Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment - Shipping Containers for Temporary Storage

Due to current restrictions in the City's Zoning Bylaw No. 3462, 2021, those who wish to place a shipping container on their land outside of certain industrial zones (M1, M2, M3, and M6 zones) may only do so permanently through a Zoning Bylaw amendment or temporarily through a Temporary Use Permit. The City has heard complaints from residents and contractors that the timeline to obtain a Temporary Use Permit is cumbersome and/or not practical for their needs. These residents and contractors have needed shipping containers for temporary storage, outside of the M1, M2, M3, and M6 zones, for anticipated reasons (e.g., construction, moving) and unanticipated reasons (e.g., flooding).

What is being proposed?

City Council is considering an amendment bylaw (City of Prince Rupert Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 3505) to the City's Zoning Bylaw No. 3462, 2021 to permit one shipping container for temporary storage per property (placement on private property) in all zones with the following conditions:

• Condition 1: Registration of the shipping container with the City before placement – including payment of relevant fees
  • When registering, the registrant can indicate a latest date of shipping container removal at most 60 days from the date of shipping container placement (or 365 days with a relevant and active Building Permit)
  • Note: Before adoption of this amendment bylaw, staff recommend amending the City’s Fee-Setting Bylaw to have the following relevant fees: $15 title search fee, $2000 deposit to ensure shipping container removal
• Condition 2: Placement of the shipping container must not be within a sight triangle (see Section 3.6.0 of the City’s Zoning Bylaw)
• Condition 3: A notice, provided by the City, must be displayed at all times by the registrant in a conspicuous place at the site or on the shipping container
• Condition 4: Compliance with all of the City’s bylaws in relation to shipping containers
  1. Note: While the BC Fire Code addresses requirements regarding ventilation and storage of dangerous goods, before adoption of this bylaw, the City’s Fire Control and Protection Bylaw is to be revised separately to add any additional requirements
  2. Note: Before adoption of this amendment bylaw, staff recommend amending the City’s Ticket Information Bylaw to add the ability to impose fines for non-compliance with relevant bylaw sections
• Condition 5: The shipping container must be removed from the site by the registrant by the latest removal date unless otherwise permitted by a Zoning Bylaw or Temporary Use Permit. If the shipping container is removed from the site earlier than the latest removal date, the City is to receive notice including the date of shipping container removal – which is to be verified by a Bylaw Officer or designate
• Condition 6: No shipping container may be on the site for 30 days after the date of shipping container removal, as verified by a Bylaw Officer or designate, or latest date of shipping container removal, whichever is earlier, unless otherwise permitted by a Zoning Bylaw or Temporary Use Permit.
  • Note: This condition is included to prevent consecutive use of the Zoning Bylaw provision

What was the opportunity for public provide input?

*Please note that the public hearing for this proposed amendment has now concluded.

During the Regular Meeting of Council on December 5, 2022, City Council gave first and second reading to City of Prince Rupert Zoning Bylaw Amendment Bylaw No. 3505 and directed staff to schedule a public hearing - which was held February 6th, 2023. At the public hearing, members of the public who feel they may be impacted were provided opportunity to speak to the proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment. Feedback is heard by Council prior to any decision on the amendment. For those not able to attend the meeting, opportunity was also provided to direct comments in writing by 4:30 p.m. on February 3rd, 2023 to the Corporate Administrator.

Following the Public Hearing on February 6th, Council gave Third Reading to the proposed Amendment Bylaw in the Regular Meeting. Final reading of the Bylaw will be considered at an upcoming meeting of Council.