The Sweetwater City Council voted to amend the city code to allow freight and portable storage containers as accessory structures in several commercial and industrial zoning districts, provided they meet screening, placement and appearance standards.

The amendment to Section 18-47 adds zoning districts F, G, H and I to the list of districts where freight and portable storage containers may be used as accessory structures, subject to conditions. The ordinance language approved by council requires that all containers be visually screened with material at least 6 feet high and taller than the container being screened, painted to match the primary structure, located to the rear or side of the primary building and not placed in required parking spaces.

Staff said the code trace for these rules dates to limits placed after a prior oil boom when the city restricted use of containers because they were occasionally used for informal housing or other unregulated uses. A recent request from a local business prompted staff to propose loosening some restrictions while adding clear screening and placement standards to preserve neighborhood character.

Council moved, seconded and approved the amendment by voice vote. No roll-call tally was read into the record; the meeting record shows the motion passed.