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Shipping containers used as storage

K

Kristen_MN

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Good afternoon!

We are looking into regulations for shipping containers that are used as on-site storage buildings. Does anyone have any ordinances they could point me to? I haven't come up with much in my search thus far.

Thanks so much for any help you can give!

Kristen
 
Our approach is that they can be used for temporary storage, and then on the condition that they cannot be seen from a public road. They can quickly become a scar on the urban landscape. Sorry, I have no ordinance wording to share.
 
Around here, all these types of storage containers can be used for anything - storage, housing, commercial business, etc. but ONLY if they meet the building codes and meet design standards. Seems almost impossible, but I've seen people do some cool stuff with storage containers and meet all requirements. They can be ugly, but new site built construction can be frighteningly ugly too.
 
Temporary Storage Container regs

From the Code of my fair City:

From Definitions:
Portable storage unit means any portable, above-ground container used for short-term storage.

From Temporary Use section:
H. Portable storage units.

1. Allowable within all residential zoning districts four times per property, per calendar year, but for no longer than four days per occurrence;

2. Allowable within all nonresidential zoning districts for the duration of an active building construction permit, or four times per property, per calendar year, but for no longer than 30 days per occurrence;

3. Individual occurrences may not be consecutive;

4. Provided all of the applicable standards of this division are met, a permit is not required for this temporary use within a residential zoning district;

5. Portable storage units not exceeding eight feet in height, eight feet in width, and 16 feet in length may be permitted provided such units comply with the following provisions:

a. One portable storage unit may be located on any lot occupied by a detached dwelling. The number of permitted portable storage units for all other uses shall be decided by the community development coordinator based upon the amount of construction, size of property and the ability to locate the portable storage unit in accordance with the requirements below;

b. Portable storage units may be located in a required setback;

c. Portable storage units shall not be located in such a manner to impair a motor vehicle operator's view of motor vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians upon entering or exiting a right-of-way;

d. Portable storage units shall not be located in such a manner to obstruct the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic;

e. A maximum of two signs no more than 12 square feet in area each may be located on parallel sides on a portable storage unit;

f. A sticker shall be affixed to all portable storage units indicating the most recent delivery date, on which the portable storage unit was delivered to a property;

g. If the National Weather Advisory Service or other qualified weather advisory service identifies weather conditions which are predicted to include winds of 75 mph or greater, all portable storage units shall be removed from all properties and placed in approved storage locations at least 24 hours prior to the predicted onset of such winds or as soon as reasonably practical if less notice is provided. This requirement may be modified by the building official upon receipt of adequate documentation from a registered architect or engineer or other professional qualified to give such opinion that a greater wind loading pertain to a particular portable storage unit model or manufacturer so that the portable storage unit is unlikely to be moved by winds greater than the predicted winds. As an alternative to removal, the portable storage vendor may submit a tie down proposal for approval by the building official and each portable storage unit not removed shall be tied down in the approved manner;

h. Any portable storage unit which is not removed at the end of the time for which it may lawfully remain in place, or immediately upon the direction of a code enforcement officer for removal of such temporary structure for safety reasons, may be removed by the city immediately, without notice, and the cost of such removal, together with the cost of administration of its removal, may be assessed against the property on which the temporary structure was located and may be filed as a lien against such property by the city clerk; and

I. The community development coordinator may allow portable storage units to be located on a property within a residential zoning district for a longer period of time than otherwise specified, but only in emergency situations. The community development coordinator may allow a period of 15 days for a portable storage unit to be located on such a property and may allow an additional 15 days if an extension is necessary to complete emergency repairs.



Now, I suppose if someone wants to use a container as a permanent structure I guess they could provided it meets zoning regs with regard to setbacks, ISR, etc. and the building code and any special area plan regs (as applicable).
 
We allow temporary storage containers associated with a construction project and condition the permit for their removal. In addition we all cargo containers through an entitlement process for permanent storage:

Cargo Containers. Cargo containers (also referred to as “Seatrains” or shipping containers) are defined as a prefabricated metal structure designed for use as an enclosed truck trailer in accordance with Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The use of cargo containers for accessory storage purposes is permitted based on the following standards:
(1) Use of Cargo Containers.
(i) Cargo containers shall be utilized for accessory storage only. Occupancy shall be limited to a “U” occupancy consistent with the California Building Code (CBC) or its successor title.
(ii) Cargo containers shall not be used for permanent or temporary human occupancies, including, but not limited to, living, sleeping or other residential uses.
(2) Number of Cargo Containers Permitted.
(i) One (1) cargo container may be permitted on a commercial, industrial or single-family residential lot over one (1) gross acre in size, subject to Design Review Committee (DRC) review for neighborhood compatibility and approval of a building permit.
(ii) Two (2) or more cargo containers may be permitted with a minor conditional use permit (CUP) on a commercial, industrial, or single-family residential lot over one (1) gross acre in size, subject to Planning Commission review for neighborhood compatibility and approval of a building permit.
(3) Standards for Cargo Containers.
(i) Building Permit. A building permit is required for cargo containers over one hundred twenty (120) square feet in size. A cargo container which is one hundred twenty (120) square feet or less, is exempt from building permit requirements provided it meets property line and structure setbacks required by this title and does not have any utility connections.
(ii) Setbacks. Cargo containers shall be located in the rear half of the property in commercial, industrial and residential zones. Cargo containers shall not be permitted within the front or street facing side yard setback of a residential property. Setbacks shall be consistent with underlying zone setback requirements and is consistent with the preceding subsections (1) and (2).
(iii) Foundation. Cargo containers shall be anchored on a foundation system capable of withstanding all imposed vertical and horizontal loads and consistent with all applicable codes. Any alterations to the container shall be designed and detailed by a licensed design professional. All foundations and alterations shall be approved by the Chief Building Official.
(iv) The cargo container may not occupy any required parking areas or obstruct any Fire Department access ways.
(4) Exemptions.
(i) Use of cargo containers for temporary on-site storage associated with a construction project is exempt from this section (refer to subsection (a)).
(ii) Use of cargo containers for temporary commercial storage may be allowed with the approval of an administrative use permit for a period not to exceed four (4) months.
 
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