Regulations governing the placement and use of on-site storage containers on residential and other properties within the City of Lenox, including definitions, restrictions, permit requirements, conflict resolution, and violation penalties.
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, and promote positive aesthetics on residential properties in the City of Lenox by regulating the placement within the City of Lenox of certain On-Site Storage Containers that are designed, and more suitable, for use as commercial storage, or for the transportation of goods or other cargo.
For purposes of this chapter, the term "On-Site Storage Container" shall mean:
1. Any container or vessel originally designed for, or used in, the packing, storage, shipping, movement or transportation of cargo, freight, goods, equipment or commodities; and/or
2. Any container or vessel designed to be, or capable of being, mounted or moved by rail, truck, or ship by means of being mounted on a chassis or other transport device, including portable on-site storage containers, or units having similar characteristics;
3. Any railroad cars, truck vans, converted mobile homes, trailers, recreational vehicles, bus bodies, vehicles, and similar pre-fabricated items originally built for purposes other than the storage of goods and materials.
1. No On-Site Storage Container shall be permitted in any residentially-zoned district of the City, or on any property within the City used for residential purposes.
2. An On-Site Storage Container shall not be considered to be an "Accessory Building" under Chapter 165.09.
3. Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in Subsection (1) of this section, the temporary placement of portable On-Site Storage Containers on residentially-zoned properties, or on properties the primary use of which are residential, for the limited purpose of temporary storage to accommodate a move, a remodeling project, or the clean-up of a casualty loss, shall be permitted for a period of time not exceeding thirty (30) days in any one calendar year unless approved by council in emergency situations.
4. Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in Subsection (1) of this section, licensed and bonded contractors may use On-Site Storage Containers for the temporary location of an office, or the temporary storage of equipment, and/or materials during construction which is taking place on the property where the container is located, if the use of the container is authorized pursuant to a City building permit under §157.04 below.
1. A building permit is required prior to placement of an On-Site Storage Container larger than 32 square feet in area that is otherwise allowed under this Ordinance. The proposed On-Site Storage Container must be accessory to the permitted use of the property, and shall meet the setback requirements of the underlying zone.
2. On-Site Storage Containers shall not be stacked above the height of a single container, except within the light industrial zone, and only in the rear yard of the property.
3. On-Site Storage Containers shall not be used for any advertising purpose and shall be kept free of all alpha-numeric signage and writing. All containers shall be one solid color.
4. As a condition of placement, On-Site Storage Containers may be required to be fenced or screened from abutting properties and/or right-of-way pursuant to the provisions of the underlying zoning regulations.
5. On-Site Storage Containers shall be in an approved designated area and on the same property as the principal use and be included in the calculation of overall lot usage.
6. On-Site Storage Containers shall not occupy required off-street parking, loading or landscaping areas.
7. Materials stored within Storage Containers are subject to inspection and approval by local and state fire marshals.
8. On-Site Storage Containers must be set and level.
In the event any conflict exists between the provisions of this chapter and other currently existing provisions of the Lenox City Code or other ordinances of the City, the terms and provisions of the chapter shall take precedence and to the extent of any such conflict, the terms and conditions of any existing provisions of the Lenox City Code or other ordinances of the City shall be and hereby are amended insofar as necessary to conform to the provisions of this chapter.
A violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to be a municipal infraction pursuant to Iowa Code §364.22, and subject to enforcement and remedial action as permitted thereunder.
(Ch. 157 – Ord. 376 – Nov. 17 Supp.)
