Chapter 18.61
STORAGE CONTAINERS
Sections:
18.61.030 Storage on residential use properties.
18.61.040 Cargo containers – Permitted locations.
18.61.050 Permit required – Development standards.
18.61.060 Current violations – Time to comply.
18.61.080 Violations – Penalties.
18.61.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the use of storage containers on residentially zoned and residentially used properties in the city, which regulations are adopted to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, and promote positive aesthetics in the city. (Ord. 901 § 1, 2011)
18.61.020 Definitions.
A. An “accessory storage building” is:
1. A building originally constructed for use as an accessory building for the storage of materials and equipment accessory to a primary use located on the property.
2. For purposes of this chapter, cargo containers, railroad cars, truck vans, converted mobile homes, trailers, recreational vehicles, bus bodies, vehicles and similar prefabricated items and structures originally built for purposes other than the storage of goods and materials are not accessory storage buildings.
B. “Cargo containers” include standardized reusable vessels that were:
1. Originally designed for or used in the packing, shipping, movement or transportation of freight, articles, goods or commodities; and/or
2. Originally designed for or capable of being mounted or moved by rail, truck or ship by means of being mounted on a chassis or similar transport device. This definition includes the terms “transport containers” and “portable site storage containers” having a similar appearance to and similar characteristics of cargo containers. (Ord. 901 § 1, 2011)
18.61.030 Storage on residential use properties.
A. Only accessory storage buildings defined in DPMC 18.61.020(A) shall be permitted as accessory storage containers on property in any residential zone of the city, or on any property within the city the primary use of which is residential. Cargo containers, railroad cars, truck vans, converted mobile homes, travel trailers, recreational vehicles, bus bodies, vehicles, and similar prefabricated items and structures originally built for purposes other than the storage of goods and materials are not permitted to be used as accessory storage buildings on property zoned residential or on property the primary use of which is residential.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in subsection A of this section, the temporary placement of transport containers and/or portable site storage containers on residentially zoned properties, or on properties the primary use of which are residential, for the limited purpose of loading and unloading household contents shall be permitted for a period of time not exceeding 30 days in any one calendar year.
C. Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in subsection A of this section, licensed and bonded contractors may use cargo containers for the temporary location of an office, equipment, and/or materials storage structure during construction which is taking place on the property where the cargo container is located, if the use of the cargo container is authorized pursuant to a city building permit. (Ord. 901 § 1, 2011)
18.61.040 Cargo containers – Permitted locations.
A. The placement of a cargo container as an accessory storage use is limited to the following zoning districts:
1. Central commercial (CC).
2. Commercial shopping center (CS).
3. Diversified (DC).
4. Light industrial (LI).
5. Business park (BP).
B. The placement of cargo containers is further limited to properties in the above-identified zones only if the property upon which the cargo container is proposed to be located is not primarily used for residential purposes. (Ord. 901 § 1, 2011)
18.61.050 Permit required – Development standards.
A. A building permit is required prior to placement of a cargo container larger than 200 square feet in area, ensuring effective anchoring/foundation according to the then most current edition of the International Building Code. The application shall show the proposed cargo container is accessory to the permitted use of the property and meets the placement criteria for the zone.
B. Cargo containers shall meet the setback requirements of the underlying zone.
C. Cargo containers shall not be stacked above the height of a single container device, except for placement within the light industrial zone and on the back yard one-half of the lot or parcel.
D. Cargo containers shall not be used for any advertising purpose and shall be kept clean of all alpha-numeric signage and writing.
E. As a condition of placement, cargo containers may be required to be fenced or screened from abutting properties and/or rights-of-way pursuant to the provisions of the underlying zoning regulations.
F. Cargo containers shall be in an approved designated area and on the same property as the principal use and be included in the calculation of overall lot coverage.
G. Cargo containers shall not occupy required off-street parking, loading or landscaping areas.
H. Materials stored within cargo containers are subject to review and approval by the fire district. (Ord. 901 § 1, 2011)
18.61.060 Current violations – Time to comply.
All owners of property within the city shall have 120 days from the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter to bring the properties, which currently contain accessory storage buildings that are in violation of the terms of this chapter, into full compliance with the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 901 § 1, 2011)
18.61.070 Conflicts.
In the event any conflict exists between the provisions of this chapter and other currently existing provisions of the Deer Park Municipal Code or other ordinances of the city, the terms and provisions of this chapter shall take precedence and to the extent of any such conflict, the terms and conditions of any existing provisions of the Deer Park Municipal Code or other ordinances of the city shall be and hereby are amended insofar as necessary to conform to the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 901 § 1, 2011)
18.61.080 Violations – Penalties.
Violation of this chapter shall be enforced pursuant to the procedures and penalties set forth in Chapter 18.108 DPMC as the same exists now or may hereafter be amended. (Ord. 901 § 1, 2011)