By Linda Stinnett

 The use of temporary storage containers in Derby is now limited to short term use, after the increasingly popular method of storing household goods brought neighbors’ complaints of overuse.

Under the new regulations, the use of on-site storage containers is now limited to one 45-day occurrence per residence. They will not require a permit for use.

People who have a building permit in force can also use the containers and the city’s zoning administrator can allow additional containers and/or time, based on a case-by-case basis, according to Charlie Brown, city director of community development. 

The storage containers are both cost effective and convenient for people moving or renovating a home.  Unfortunately, there have been times when those units tend to become a long-term fixture, both in Derby and other communities, he said.

Since early in the year, the issue has been discussed by the planning commission and the city council. The first recommended amendments to the current law were fairly restrictive. They would have required a temporary use permit and limited the homeowner to only one storage container for 30 days.

When the recommendations went before the council members, they had concerns with the suggested changes. The 30-day time frame was seen as potentially too short for a remodeling project. The permitting process was viewed as cumbersome for homeowners and the issue of trash dumpsters was not addressed.

The issue went back to the planning commission, which developed a simpler plan. Basically, the new plan exempts a storage unit or dumpster if there is a building permit and no time limit is placed on the use. In addition, the 45-day occurrence is allowed, without a permit.

The recommended plan also included a clause that the dumpster had to be on concrete or crushed rock. Cheryl Bannon, council member, said new home builders – and the potential owners – would not like the never-ending job of cleaning out the crushed rock after the job was completed. 

After discussion on that, the council decided to eliminate the requirement for pavement or crushed rock. It was decided that when making renovations, the dumpster is many times placed in front of the house, which could help ensure that trash makes the dumpster and doesn’t become a problem.