Metal shipping containers largely have been off limits in Iola for those wishing to use them as permanent storage facilities.
That may change soon, with Iola City Council members considering a proposal to allow some businesses or industries to use them.
The Council discussed the containers at length Monday, including why they still favored seeing permanent structures used for storage, and why shipping containers will likely never be used as a home.
Code Enforcement Officer Gregg Hutton told Council members the use of the containers for commercial or industrial use — but not for residents — has been endorsed by Iola’s Planning Commission.
Within the past year, Hutton said he’d been approached by more than one business owner about changing the restrictions.
“Part of the reason why I support this, is when I drive around Iola and see (prefabricated) sheds, which were OK to start with, but they aren’t the best-built buildings out there,” Hutton said. “After 10 years, you can see which ones aren’t being taken care of.”
Similarly, an anchored shipping container is likely to be more durable, he said — perhaps sturdy enough to withstand a tornado.
“But I don’t want one in a yard next to my neighbor’s house,” he added.
If approved, Hutton said steps would be taken to ensure business owners don’t take unfair advantage of a new ordinance, by cluttering their properties with multiple containers.
“They still have to get a permit, and if I think it’s getting out of hand, I won’t allow it,” Hutton told the Council. “If they think I’m being unfair, they’d come to you.”
“I’d prefer a limit,” Mayor Steve French added.
Council members noted the difference between using the containers as permanent storage facilities vs. temporary, such as ones held at a construction site.
Joelle Shallah also pointed out she owns a beauty salon adjacent to a residential area, and wondered if such a container should be allowed on her property.
The city could prohibit those businesses, Hutton replied, but noted there are more businesses in Iola immediately adjacent to residential properties than one might think, including those on the east side of State Street.
Council members directed Hutton to come back with an ordinance that restricts numbers and locations, if those containers are allowed.
As an aside, Hutton noted Iola is in violation of its own ordinance. The city uses metal storage containers at the city warehouse and at Highland Cemetery.
