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Depew may try to contain temporary storage structures
The growing popularity of a relatively new storage product has at least one municipality looking for ways to limit the quantity of the product and duration that the unit is located on private property.
Because they can be kept on one's property and occupy little space, the box-like containers are finding a niche. The structures- of which PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) is the best-known brand- typically measure between 90-120 square feet in size.
On August 14 at 7:30 p.m., the Depew Village Board will host a public hearing on a proposed village ordinance that would limit the location and on-site duration of the units.
The temporary accessory storage structures are meant to be delivered to a property where the units may be filled at one's leisure. After they are filled the units are transported to a secure storage facility, or to a new location if one is moving. The company that owns the units provides all of the transportation.
While they are convenient for homeowners and small businesses running out of storage, some Depew residents believe that the units are remaining at private properties for too long.
"Right now we regulate trailers," said Village Administrator Robert Kucewicz. "If you want to have a storage trailer on a temporary basis you have to obtain permission and pay a fee. (A new law) would put them in the same ballpark as trailers and regulate where they can be so they're not sitting next to the road causing a hazard."
Some of the units observed in Depew have remained in the same location for weeks and even months.
"They're supposed to be a temporary thing," explained Kucewicz. "Most of the ones sitting out there appear to be for advertising purposes. We're not sure if people are using them."
One of the restrictions under consideration is the size of the units. The board will consider limiting the size to 12-feet long, 8-feet high and 8feet wide.
This could pose a problem for PODS users. According to its Web site, PODS offers two unit sizes: 12feet long, 8-feet high and 8-feet wide, or 90 square feet; and 16-by8-by-8, or 120 square feet. Under the proposed ordinance, the larger size would be prohibited from use in Depew.
Other restrictions under consideration and listed in the proposed ordinance:
Units may be placed on residential and non-residential properties for no more than 10 days from the date of delivery and must be stored on a paved surface of concrete or asphalt.
There shall not be more than one unit on a residential or non-residential property at any given time, and no more than three units may be stored on a property in a calendar year.
On residential properties, the unit may not be located nearer than six feet to any side or rear property
line, and can be located no nearer than 15 feet from a front property line or public sidewalk.
Placement of the units on nonresidential properties shall be no nearer than 10 feet to any side or rear property line, and storage of the units is prohibited beyond the front building line of a structure.
Copies of the text of the proposed ordinance are available for public review in the Village of Depew Clerk's Office, 85 Manitou Street, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
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