05-20-10 Regular Meeting and Workshop of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Staff Report June 17, 2010 Shipping Container as Accessory Building/Structure Workshop(Contd.) During the May 20,2010, Planning and Zoning Commission workshop meeting, staff gave a presentation on the existing provisions of shipping container usage. Currently, shipping containers are allowed only in Heavy Industrial (HI) zoning district. The purpose of the extended workshop is to discuss specifications and if shipping containers would be allowed to be used as an accessory building/structure with a cover/shell around it. Overall discussion is regarding proposed requirements, aesthetic considerations and zoning districts appropriate for its use as an accessory building. Earlier, the Commission's intent was to maintain strict compliance of the existing provisions but would like to pursue the options when mitigation for aesthetic issues and proper enforcement are in place. The Commission directed staff to return with another workshop and develop proposed standards/specifications for non-residential zoning districts. Following proposed requirements are based on Planning Dept. staffs research and directions provided by the Commission during the May 20,2010 meeting. . It shall be permitted in General Commercial, Main Street District, and Industrial Zoning Districts. . It shall not be located in any yard except rear yard. . It shall comply with all yard setbacks. . No larger than 200 square feet and no more than one container may be located at site. . Overall lot coverage shall not exceed beyond specified per General Commercial, Main Street, and Industrial area requirements. . Maximum height is 8' (one container high). · A pitched roof (preferably 6/12 pitch) and asphalt shingles or other material approved by the Planning Director, shall be required. All sidings to be covered with hardy plank, or other approved non-metal material. The doors may remain uncovered. . It shall be tied down to the ground for safety reasons. · Structure shall be painted to blend with the primary building. · A building permit shall be applicable prior to installation. · Within 30 days ofthe issuance of a building permit, shipping container shall be enclosed within a building and other components shall be attached to the frame of the container to be tied down to the ground. · Maintenance shall be required and is the sole responsibility of the owner. · Failure to comply with the permit conditions shall require compliance with the stated conditions or removal of the container from the property at the owner's expense.