(a)   “Cargo Container” means a standardized, reusable vessel that was:

(1)   Originally, specifically or formerly designed for or used in the packing, shipping, movement or transportation of freight, articles, goods or commodities, and/or,

(2)   Designed for or capable of being mounted or moved on a rail car, and/or

(3)   Designed for or capable of being mounted on a chassis or trailer for movement by tractor trailer, railroad or loaded on a ship. Examples include, but are not limited to: sea cargo containers, railroad boxcars, tractor trailers, and freight trailers.

(Ord. 08-4570; Code 2014)

The requirements for placing a cargo container onto a private lot are as follows:

(a)   On sites of less than 2 acres (gross) where the primary use is residential only, one Cargo Container is allowed; not exceeding 320 square feet and the container is only permitted for up to 180 consecutive days, starting from the date of permit issuance.

(b)   On sites of more than 2 acres (gross) with a legally established primary use, a Cargo Container is allowed if it complies with all other requirements for an accessory building within that zoning area.

(c)   Cargo Containers must meet setback requirements for accessory structures.

(d)   The square footage of the Cargo Container shall be added to the allowable combined square footage of all existing and/or proposed accessory structures.

(e)   Cargo Containers can only be used for storage. Use of the container for residential or business purposes is not permitted.

(f)    Cargo Containers may be allowed in commercial and industrial zoned areas I-1 and I-2 as permitted uses, and B-2, B-3, B-4 as conditional use. Permitted and Conditional uses apply only if there is a legally established primary use on-site and all parking requirements are maintained. Cargo Containers are not permitted on frontages of commercial or industrial zoned property.

(g)   Cargo Containers may not occupy any required off-street parking spaces.

(h)   If located adjacent to a building, the cargo container must be painted to match the building’s color.

(i)    Cargo Containers are allowed in all zones temporarily to store building materials during the construction pursuant to an active building permit. If the building permit is expired, the Cargo Container shall be removed.

(j)    All current containers fixed to property will be considered legal structures and may remain in place so long as the location and screening are not altered. All trailer designed cargo containers, with wheels and tires in place, must be removed. If an approved cargo container is moved off a residential zoned property containing a residential use, no new container may be moved onto the property.

(Ord. 08-4570; Code 2014)