Chapter 17.25
STORAGE AND SHIPPING CONTAINERS

Sections:

17.25.010    Storage standards.

17.25.020    Shipping containers as storage buildings prohibited.

17.25.010 Storage standards.

A. Personal storage buildings constructed in the C-1, C-2, I-1, I-2 and MZ zoning districts will be reviewed by the planning department to determine whether they are a permitted use (based on type of storage) and whether site improvements, which may include parking, drainage, water, sewer, landscaping, fire and structural compliance, are required. Permits will not be issued for personal storage that does not include required site improvements.

B. Storage of junk, inoperable vehicles, scrap materials or the like is not considered outdoor storage by this zoning code.

C. If the use is allowed in the zoning matrix, then the following regulations apply, by zone.

D. Storage standards for uses in the R-1, RM, and R-2 zones are as follows:

1. All storage (including storage of recyclable materials) shall be wholly within a building or shall be screened from view from the surrounding properties and shall be accessory to the permitted use on the site. There shall be no storage in any required front yard or flanking street yard.

2. The private, noncommercial storage of up to two inoperable or not currently licensed vehicles or remnants thereof shall be completely sight-screened year-round from uses allowed in this zone with a fence, maintained Type I or II landscaped area, or maintained landscaped berm. There is no number limit within a permitted, completely enclosed building, including doors. Vehicle remnants or parts must be stored inside a vehicle or a permitted, completely enclosed building, including doors. Fencing standards are described in Chapter 17.20 AHMC. Type I and II landscaping requirements are described in Chapter 17.22 AHMC.

E. Storage standards for uses in the R-3 zone are as follows:

1. All storage, except as provided below, shall be wholly within a building and shall be accessory to the permitted use on the site. Where proposed, recreational vehicle parking areas shall be paved and screened from view of adjoining properties.

2. On lots where the primary use is a duplex or multiple-family dwelling, the private, noncommercial storage of inoperable or not currently licensed vehicles or remnants thereof shall be allowed within a permitted, completely enclosed building, including doors.

3. On lots where the primary use is a single-family dwelling, the storage standards are outlined in subsection (D)(2) of this section.

4. All outdoor trash or refuse containers serving multiple-family dwellings and offices or both shall be screened on all sides from public view by a minimum five-and-one-half-foot-high wall or fence.

F. Storage standards for uses in the C-1 zone are as follows:

1. All storage shall be wholly within an enclosed building; retail products which are for sale or rental may be stored outdoors during business hours only, so long as such storage does not occur within any required front or flanking street yard, or in any public street or block any public right-of-way. Recreational vehicles and other machinery normally displayed for sales purposes on an open lot may be so displayed. No inoperable or not currently licensed vehicles or remnants thereof shall be stored or displayed outdoors.

2. All outdoor trash, garbage, or refuse storage areas shall be screened on all sides from public view and at a minimum enclosed on three sides with a five-and-one-half-foot-high concrete block, masonry wall, or sight-obscuring fence with a sight-obscuring gate for access.

G. Storage standards for uses in the C-2 zone are as follows:

1. All storage on the premises shall be maintained within a completely enclosed building or behind sight-obscuring fencing. Storage will not occur within any required front or flanking street yard or in any public street or public right-of-way. Automobiles, recreational vehicles, and other vehicles or machinery normally displayed for sales purposes on an open lot may be so displayed.

2. All outdoor trash, garbage, or refuse storage areas shall be screened on all sides from public view and at a minimum enclosed on three sides with a five-and-one-half-foot-high concrete block, masonry wall, or sight-obscuring fence with a sight-obscuring gate for access.

3. Outdoor storage must be a secondary use to the main business in a C-2 zone and the primary use must be established before outdoor storage may commence.

H. Storage standards for uses in the I-1 zone are as follows:

1. Storage of all raw materials, finished products, machinery, and equipment, including company-owned or -operated trucks and motor vehicles, must be within an entirely enclosed building or six-foot-high sight-obscuring, nonpierced fence. Storage areas must conform to the minimum setback regulations of the zone. Automobiles and other machinery normally displayed for sales purposes on an open lot may be so displayed. Inflammable liquids and gases shall be stored in underground tanks in the aquifer sensitive area in accordance with uniform standards prescribed by the State Fire Marshal and the City Fire Department.

I. Storage standards for uses in the I-2 zone are as follows:

1. All material stored on property located in the I-2 zone shall be fenced in such a manner as to not create a nuisance or endanger or damage adjacent property and the environment. Inflammable liquids and gases shall be stored in underground tanks in the aquifer sensitive area in accordance with uniform standards prescribed by the State Fire Marshal and the City Fire Department.

J. Storage standards for uses in the MZ zone are outlined in AHMC 17.13.050(B). (Ord. C-675 § 303, 2008)

17.25.020 Shipping containers as storage buildings prohibited.

A. It is the intent of this chapter to limit, except as provided herein, the placement and use of any shipping container as an accessory building, storage building, or living unit on residentially zoned and other zoned land where residential uses are established. This limitation is to protect the public health and safety and the aesthetic quality of the City.

B. No person shall place or cause to be placed or use or permit the use of any shipping container as an accessory building, storage building, or living unit on residentially zoned land and/or land used for residential purposes. Licensed and bonded contractors may use shipping containers for temporary housing of equipment and materials during construction as authorized by a City building permit. (Ord. C-675 § 304, 2008)