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Item No: 5 L� �7 Meeting Date: March 4, 2013 MOUNDS VV!E Type of Business: Worksession Administrator Review: City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Heidi Heller, Planning Associate Item Title/Subject: Discuss Proposed Code Amendment for Accessory Buildings— ' Shipping Containers Introduction: Community Development staff is often asked by residents what styles or types of "buildings" or materials are allowed to be used as accessory buildings. The zoning code specifies a few types of materials that are not allowed (such as tubular and canvas structures) and states that the exterior must be weather resistant and there must be a slope to the roof, but not much more. City staff has recently discovered a couple of residential properties in the City that are using cargo shipping containers as sheds. Staff does not feel that this type of industrial structure is appropriate in a residential district, and suggested that the Planning Commission consider adding language to the zoning code that would not allow these to be used as storage buildings. Discussion: At the January 2, 2013 Planning Commission meeting, the Commission agreed with staff that shipping containers are not appropriate as a permanent use in residential districts, but felt that there are situations where these, or other types of portable storage containers (such as PODS), could be allowed temporarily. Construction projects or moving are the primary reasons that a resident would have a temporary need for a storage container. Staff gave the Planning Commission several ordinance examples for cargo containers from other cities to review. Staff and the Commission supports allowing the containers for short periods of time, but not for permanent use, and also recommends not allowing the existing cargo containers in the City to remain as non -conforming. At the February 6, 2013 Planning Commission meeting, the Commission and staff reviewed the ordinance examples, and the Commission gave staff feedback on what regulations they would like to see in an ordinance. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council review and discuss the information, and provide staff direction about whether to move forward with an amendment that would prohibit shipping containers as permanent uses and allow them for temporary use with conditions. Respectfully submitted. Heidi Heller Planning Associate Attachments: 1. Photo of Shipping Container 2. Current Mounds View Zoning Code for Accessory Buildings 3. Proposed Ordinance