The Salem Planning Commission has crafted a proposal that would allow shipping containers to be used in most circumstances in businesses and industrial zones if other zoning requirements are met.
The unanimous vote came at the end of a public hearing held Tuesday night at the Salem Community Activity Center to get public input on the issue.
Under the proposal that now goes to the Salem City Council next Monday night the shipping containers could be used as an accessory structure in all business and industrial zones except the small neighborhood business B1 classification. Those in the downtown B2 and residential transitional B5 business district would have to receive a special use permit. The shipping containers would not be allowed in residential zones for storage use.
Salem City Clerk and Zoning Administrator Bev Quinn says the proposal would not allow for storage businesses.
“We did have an inquiry today from a gentleman who wanted to line up a string of them on a lot and rent them out. I told him that this was being considered at this time for an accessory use serving a primary structure that is a commercial or industrial use. Commercial storage buildings are different and are only permitted in certain zoning districts.”
Quinn was asked about requirements for the buildings.
“They have to meet certain setbacks. They have to be certain size. But we don’t say what color its going to be, how old is it. If they get a permit to bring in a storage building they can bring in whatever storage building. If it’s unsafe, falling apart or a danger to kids then our Code Enforcement Officer will get involved.”
The proposal now goes to the Salem City Council for consideration at its Monday meeting.
The council will also have to determine what to do with the shipping containers located at various businesses without approval.
