Chapter 19.51
STORAGE CONTAINERS
Sections:
19.51.030 Use of storage containers limited – Administrator designated.
19.51.040 Temporary placement – Notification required.
19.51.050 Permanent placement – Approval required – Submittal requirements.
19.51.060 General requirements.
19.51.070 Additional requirements in residential zones.
19.51.080 Additional requirements in nonresidential zones.
19.51.090 Nonconforming use of storage containers.
19.51.100 Violations – Infractions.
19.51.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish regulations to allow the placement and use of storage containers within the City of Everson that provide secure, easily accessible accessory storage at relatively inexpensive levels while protecting the public interest, safeguarding quality of life in residential neighborhoods, and supporting attractive commercial areas. [Ord. 710 § 1, 2011.]
19.51.020 Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
A. “Permanent placement” means any placement of a storage container not meeting the definition of temporary placement.
B. “Placement” means the placing of a storage container at a location where it will be used for storage or other authorized purposes. Placement shall not include the storing or displaying of containers on a commercial or industrial site as part of a lawfully established business offering such containers for sale or lease.
C. “Storage container” means any metal container intended to be used for seagoing travel, that is not movable under its own power, and must be delivered to the site by means of ship, truck, train, or crane.
D. “Temporary placement” means the placement of a storage container in conjunction with construction activities or moving in or moving out of a building or for accessory storage purposes for a limited period of time as specified in this chapter. [Ord. 710 § 1, 2011.]
19.51.030 Use of storage containers limited – Administrator designated.
Placement and use of storage containers in any zoning district within the City of Everson is prohibited except where consistent with the requirements set forth in this chapter. The Building Official is designated as the administrator of this chapter and is authorized to make all determinations related to the placement and use of storage containers and consistency with the provisions set forth in this chapter. [Ord. 710 § 1, 2011.]
19.51.040 Temporary placement – Notification required.
Temporary placement of a storage container consistent with this chapter requires filing of a written notification with the Building Official. Such notification shall be submitted on forms prepared by the City and shall include a statement of the purpose and anticipated duration of the placement and descriptions of the size of the container, the location where the container will be placed and the materials to be stored in the container. Filing of notifications prior to placement is preferred; however, filing of a notification following placement is allowed, provided that the notification is filed within seven days of the date of placement. [Ord. 710 § 1, 2011.]
19.51.050 Permanent placement – Approval required – Submittal requirements.
Permanent placement of a storage container consistent with this chapter requires prior approval of the Building Official. Applications for permanent placement of storage containers shall be submitted on forms prepared by the City. The following shall be submitted to the Building Official to request approval of the permanent placement of a storage container:
A. A statement of the proposed purpose and planned duration of placement of the storage container.
B. A site plan to a standard scale, showing:
1. The location and dimensions of the container(s) and the building to which it is appurtenant.
2. The access to the building and the container.
3. Construction details of proposed screening, if required.
C. A statement of what will be stored in the container(s). [Ord. 710 § 1, 2011.]
19.51.060 General requirements.
The following provisions shall be applicable to the placement and use of storage containers in all zoning districts within the City of Everson.
A. Both Temporary and Permanent Placement and Use.
1. Except where permanent placement is in conjunction with and on the site of a lawfully established mini-storage business, storage containers shall be used on both a temporary and permanent basis as an appurtenance to the primary use, such primary use being situated in an enclosed adjoining building.
2. Placement of a storage container other than for the uses specified in subsection (A)(1) of this section shall require approval of a conditional use permit by the City Council.
3. Storage containers shall be placed on a level surface at all times.
4. Storage containers shall not be converted to living space and shall not be used for human habitation except where such use is in conformance with applicable building code requirements and is authorized by the City Council through approval of a conditional use permit.
5. Except where used for storage as part of a lawfully established mini-storage business, storage containers shall not be used as primary structures housing a principal commercial or industrial use except where such use is in conformance with applicable building code requirements and has been authorized by the City Council through approval of a conditional use permit.
6. Storage containers shall not be stacked; provided, that storage containers may be stacked no more than three high where stored as inventory in conjunction with and on the site of a lawfully established business offering such containers for sale or lease where such containers are not stacked between the primary structure(s) and the adjacent public right-of-way; and provided further, that storage containers may be stacked no more than two high where placement is within the commercial or light industrial zoning districts.
7. Placement of storage containers within a public right-of-way is prohibited except where temporary placement has been authorized through approval of a right-of-way encroachment permit.
B. Temporary Placement and Use.
1. Temporary placement of storage containers shall be consistent with fire code and critical areas regulations.
2. Storage containers may be used for temporary storage of equipment and/or materials at a construction site during active construction that is authorized by a city permit, provided such containers must be removed within 60 days of completion of active construction or final occupancy, whichever is sooner.
3. The Building Official may authorize one 30-day extension to the time periods for temporary placement and use established in this chapter. Continued use of a storage container beyond the 30-day extension shall require conformance with the provisions established in this chapter for permanent placement and use.
C. Permanent Placement and Use.
1. All requirements, permits and approvals pertaining to structures established in the Everson Municipal Code shall apply to the permanent placement and use of storage containers, including, but not limited to, fire code, setbacks, lot coverage, height, and critical areas regulations.
2. Screening, where required, shall be reviewed and approved by the Building Official and may include landscaping or fencing or other screening methods.
3. The permanent placement of storage containers in areas of special flood hazard shall comply with all requirements of Chapter 15.10 EMC, the City’s National Flood Insurance Program ordinance. [Ord. 710 § 1, 2011.]
19.51.070 Additional requirements in residential zones.
In addition to other applicable provisions set forth in this chapter, placement and use of storage containers in residential zones shall be consistent with the following:
A. Temporary Placement and Use.
1. Storage containers no larger than eight feet by 30 feet are allowed on a temporary basis for a period of not more than 60 days during a six-month period to facilitate the moving in or moving out of a residence or other structure or to provide accessory storage for other purposes.
2. Such containers may be placed in required front, side and rear yard setback areas and in required off-street parking areas.
B. Permanent Placement and Use.
1. Storage containers having a footprint no larger than 200 square feet are allowed on a permanent basis, provided such containers are located within the side or rear yards, are painted to match the adjacent structure and are fully screened from public streets and rights-of-way.
2. Any such screening shall be reviewed and approved by the Building Official, and the container shall be removed from the site within 30 days if such screening is found to be inadequate.
3. Storage containers shall not be placed in required front, side or rear yard setback areas.
4. Storage containers shall not be placed in required off-street parking areas. [Ord. 710 § 1, 2011.]
19.51.080 Additional requirements in nonresidential zones.
In addition to other applicable provisions set forth in this chapter, placement and use of storage containers in nonresidential zones shall be consistent with the following:
A. Temporary Placement and Use.
1. Storage containers are allowed on a temporary basis for a period of not more than 60 days during a six-month period to facilitate the moving in or moving out of a business or for accessory storage for other purposes.
2. Storage containers may be placed in required front, side and rear yard setback areas; provided, that containers should not be placed in required side or rear yard setback areas where directly abutting a residential zone if another feasible location exists.
B. Permanent Placement and Use.
1. Storage containers are allowed on a permanent basis; provided, that such containers must be screened from view from that portion of Main Street between Everson Road and Blair Drive.
2. Any such screening shall be reviewed and approved by the Building Official, and the container shall be removed from the site within 30 days if such screening is found to be inadequate.
3. Storage containers shall not be placed in required front, side or rear yard setback areas.
4. Storage containers shall not be placed between a primary structure and any abutting public right-of-way unless said container is fully screened from view from the right-of-way.
5. Storage containers shall not be placed in required parking or landscaping areas and shall not occupy or block vehicular access ways or pedestrian facilities. [Ord. 710 § 1, 2011.]
19.51.090 Nonconforming use of storage containers.
Storage containers in place prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall be considered pre-existing, nonconforming uses. If any such container is moved on the site or moved to a new site within the City, thereafter said container shall no longer be considered a pre-existing, nonconforming use and any placement and/or use of said container shall be consistent with this chapter. [Ord. 710 § 1, 2011.]
19.51.100 Violations – Infractions.
Violations of the provisions set forth in this chapter shall be civil infractions and shall be subject to the enforcement provisions established in the Everson Municipal Code. [Ord. 710 § 1, 2011.]