By Lara Fominoff - Lethbridge News Now

Coaldale looking for more public input into use of shipping containers

Nov 26, 2017 | 5:42 AM

COALDALE – A public hearing will take place in Coaldale in early December, to get more input into how shipping containers can be used in the town on a temporary, semi- permanent or permanent basis.
 
The issue stems from two complaints the town received about the structures on private property in 2016, according to Director of Planning and Community Development, Spencer Croil.
 
“It’s always been an area of focus for this town as has been for many other cities and towns in Alberta. Recently we had a couple of containers that had been somewhat within the confines of the development permitting process.
 
“The information given at the time those permits were issued didn’t entirely clarify that the containers would be used as permanent structures, so the Town Community Peace Officers went through a process where they issued a remedial order for landowners to remove or change the containers so they met the requirements of the bylaw, to be a permanent structure.”
 
He says council then directed staff to do some research and engage the community on their opinions regarding the large steel boxes.
 
An online survey was also held over the last few months, with more than 150 people responding. Croil says the questions led to the idea that most people were ok with shipping containers being used in residential and commercial areas, but only on a temporary basis.
 
If someone wanted to build a home or shed out of them, he says that’s a more difficult question.
 
“Once a shipping container becomes a part of a home, it has to meet the Alberta Building Code, so technically it wouldn’t be a container. It’s just a part of a larger structure.”
 
In the survey, 46 per cent of respondents said it would be acceptable to use one as a home, but only if the outside was altered and not identifiable as a shipping container.
 
For those in residential areas who need a shipping container for temporary uses like projects, renovations, or storage, Croil explains that there’s a proposal on the table that would enable a homeowner to use a shipping container on a property for up to 14 days (an increase from the current 48 hours), once a year, unless it’s tied to a development permit.
 
Council has passed First Reading, and is now required to advertise the proposed changes in the local newspaper.
 
The public hearing will then take place at 5:45 p.m. Dec. 11. If Council has enough information, including that from the public,  Second and Third Readings will take place, which may include any amendments, and a vote could go ahead after the public hearing closes on the same day.