§ 9-25. Freight containers.

The following requirements shall apply to freight containers:

(1)

Storage of freight containers.

a.

Freight containers may only be stored in a legally established truck and freight terminal as defined and permitted by this ordinance.

b.

Freight containers that have transported goods to a site may be used for the temporary storage of such transported goods as an accessory use to a legally established principal use in industrial and business districts subject to the following conditions:

i.

The location of the temporary storage area shall be noted on the site plan or plot plan establishing the principal use of the site.

ii.

The temporary storage area shall not be visible from a public right of way or from any residential use or district.

iii.

The use of the freight containers for temporary storage shall not exceed three (3) months.

iv.

Freight containers shall not be stacked.

v.

Freight containers shall not be converted into permanent structures or use for permanent storage without a zoning permit (see Section 9-25(2)).

(2)

Freight containers used only for storage of goods and equipment.

a.

Freight containers used only for storage of goods and equipment, with no improvements or modifications of any kind, shall be permitted as an accessory use to a lawfully established principal use in compliance with the requirements of this chapter for accessory uses and structures subject to following conditions:

i.

Freight containers shall not be stacked.

ii.

The exterior of the freight container shall be maintained structurally intact.

iii.

No more than one (1) freight container shall be allowed on a residential lot less than two (2) acres in area; no more than two (2) freight containers shall be allowed on residential lots between two (2) acres and five (5) acres in area; and a maximum of five (5) storage containers shall be allowed on residential lots over five (5) acres in area. Regardless of the number of containers, their placement must comply with the provisions of this ordinance and all other requirements of the county code for accessory structures.

iv.

There is no maximum number of freight containers permitted to be used as storage accessory to permitted agricultural, commercial or industrial uses, provided the placement of the containers complies with the provisions of this ordinance and all other requirements of the county code for accessory structures.

b.

Modifications to, or the use of, freight containers for a use other than the storage of goods and equipment of a nature customarily incidental and subordinate to use of the principal structure and for the benefit or convenience of the owners, occupants, or employees of the principal use are not permitted pursuant to this section.

(3)

Freight containers used for storage during construction.

a.

Freight containers may be used in all zoning districts for the temporary storage of construction-related materials on a building site for which a building permit and/or land disturbance permit has been issued. The application for such permit shall contain express reference to the proposed use of the freight container for storage purposes.

b.

Freight containers used for storage during construction are subject to the following conditions:

i.

Freight containers shall not be stacked.

ii.

Freight containers shall be placed in locations that minimize their visibility from the public street or right-of-way and adjacent residential properties.

iii.

Freight containers shall not be placed in the public street or right-of-way or block public access or fire hydrants.

iv.

The storage of hazardous materials is prohibited. A hazardous material is defined as substances or materials which may pose unreasonable risks to health, safety, property, or the environment when used, transported, stored or disposed of, which may include materials which are in solid, liquid, or gaseous form.

v.

Freight containers shall be sealed against leakage and maintained in structurally sound condition.

vi.

Freight containers shall only be allowed for temporary storage during construction.

vii.

Freight containers shall be removed upon completion of construction and prior to the issuance of a certificate of use and occupancy.

(4)

Modification and/or use of freight containers other than as permitted above is prohibited unless the proposed modification and use conforms to any and all requirements of Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), the Gloucester County Code of Ordinances and any other applicable local, state, or federal requirements for the use to be established.

(Ord. of 3-4-2014)

(Ord. of 3-4-2014)