The Huron City Commission heard first reading of an ordinance dealing with the use of sea/land metal shipping containers for short and long term storage in Huron. The commission had earlier referred the matter back to the planning commission.
The planning commission recommended that a new paragraph be added to the section of code pertaining to accessory buildings and structures.
The new language states that the containers may be used for short-term storage in areas zoned residential with some conditions:
The container must sit entirely on private property,
It cannot be located on the boulevard in an alley right-of-way, the container can’t be parked where it will block the visibility at a street or alley intersection or in a driveway or sidewalk safety zone.
The container may be parked for a maximum of 30 days per event with a total of two events or a maximum of 60 days per year.
The containers may be used for long-term storage in areas zoned Business or Industrial. However, the container must sit entirely on private property, it must be setback according to the requirements of the zoning district, and the containers cannot be located in any front or side yard setback area adjacent to a street or in front of any commercial or industrial building.
The container must also be rodent proof, have weatherproof roof, sides and doors and the entire container painted in a neutral color so that the old shipping company logo does not show.
The only signage or advertising allowed on the container is to identify the company that rents out the container.
The commission will hold second reading of the ordinance on June 18th.