Portable Buildings

This ordinance regulates the use and location of cargo/shipping containers and portable buildings by setting setbacks and timelines for temporary uses and permits will be required for the use and placement of these structures. The is ordinance was approved and adopted on December 10, 2024. 

SEC. 10-130. PORTABLE BUILDINGS AND CONTAINER REGULATIONS.

1. Portable storage containers are not permitted except for temporary use in all zoning districts within the city limits of the City of Gatesville.
2. A portable storage permit is required if a portable storage container is to be located on property for more than five days in a 360-day period. A portable storage permit must be obtained from the Building Official. A permit fee set by the city council is applicable and must be paid before the permit is issued. The permit duration is 30 days from issuance.
3. The Building Official may grant an extension not to exceed 30 days if the permit holder demonstrates extenuating circumstances beyond his/her control that justify the extension.
4. If the portable storage container is being used directly in conjunction with work being performed under an unexpired city building permit, the container may be located on the property for a period not to exceed 180 days or the duration of the building permit, whichever is less.
5. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this subsection, the following standards apply to any use of a portable storage container:
   • only one such container is allowed per address in a 360-day period
   • if located in a front or side yard, the container must be placed on an asphalt or concrete surface
   • the container may not be placed on a street or on street right-of-way
6. A portable storage container shall not be used as a permanent substitute for an accessory storage structure in any zoning district.
7. No cargo container shall be used for human habitation or commercial business purposes.
8. No cargo container shall be used to store hazardous materials.
9. No cargo container shall be used to store and keep refuse or debris in, against, on or under the cargo container.
10. Any cargo container shall be secure, structurally sound, stable and in good repair.
11. A 15-ft. setback required from any other structure.
12. No cargo/shipping containers can be stacked on top of one another or on top of any other object.

SEC. 10-131. PORTABLE BUILDINGS AND CONTAINER EXCEPTIONS.

1. CF, C-G, DT, IND Districts. More than one container is allowed per 360-day period and no permit is required even if the total number of days that containers are located on the property exceeds five days in a 360-day period, provided that:
   • the containers are used for shipping and receiving inventory
   • the containers are located in the rear yard of the property
   • the containers are placed on a concrete or asphalt surface
   • the containers comply with applicable setback requirements for the district
   • on average each container is located on the property for a period of less than ten days.
2. AG, R-SF, R-TH, R-2F, R-MF, R-MH, R-MHP Districts. More than one container is allowed per 360-day period and no permit is required even if the total number of days that containers are located on the property exceeds five days in a 360-day period, provided that:
   • the containers are used solely for moving the personal property of a new resident to the property or removing the personal property of a resident moving from the property
   • the containers are placed in an area that does not create a safety hazard
   • each container is on the property for five days or less.

SEC. 10-132. PORTABLE BUILDINGS AND CONTAINER PENALTIES.

1. Any permit issued under this chapter may be revoked upon ten days’ written notice to the owner, occupant or person in control of the property if such person is storing, maintaining, or otherwise keeping a cargo container in violation of this chapter.
2. A cargo container otherwise existing on property prior to the adoption of this chapter that was lawfully placed and maintained shall be deemed a legal non-conforming use. Such non-conforming use shall not be increased, enlarged, extended or altered except if the use may be voluntarily changed by the owner to a conforming use which meets the requirements of the city code.
3. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter of the city or amendments thereto, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction in the municipal court of the city shall be subject to a fine not to exceed the sum of $500 for each offense, and each and every day such offense shall continue shall be deemed a separate offense.