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<br />~ <br /> <br />CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION <br />Topic Report: Discussion of Accessory Structures <br />Related to Membrane Structures, Portable Storage <br />Containers, and Car Ports <br />By: Tim Gladhill, Associate Planner <br /> <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />Staff would like to discuss current regulations for temporary accessory structures. <br />Specifically, Staff is seeking policy direction on membrane (tent-like) accessory <br />structures, portable storage containers, as well as car ports. Through the Code <br />Enforcement process, Staff has encountered several of these structures and pieces of <br />equipment being used as permanent accessory structures in several locations. The <br />exterior materials for these structures are not a permitted material under current Zoning <br />Code. Before Staff proceeds forward with any administrative hearings with, Staff feels <br />prudent to have a policy discussion on whether Council would like to explore permitting <br />these structures and for what time period (temporary versus permanent). <br /> <br />Membrane Structures: <br /> <br />Membrane structures are the first category of structures needing addressing and probably <br />the most prominent of the three. Membrane structures are permitted on a temporary basis <br />through permitting by the Fire Department; however, Staff has noted several of these <br />structures being used as permanent accessory structures. Further complicating this <br />situation, many of these structures commonly found at hardware stores do not meet <br />Building Code standards. <br /> <br />Portable Storage Containers/Cargo Containers: <br /> <br />New technologies and services provided in portable storage have outdated current City <br />Code in terms of permitting these pieces of equipment. As with the case of membrane <br />structures, City Code does not address standards or duration for this equipment. Staff has <br />encountered several of these pieces of this equipment being used as permanent accessory <br />structures as well. The most severe of these cases involves the use of cargo containers <br />used in freight shipping as a permanent structure. The issue with these structures is the <br />non-compliance with exterior materials for accessory structure. The intention of this <br />equipment is to provide a temporary solution to storage needs. Staff recommends <br />including provisions for this equipment on a temporary basis. <br /> <br />Car Ports: <br /> <br />Finally, City Code does not specifically address allowing car ports as a permitted use. <br />Essentially, Car Ports are accessory structures/garages with a roof but no walls. Staff is <br />