Chapter 17.140
OUTDOOR PARKING AND OUTDOOR STORAGE LIMITATIONS

Sections:

17.140.080    Outdoor parking and outdoor storage limitations.

17.140.090    Use of outdoor storage containers.

17.140.100    Appeals.

17.140.080 Outdoor parking and outdoor storage limitations.

A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish a standard of use and safety for the outdoor storage and parking of vehicles, recreational vehicles and materials that are accessory to a residence. The intent of this section is to protect public safety and to conserve the value and quality of residential property in the city of Blaine. This section shall only apply to all residentially zoned property in the city of Blaine.

B. Restricted Outdoor Storage.

1. Outdoor storage on lots containing multifamily housing (other than a duplex) is only allowed within designated storage areas.

2. Outdoor storage shall be prohibited on isolated vacant lots not owned in conjunction with an adjacent single-family residence.

3. Junkyards (as defined in BMC 17.142.300) on residential lots are prohibited.

C. Use of Recreational Vehicles on Residential Lots. Recreational vehicles shall not be used for living, sleeping, or housekeeping purposes, except for occasional short-term electrical connection for maintenance, travel preparation, or overnight use by family members or friends for a period of not more than 30 days in any calendar year. (Ord. 2900 § 1 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 2673 § 2, 2007; Ord. 2554 § 3, 2003)

17.140.090 Use of outdoor storage containers.

A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish regulations to limit the use of storage containers to avoid unsightly conditions and degradation of community character.

B. Temporary Placement of Storage Containers on Lots Occupied by a Conforming Single-Family Residence.

1. Temporary placement of one storage container per residential lot may be granted, with issuance of a temporary storage container permit, for a maximum of six months within a consecutive 12-month period within the following zoning districts for the purposes of temporarily storing or shipping personal property in association with moving or property improvement:

a. SF-1;

b. SF-2;

c. RL;

d. RPR;

e. PR;

f. RM;

g. RH;

h. R/O.

2. A temporary storage container permit is required prior to placement of a storage container on private property, except as noted in subsection (D) of this section. The application shall be completed on a form provided by the community development director. The following shall be submitted along with the permit application:

a. Written description of the proposed location.

b. Proposed date of installation and date of removal.

3. A temporary container shall be associated with a residence, and may not be placed on vacant property.

4. Temporary container must be placed on the designated driveway of a residential lot; when driveway placement is demonstrated to be infeasible, an alternative location may be approved by the community development director.

C. Storage Containers within the Public Right-of-Way. The placement of storage containers within the public right-of-way shall by governed through BMC Title 12.

D. Temporary Use of Storage Container(s) on Construction Sites.

1. The temporary placement of storage container(s) on an active construction site within any zoning district shall be allowed in association with an active building permit.

2. Temporary containers shall not be stacked on top of one another.

3. Temporary containers shall be secured at night and maintained in good condition.

4. Temporary containers shall be removed prior to expiration of an active building permit or completion of the associated work.

E. Shipping Containers Used as Permanent Structures.

1. The permanent use of storage containers as an accessory structure within the following zoning districts is prohibited:

a. SF-1;

b. SF-2;

c. RL;

d. RPR;

e. PR;

f. RM;

g. RH;

h. R/O.

2. Use of storage containers as an accessory structure within all other zoning districts not cited above is an allowed use provided such structure complies with all applicable international and uniform codes, city regulations, and city design or development standards, as applicable.

3. Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the use of a shipping container(s) or a similar container from being utilized for the construction of residential or commercial structures; provided, that such structure complies with all applicable international and uniform codes, city regulations, and city design or development standards, as applicable.

F. Emergency Placement of Storage Containers – Citywide. In the event of a natural hazard, accident, or other emergency or disaster, as defined in BMC 2.24.010, that has resulted in significant damage to a property or structure within city limits, a temporary permit for the placement of storage container(s) may be issued by the city subject to the director’s discretion. The temporary permit will be valid for a period of one calendar year from the date of issuance, but may be extended for an additional 180 days subject to the director’s determination.

G. Violation of Code Section and Enforcement. Enforcement procedures and penalties resulting from violations of this chapter shall be administered pursuant to Chapter 2.54 BMC and may be enforced by any law enforcement officer, the city administrator and the city’s community development director or their designee(s) “enforcement person.” (Ord. 2902 § 1 (Exh. A), 2017)

17.140.100 Appeals.

Appeals of a final decision shall be submitted pursuant to BMC 17.06.180, Appeals. (Ord. 2902 § 1 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 2900 § 1 (Exh. A), 2017; Ord. 2673 § 2, 2007. Formerly 17.140.090)