storage unit is placed in a rear or side yard, the setback requirements for accessory buildings for that zoning district shall be complied with.
(5) Prohibited Materials. Portable storage units shall not be used to store materials and substances including or of a similar nature: contractor's materials and equipment, nonresidential items and equipment, solid waste, refuse, hazardous materials, explosives, flammable liquids, and other harmful or illegal substances and materials.
(6) Construction Site Exception. Portable storage units for the temporary storage of personal property associated with and made necessary by construction at a residential property are exempt from the aforementioned conditions. Portable storage units associated with construction activities at a site where a building permit has been issued are permitted for the duration of the construction and shall be removed from the site within fifteen (15) days of the end of construction.
(c) Authorization Procedures.
(1) Notification. The owner or occupant of a residential lot or parcel on which a portable storage unit will be placed is responsible for providing notice to the Building Inspector within twenty-four (24) hours of placement. The owner or occupant shall provide his/her name, property address, contact telephone number(s), and email address.
(2) Authorization. The Building Inspector will respond by mail or email with a written authorization if the owner or occupant has provided sufficient information. Upon request, the Building Inspector may grant a time extension upon a showing of good cause and there have been no violations of the requirements under this Section.