Chapter 20.136
CARGO CONTAINERS
Sections:
20.136.030 Locations permitted.
20.136.040 Development standards.
20.136.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimum standards for the placement of cargo containers and transport containers used for storage of material and/or equipment or for uses other than that for which they were primarily designed. It is the intent of this chapter to allow such containers within nonresidential zones only. (Ord. 2005-16 § 2(part), 2005).
20.136.020 Definition.
“Cargo containers” are standardized reusable vessels that were:
A. Originally, specifically or formerly designed for or used in the packing, shipping, movement or transportation of freight, articles, goods or commodities; and/or
B. 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 characteristics of cargo containers. (Ord. 2005-16 § 2(part), 2005).
20.136.030 Locations permitted.
A. Placement of cargo containers is limited to the CH, IL/C, IH, PR and AD zones.
B. Cargo containers shall meet the setback requirements in the zone where they are placed.
C. Cargo containers are permitted only as accessory to an approved Level I, II or III use. (Ord. 2005-16 § 2(part), 2005).
20.136.040 Development standards.
A building permit is required prior to placement of cargo containers larger than one hundred twenty square feet in area, ensuring effective anchoring/foundation according to the IBC (International Building Code). The application shall show the proposed unit is accessory to the permitted use of the property and meets placement criteria for detached accessory structures.
A. Containers placed in the CH zone must be placed in the side or rear yard setback area and in an approved designated area on the same property as the principal use and be included in the overall lot coverage. The cargo container storage area shall be enclosed by a security fence and be screened from abutting properties and rights-of-way by a sight-obscuring fence or effective landscaping at a minimum height of eight feet. Cargo containers are not permitted in the CH zone on a permanent basis.
B. Containers placed in the IL/C, IH, PR and AD zones must be placed in the side or rear yard setback area and in an approved designated area on the same property as the principal use and be included in the overall lot coverage. The cargo container storage area shall be enclosed by a security fence and be screened from abutting properties and rights-of-way by a sight-obscuring fence or effective landscaping at a minimum height of eight feet. Cargo containers placed in the IL/C, IH, PR and AD zones for long-term or permanent placement may be required to be painted or stained a neutral shade which blends with the surrounding premises or nearby structures on the same property.
C. Cargo containers shall not occupy required off-street parking, loading, or landscaping areas.
D. Cargo containers may not be used for any types of human occupancy or animal sheltering.
E. Nothing in this chapter shall preclude temporary use of cargo containers on permitted construction sites during periods of construction, including in residential zones. (Ord. 2023-33 § 9, 2023; Ord. 2019-38 § 13, 2019: Ord. 2005-16 § 2(part), 2005).