Container Storage outdoor amend Ord
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MEMORANDUM
May 5, 2005
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TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
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SUBJECT: Exterior Storage Containers
The City of Dubuque has seen an increase in the use of exterior commercial storage
containers. These containers are similar in size and appearance to a semi-truck trailer,
approximately 8' x 40'. These containers are not subject to the site plan review
process, they do not have interior fire protection devices and can be an eyesore
depending on their visibility from the right of way. In some instances these containers
have been converted into permanent structures without any practical means of
complying with building and fire code requirements. These containers also constitute a
threat to public health and safety because they may contain unknown and sometime
hazardous contents. This is of particular concern with the Homeland Security Act where
we have large, unexpected containers with unknown inventory located inside of them
adjacent to high traffic areas or other similar containers.
In response to this, a committee consisting of Fire Marshal Scott Neyens, Corporation
Counsel Barry Lindahl, Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens, Associate Planner
Kyle Kritz, Building Services Manager Rich Russell and Assistant City Manager Cindy
Steinhauser met to discuss the regulation of these containers in the City of Dubuque. As
a result of research and based upon the reasons noted above, the committee
recommended prohibiting exterior storage containers. On December 20, 2004 an
ordinance prohibiting exterior storage containers was approved by City Council with an
effective date of July 1, 2005. This effective date was recommended in order to allow
sufficient time for non-compliant businesses to become compliant.
Since adoption of the ordinance, city staff has visited with representatives from the
Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation
and business representatives to discuss the impact of the ordinance. On April 5, 2005, I
met with Mike Coyle, the attorney who represents Bill Denlinger who owns a storage
container rental business, to review the exterior storage container ordinance and to
discuss potential revisions to the ordinance.
Following that meeting a proposal to recommend an amendment to the ordinance was
presented to Mike Coyle for the purposes of discussing potential revisions. Following
that discussion, a meeting was held on Wednesday, April 27,2005 with representatives
from companies that use storage containers, Bill Denlinger who rents storage
containers and city staff. Included in this meeting were the following individuals: Mr.
and Mrs. Denlinger of Heartland Trailer and their attorney Mike Coyle, Jim Theisen of
Theisens, Steve Conlon of Conlon Construction Company, Tori Anderson of Michaels,
Paul Fahey of Rainbo Oil, Tom Geisler of Geisler Brothers, Steve Selchert of Steve's
Ace Hardware, Larry Wolff and Greater Dubuque Development Corporation Director
Rick Dickinson. City staff that participated in this meeting were City Manager Michael
Van Milligen, Corporation Counsel Barry Lindahl, Fire Chief Dan Brown, Fire Marshall
Scott Neyens, Building Services Manager Rich Russell, Associate Planner Kyle Kritz
and Assistant City Manager Cindy Steinhauser.
The purpose of the meeting was to review concerns over the recently adopted
ordinance prohibiting exterior storage containers beginning on July 1, 2005. During this
meeting, the proposal to amend the ordinance was reviewed and the items of greatest
concerns were discussed. These items included: limitation of one storage container per
property, road wheel requirement, twenty (20) foot separation requirement, $50
monthly license fee and the five-month time limitation.
Following this meeting, this recommendation to amend the ordinance being presented
to you today was drafted. This recommendation was mailed to all who attended the
above-described meeting. A meeting was held on Friday, May 6 with the Greater
Dubuque Development Corporation representatives to explain the recommendation.
The Chamber of Commerce was invited to attend this meeting, but had a scheduling
conflict.
City staff is recommending the ordinance be amended to allow storage containers under
the following conditions:
(a) A storage container shall be on road wheels and shall not be stacked under
or on top of another container.
(b) A storage container shall not block any fire department access road, sprinkler
or stand pipe connection, or any fire exit doors of any building on the
property.
(c) A storage container may be connected to a loading dock facility as long as the
container is perpendicular to the loading dock and there exists a means of fire
separation from the primary structure and the storage container.
(d) A storage container not connected to a loading dock shall be not less than
twenty (20) feet from the nearest building, other storage container and
property line. Storage container access shall be restricted to company
employees and shall be kept secured at all times;
(e) A storage container shall be kept good in appearance and have no visible
signs of deterioration, including but not limited to faded or peeling paint, rust,
missing or broken parts or graffiti.
(f) A storage container shall not have any attachments such as utilities, a roof,
siding, stairs or other conditions that constitute a permanent structure.
(g) A storage container shall not have any materials stored underneath or
adjacent to the container.
(h) A storage container shall not be used for the storage of hazardous waste or
materials unless the storage containers complies with all federal, state or
local regulations governing the storage of such waste or materials.
Construction trailers; or truck trailer or semi-truck trailer while it is actively being used for
the transportation of materials, inventory or equipment or not being used for storage; or
a trailer less than 20' in length shall be exempted from this ordinance.
The Fire Department believes this ordinance will address their safety concerns, making
the containers easily accessible during an emergency and allowing them to be quickly
moved if there is a nearby fire or another emergency. The 20 foot separation also
keeps them far enough away from other structures in case there is a fire in a container.
In addition it is recommended that a permit fee be established that increases the rate for
each additional unit. The proposed rates would be $10.00 per month for the 1st unit,
$20.00 per month for the 2nd unit ($30 total for 2 units), $30.00 per month for the 3rd unit
($60 total for 3 units), $40 per month for the 4th unit ($100 total for 4 units) and $50 per
month for each additional unit after four units. The permit fees are designed to cover the
expenses to the City to regulate these storage containers.
The Building Safety Department will be responsible for the permitting process and
inspection of these containers. A site plan for the location of the storage containers
must be included with the application. This does not need to be completed by an
engineer. This site plan is an important part to managing and regulating the safety of
structures near these containers. Site plan reviews are not a new concept and are
required for any new development within the city. During the site plan review process,
Fire Department and Emergency access around a structure is clearly identified and
required. The location of fire lanes, parking stalls and dumpster locations are typical of
items indicated on site plans. These site plans do not now show the location of storage
containers and often the developer indicates that the area adjacent to the fire lanes,
emergency access lanes and other spaces around a structure will remain open. It is
only after a tenant occupies the space that problems arise with the use of storage
containers.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
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MEMORANDUM
May 5, 2005
TO:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM:
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: Exterior Storage Containers
Introduction
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide a recommendation to revise Section 11-
83 of the Code of Ordinance regarding the prohibition of exterior storage containers.
Discussion
The City of Dubuque has seen an increase in the use of exterior commercial storage
containers by "big box" commercial businesses such as Walmart, Lowes, HyVee and
Shopco. These containers are similar in size and appearance to a semi-truck trailer,
approximately 8' x 40', and can be stacked on top of each other. These containers are
not subject to the site plan review process, they do not have interior fire protection
devices and can be an eyesore depending on their visibility from the right of way. In
some instances these containers have been converted into permanent structures
without any practical means of complying with building and fire code requirements (Le.
electrical service is run to the container, stairs are installed to provide access and in
some cases roofs are installed over the container.) These containers also constitute a
threat to public health and safety because they may contain unknown and sometime
hazardous contents. This is of particular concern with the Homeland Security Act where
we have large, unexpected containers with unknown inventory located inside of them
adjacent to high traffic areas or other similar containers.
In response to this, a committee consisting of Fire Marshal Scott Neyens, Corporation
Counsel Barry Lindahl, Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens, Associate Planner
Kyle Kritz, Building Services Manager Rich Russell and me met to discuss the
regulation of these containers in the City of Dubuque. As a result of our research and
based upon the reasons noted above, the committee recommended prohibiting exterior
storage containers. On December 20, 2004 an ordinance prohibiting exterior storage
containers was approved by City Council with an effective date of July 1, 2005. This
effective date was recommended in order to allow sufficient time for non-compliant
businesses to become compliant.
Since adoption of the ordinance, city staff has visited with representatives from the
Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation
and business representatives to discuss the impact of the ordinance. On April 5, 2005,
you met with Mike Coyle, the attorney who represents Bill Denlinger who owns a
storage container rental business, to review the exterior storage container ordinance
and to discuss potential revisions to the ordinance.
Following that meeting the attached list of regulations (Attachment 1) was presented to
Mike Coyle for the purposes of discussing potential revisions. Following that
discussion, a meeting was held on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 with representatives from
companies that use storage containers, Bill Denlinger who rents storage containers and
city staff. Included in this meeting were the following individuals: Mr. and Mrs. Denlinger
of Heartland Trailer and their attorney Mike Coyle, Jim Theisen of Theisens, Steve
Conlon of Conlon Construction Company, Tori Anderson of Michaels, Paul Fahey of
Rainbo Oil, Tom Geisler of Geisler Brothers, Steve Selchert of Steve's Ace Hardware,
Larry Wolff and Greater Dubuque Development Corporation Director Rick Dickinson.
City staff that participated in this meeting were City Manager Michael Van Milligen,
Corporation Counsel Barry Lindahl, Fire Chief Dan Brown, Fire Marshall Scott Neyens,
Building Services Manager Rich Russell, Associate Planner Kyle Kritz and myself.
The purpose of the meeting was to review concerns over the recently adopted
ordinance prohibiting exterior storage containers beginning on July 1, 2005. During this
meeting, the attached list of regulations was reviewed and the items of greatest
concerns were discussed. These items included: limitation of one storage container per
property, road wheel requirement, twenty (20) foot separation requirement, $50
monthly license fee and the time limitation.
Based on feedback from this group, city staff is recommending the ordinance be
amended to allow containers under the following conditions:
(a) A storage container shall be on road wheels and shall not be stacked under
or on top of another container.
(b) A storage container shall not block any fire department access road, sprinkler
or stand pipe connection, or any fire exit doors of any building on the property.
(c) A storage container may be connected to a loading dock facility as long as the
container is perpendicular to the loading dock and there exists a means of fire
separation from the primary structure and the storage container.
(d) A storage container not connected to a loading dock shall be not less than
twenty (20) feet from the nearest building, other storage container and property
line. Storage container access shall be restricted to company employees and
shall be kept secured at all times;
(e) A storage container shall be kept good in appearance and have no visible
signs of deterioration, including but not limited to faded or peeling paint, rust,
missing or broken parts or graffiti.
(f) A storage container shall not have any attachments such as utilities, a roof,
siding, stairs or other conditions that constitute a permanent structure.
(g) A storage container shall not have any materials stored underneath or
adjacent to the container.
(h) A storage container shall not be used for the storage of hazardous waste or
materials unless the storage containers complies with all federal, state or local
regulations governing the storage of such waste or materials.
Construction trailers; or truck trailer or semi-truck trailer while it is actively being used for
the transportation of materials, inventory or equipment or not being used for storage; or
a trailer less than 20' in length shall be exempted from this ordinance.
In addition it is recommended that a revised permit fee be established that increases the
rate for each additional unit(s). The proposed rates would be $10.00 per month for the
1st unit, $20.00 per month for the 2nd unit ($30 total for 2 units), $30.00 per month for the
3rd unit ($60 total for 3 units), $40 per month for the 4th unit ($100 total for 4 units) and
$50 per month for each additional unit after four units. The permit fees are designed to
cover the expenses to the City to regulate these storage containers.
The Building Safety Department will be responsible for the permitting process and
inspection of these containers. A company may purchase monthly permits in advance
up to 1 year. The permitted storage containers will be required to display a permit
sticker that will be supplied by the city. In addition a site plan for the location of the
storage containers must be included with the application. This site plan is an important
part to managing and regulating the safety of structures near these containers. Site
plan reviews are not a new concept and are required for any new development within
the city. During the site plan review process, Fire Department and Emergency access
around a structure is clearly identified and required. The location of fire lanes, parking
stalls and dumpster locations are typical of items indicated on these plans. These plans
do not show the location of storage container and often the developer indicates that the
area adjacent to the fire lanes, emergency access lanes and other spaces around a
structure will remain open. It is only after a tenant occupies the space that problems
arise with the use of storage containers.
Recommendation
Based upon this discussion, the committee is recommending adoption of the revised
ordinance to allow for the regulation of exterior storage containers.
Action
The requested action is for City Council to adopt the attached ordinance repealing
Section 11-83 Prohibition of Exterior Storage Containers and adopting a new Section
11-83 Permitting the use of Exterior Storage Containers.
CC: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Dan Brown, Fire Chief
Scott Neyens, Fire Marshall
Rich Russell, Building Services Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
ORDINANCE NO. 36-05
REPEALING CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES SECTION 11-83
(ORDINANCE NO. 84-04) EXTERIOR STORAGE CONTAINERS PROHIBITED
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 11-83 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances (Ord. No. 84-
04) is hereby repealed.
Passed, approved and adopted this 16th day of May, 2005.
Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor
Attest:
Jeanne F. Schneider, City Clerk
ORDINANCE NO.
AMENDING THE CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY
REPEALING SECTION 11-83 EXTERIOR STORAGE CONTAINERS
PROHIBITED AND ADOPTING A NEW ARTICLE VII EXTERIOR STORAGE
CONTAINERS REGULATING THE USE OF EXTERIOR STORAGE
CONTAINERS
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Dubuque finds that storage
containers used for the exterior storage of materials, inventory or equipment
constitute an eyesore to the community; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that storage containers constitute a
threat to public health and safety because their location can block or prevent
proper access to buildings and building exits, emergency exits, fire connections
to sprinkler systems and utility disconnects; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that storage containers constitute a
threat to public health and safety because they can contain unknown and
sometimes hazardous contents; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that storage containers can be
converted into permanent structures without any practical means of complying
with building and fire code requirements.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. Section 11-83 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances is
hereby repealed.
Section 2. The following new Article is hereby adopted:
ARTICLE VII. EXTERIOR STORAGE CONTAINERS
Sec. 11-83. Exterior storage container defined:
For purposes of this article, storage container means any enclosed receptacle
exceeding twenty (20) feet in length designed, built or intended to be used for the
shipment, transportation or storage of goods and not being used primarily for the
shipment or transportation of goods, but not including a construction trailer, or a
truck trailer or semi-truck trailer while it is actively being used for the
transportation of materials, inventory or equipment.
Sec. 11-84. Use of exterior storage containers prohibited.
No person shall use a storage container for the exterior storage of
materials, equipment or inventory is prohibited except as provided in this
Article.
Sec. 11-85. Application for permit.
(a) Permit required. No person shall use an exterior storage container for the
exterior storage of materials, equipment or inventory without first obtaining an
annual permit for each such storage container as provided in this Article.
(b) Application. An application for an exterior storage container permit shall be
filed with the City Manager on a form provided by the City Manager. The
application shall contain the following information:
(1) The name of the applicant.
(2) A description of the storage container and purpose for which it is
intended to be used.
(3) A site plan showing the following:
North arrow;
Property lines of the property where the storage container will be
located;
Location and dimensions of any buildings on the property; and
Location of proposed storage container and distances from building
and other storage containers
(c) False information. Falsification of information on an application shall be
grounds for denial or revocation of a permit.
(e) Consideration of application: The City Manager shall, upon
consideration of the application, approve or reject the application.
(f) Fees: At the time of filing the application, the applicant shall pay to the
City Manager a non-refundable permit fee established by the City Manager.
Sec. 11-86. Storage container requirements. Use of a storage container
shall meet the following requirements:
(a) A storage container shall be on road wheels and shall not be stacked under
or on top of another container.
(b) A storage container shall not block any fire department access road, sprinkler
or stand pipe connection, or any fire exit doors of any building on the property.
(c) A storage container may be connected to a loading dock facility as long as the
container is perpendicular to the loading dock and there exists a means of fire
separation from the primary structure and the storage container.
(d) A storage container not connected to a loading dock shall be not less than
twenty (20) feet from the nearest building, other storage container and property
line. Storage container access shall be restricted to company employees and
shall be kept secured at all times;
(e) A storage container shall be kept good in appearance and have no visible
signs of deterioration, including but not limited to faded or peeling paint, rust,
missing or broken parts or graffiti.
(f) A storage container shall not have any attachments such as utilities, a roof,
siding, stairs or other conditions that constitute a permanent structure.
(g) A storage container shall not have any materials stored underneath or
adjacent to the container.
(h) A storage container shall not be used for the storage of hazardous waste or
materials unless the storage containers complies with all federal, state or local
regulations governing the storage of such waste or materials.
Sec. 11-87. Suspension and Revocation of License. A permit may be revoked or
suspended by the City Manager for a violation of any of the provisions of this
Article. The permittee shall be given not less than ten-day's written notice of the
proposed action to be taken prior to suspension or revocation.
Section 3. This Ordinance shall take effect July 1, 2005.
Passed, approved and adopted this
day of
2005.
Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor
Attest:
Jeanne F. Schneider, City Clerk
May 5, 2005
Mike Coyle
Fuerste, Carew, Coyle
DubuquelA 52001
Dear Mike,
In response to our meeting on April 27, 2005, I met with city staff to review your
request to modify the exterior storage container ordinance that takes effect July
1, 2005. Based upon city staff discussion we will be recommending changes to
the ordinances to allow exterior storage containers under certain conditions.
These conditions are:
(a) A storage container shall be on road wheels and shall not be stacked
under or on top of another container.
(b) A storage container shall not block any fire department access road,
sprinkler or stand pipe connection, or any fire exit doors of any building on
the property.
(c) A storage container may be connected to a loading dock facility as long
as the container is perpendicular to the loading dock and there exists a
means of fire separation from the primary structure and the storage
container.
(d) A storage container not connected to a loading dock shall be not less
than twenty (20) feet from the nearest building, other storage container
and property line. Storage container access shall be restricted to company
employees and shall be kept secured at all times;
(e) A storage container shall be kept good in appearance and have no
visible signs of deterioration, including but not limited to faded or peeling
paint, rust, missing or broken parts or graffiti.
(f) A storage container shall not have any attachments such as utilities, a
roof, siding, stairs or other conditions that constitute a permanent
structure.
(g) A storage container shall not have any materials stored underneath or
adjacent to the container.
(h) A storage container shall not be used for the storage of hazardous
waste or materials unless the storage containers complies with all federal,
state or local regulations governing the storage of such waste or materials.
A copy of the proposed ordinance is attached. Construction trailers; or truck
trailer or semi-truck trailer while it is actively being used for the transportation of
materials, inventory or equipment or not being used for storage; or a trailer less
than 20' in length shall be exempted from this ordinance.
A company may apply for a permit for each storage container. As part of the
application process, businesses must provide a site plan identifying the property
lines of the property where the storage container(s) will be located, dimensions of
any buildings on the property and the location of proposed container(s) from
buildings and other containers. The permit fee will be recommended as follows:
$10.00 per month for the 1st unit, $20.00 per month for the 2nd unit ($30 total for 2
units), $30.00 per month for the 3rd unit ($60 total for 3 units), $40 per month for
the 4th unit ($100 total for 4 units) and $50 per month for each additional unit after
four units.
It is my intent to take this recommendation to the May 16, 2005 City Council and
request approval. The effective date will remain July 1, 2005.
Please contact me at 563-589-4110 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
Preparer: Barry A. Lindahl. eomo...tIon Counsel Add.....: Suite 330 300 Main Street Dubuaue
lA 52001 Telephone: (563) ~113
ORDINANCE NO. 84-04
AMENDING CHAPTER 11 BUILDING AND BUILDING REGULATIONS OF THE CITY
OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADOPTING A NEW ARTICLE VII.
EXTERIOR STORAGE CONTAINERS PROHIBITING THE USE OF EXTERIOR
STORAGE CONTAINERS
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Dubuque finds that storage
containers used for the exterior storage of materials, inventory or equipment
constitute an eyesore to the community; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that storage containers constitute a
threat to public health and safety because their location may and do block or
prevent proper access to buildings and building exits, emergency exists, fire
connections to sprinkler systems and utility disconnects; and
WHEREAS, The City Council finds that storage containers constitute a
threat to public health and safety because they may and do contain unknown and
sometimes hazardous conten1s: and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that storage containers may be and are
converted into permanent structures without any practical means of complying
with building and fire code requirements.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. Chapter 11 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances is
amended by adding the following new article:
ARTICLE VII. EXTERIOR STORAGE CONTAINERS PROHIBITED
Section 11-83.
Exterior Storage Containers Prohibited:
(a) For purposes of this article, storage container means any receptacle
designed, built or intended to be used for the shipment, transportation or
storage of goods.
.'
(b) The use of storage containers for the exterior storage of materials,
inventory or equipment is hereby prohibited. This prohibition shall not
apply to a truck trailer or semi-trailer while it is actively being used for the
transportation of materials, inventory or equipment and is temporarily
located adjacent to a loading dock.
(c) Notwithstanding subparagraph (b), a storage container may be used as
a construction site trailer but only during construction on the site.
Passed, approved and adopted this 20thdayof December
2004.
Attest:
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MEMORANDUM
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December 15, 2004
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TO:
FROM:
The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
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Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Storage Containers
The City of Dubuque has seen an increase in the use of exterior commercial storage
containers and semi-tractor trailers being used in commercial and industrial areas for
storage and other purposes. In the case of one retailer, Wal-Mart, there are over 50
storage containers behind their building. This equals approximately 16,000 sq. ft. of
space.
These containers are not subject to the site plan review process. They do not have
interior fire protection devices and are an eyesore. These containers may be a threat to
public health and safety because their location could block or prevent proper access by
the Fire Department to buildings and building exits, emergency exits, fire connections to
sprinkler systems and gas and electric utility disconnects in an emergency. These
containers may constitute a threat to publiC health and safety because they may contain
hazardous contents.
Some containers have been converted into "permanent" structures without any practical
means of complying with building and fire code requirements. The City has found
examples of containers with electrical service run to the container, stairs installed, and
in one case a roof was installed.
Because the use of exterior storage containers is a recent development with big box
retailers, few cities have regulations in place. Some cities, including Charlotte, North
Carolina; Abilene, Texas; and Coralville, Iowa; prohibit outdoor storage and the use of
these containers. However, Coralville does allow outdoor storage in Industrial Districts.
The cities of Windsor Heights, Iowa; Rochester, Minnesota; and Scarborough, Maine;
regulate storage containers as temporary structures through a permit process as
opposed to prohibiting them as nuisances.
After working with a staff review committee, Assistant City Manager Cindy Steinhauser
is recommending the prohibition of storage containers with the ordinance taking effect
on July 1, 2005, to give adequate time for compliance.
This recommendation was arrived at for the following reasons.
Lack of staff resources. Regulating storage containers requires adequate staff support
for the regulatory process - application, site plan review, permitting, renewal, etc.
Regulating storage containers also requires adequate staff support for enforcement -
periodic inspections to monitor whether semi-trailers and shipping containers are being
used as long-term storage facilities, are actively used for short-term storage or are
simply abandoned. The Building Services Department does not have the capacity to
take on either a regulatory role or an enforcement role for storage containers.
Homeland security concerns. Even if adequate staff resources were made available for
Building Services staff to regulate storage containers, homeland security concerns
would remain. For example, a business could place a storage container in the wrong
place, blocking fire and ambulance access. Or, an unexpected storage container could
be placed next to a high traffic area or next to other containers, creating a security risk.
Safety issues. Even with regulation, the conversion of semi-trailers and shipping
containers to storage facilities presents safety issues. They become de facto extensions
of the businesses, creating substantial storage space. These containers are designed to
serve as over-the-road transport, not as a storage building. For example, they lack fire
protection devices or firewall construction.
Bliahtina influence. Typically, the principal structure used by a business is kept in good
repair, presenting an attractive appearance to attract and retain customers. This same
level of upkeep is not typical of storage containers, which may have faded paint, rust,
missing or broken parts, or a deteriorated appearance. Even if regulated, these types of
containers can remain on a site for an extended period while the enforcement is
pursued, contributing to urban blight.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
lr}\ ~ l..( {/'l' 12
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Michael C. Van Milligen ~_
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
DUB~JE
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MEMORANDUM
December 13, 2004
TO:
FROM:
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: Storage Containers
Introduction
The purpose of this memorandum is to review the use of exterior commercial storage
containers and to recommend a policy on the use of such containers.
Discussion
The City of Dubuque has seen an increase in the use of exterior commercial storage
containers by "big box" commercial businesses such as Wal-Mart, Lowes, HyVee and
Shopko. These containers are similar in size and appearance to a semi-truck trailer,
approximately 8' x 40', and can be stacked on top of each other or are actual semi-
tractor trailers. These containers often serve as an extension of the business providing
a place to store inventory until the merchandise is transferred to the building and
advertised for sale. For example, in December 2003 and 2004, the Dubuque Wal-Mart
store had over 50 storage containers behind its building for the storage of inventory.
This equates to approximately 16,000 square feet of space outside of the building used
for storage or approximately 7.76% of their total square footage based upon their
current size of 206,183 sq. ft.
It is important to note that these containers are also not subject to the site plan review
process; they do not have interior fire protection devices and can be an eyesore
depending on their visibility from the right of way. Attached are photos of these storage
containers where they are used in large quantity and may be a threat to public health
and safety because their location blocks or prevents proper access to buildings and
building exits, emergency exits, fire connections to sprinkler systems and utility
disconnects. These photos also show where storage containers have been converted
into permanent structures without any practical means of complying with building and
fire code requirements (i.e. electrical service is run to the container, stairs are installed
to provide access and in some cases roofs are installed over the container.) These
containers also constitute a threat to public health and safety because they may contain
unknown and sometime hazardous contents. This is of particular concern with the
Homeland Security Act where we have large, unexpected containers with unknown
inventory located inside of them adjacent to high traffic areas or other similar containers.
A committee consisting of Fire Marshal Scott Neyens, Corporation Counsel Barry
Lindahl, Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens, Associate Planner Kyle Kritz,
Building Services Manager Rich Russell and me have been meeting to discuss the
regulation of these containers in the City of Dubuque. As part of our review, we
considered the following:
1. Are exterior storage containers currently allowable under the City of Dubuque
Code of Ordinances?
2. What use of exterior storage containers do other cities allow?
3. What is the permit process in cities that allow exterior storage containers?
Are exterior storage containers currently allowable under the City of Dubuque
Code of Ordinances?
Currently there are no provisions in the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances that
regulate exterior storage containers. The City Council recently adopted and
amendment to the Zoning Ordinance for the regulation of seasonal tents as a temporary
use area. The committee discussed applying these same criteria to the regulation of
exterior storage containers. However, this suggestion is not being recommended
because an appeal from a denial of a permit would go to the Zoning Board for review
versus the City Council. There is also a provision in the Zoning Ordinance that would
allow existing containers to be "grandfathered" in.
What use of exterior storage containers do other cities allow?
Because the use of exterior storage containers is a recent development with big box
retailers, few cities have regulations in place. Some cities, including Charlotte, North
Carolina: Abilene, Texas; and Coralville, Iowa; prohibit outdoor storage and the use of
these containers. However, Coralville does allow outdoor storage in Industrial Districts.
The cities of Windsor Heights, Iowa; Rochester, Minnesota; and Scarborough, Maine;
regulate storage containers as temporary structures through a permit process as
opposed to prohibiting them as nuisances.
What is the permit process In cities that allow storage containers?
As mentioned above, the City of Windsor Heights, Iowa regulates exterior storage
containers through a permit process. The containers are defined as temporary
structures and are permitted for 30 days with up to (2) 30-day extensions allowed. The
number of containers allowed is determined by a site plan submitted as part of the
permit process. Rochester, Minnesota permits exterior storage containers based upon
floor area of the principal structure and Scarborough, Massachusetts allows only one
exterior storage container on a site.
After reviewing this information, the committee then discussed what items we want to
consider in developing a local ordinance that would allow exterior storage containers.
Concerns regarding allowing these containers include use of containers to simply
replace construction or expansion of a principal structure, fire protection for containers
and contents, location of containers on the property in relationship to the principal
structure, screening of containers from public right of way, allowing containers in
commercial as opposed to industrial zoned areas, and enforcement of the ordinance.
The committee also acknowledged that when used on a limited basis, such as a
construction site trailer, these containers do provide a good temporary use as office
space. A typical construction office consists of one container.
Recommendation
Based upon this discussion, staff recommends prohibiting storage containers instead of
regulating them for the following reasons:
Lack of staff resources. Regulating storage containers requires adequate staff support
for the regulatory process - application, site plan review, permitting, renewal, etc.
Regulating storage containers also requires adequate staff support for enforcement -
periodic inspections to monitor whether semi-trailers and shipping containers are being
used as long-term storage facilities, are actively used for short-term storage or are
simply abandoned. The Building Services Department does not have the capacity to
take on either a regulatory role or an enforcement role for storage containers.
Homeland security concerns. Even if adequate staff resources were made available for
Building Services staff to regulate storage containers, homeland security concerns
would remain. For example, a business could place a storage container in the wrong
place, blocking fire and ambulance access. Or, an unexpected storage container could
be placed next to a high traffic area or next to other containers. creating a security risk.
Safety issues. Even with regulation, the conversion of semi-trailers and shipping
containers to storage facilities presents safety issues. They become de facto extensions
of the businesses, creating substantial storage space. These containers are designed to
serve as over-the-road transport, not as a storage building. For example, they lack fire
protection devices or firewall construction.
BliahtinQ influence. Typically, the principal structure used by a business is kept in good
repair, presenting an attractive appearance to attract and retain customers. This same
level of upkeep is not typical of storage containers, which may have faded paint, rust,
missing or broken parts, or a deteriorated appearance. Even if regulated, these types of
containers can remain on a site for an extended period while the enforcement is
pursued, contributing to urban blight.
The committee further recommends that this ordinance take effect beginning July 1,
2005 to allow sufficient time for non-compliant businesses to become compliant. This
proposed ordinance would still allow use of these temporary structures on a limited
basis as a construction site trailer.
Action
The requested action is for City Council to adopt the attached ordinance prohibiting the
use of exterior storage containers.
Cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
Kyle Kritz, Associate Planner
Scott Neyens, Fire Marshall
Rich Russell, Building Services Manager
MAY-11-2005 WED 04:49 PM FUERSTE, CAREW, COYLE
FAX NO, 563 556 7134
p, 01/01
LllW Oft ices Of
FUERSTE, CAREW, COYLE, JUERGENS & SUDMEIER, P.C.
200 SBCURITY BlJILD1NO
I S I WRST &T11 S1'RP-I!T
DuaUQ1)Ji, IOWA 52001.6832
T&LW'HONR:
(563) 556-401 1
Wn.l.IAMC. F~J\iR!lrB
ALLAN J. CAP.BW
MICHAIlI. J, COYl..P.
$Tlil'HEN J. JlIl!ROSN 5
RODlIR." t. SUDM1!llllt'"
DOl/(iI.AS M. HeNRY
MAkK J. WII.LOINO
MICIIAcl.J. SHODA,.,.....
A. TH1l000RB HlIINJ<IlR
NOR.MAN J. W ANGBlillCl
OAN IT A L. 0 R.AN'f
JOliN F. HOPGlls
May 11,2005
TIiLBCOPII!R:
(S63)SS6.7134
S.MAlL:
MAILm\FCCJS.COM
WIUTER.'S DlllPCT
E.MAll ADDRfSS
MCOY 1.1,@FC{,JS.l:0M
Au.A'rrOR.NBYS 1.1C:~N~I!IlIN lOw"
OALSO I.ICIINItWO IN WISCONMIN
.. ALSO 1.~PN'IlD IN ILLINOI~
Ms. Jeanne F. Schneider
City Clerk
City Hall
Dubuque, IA 52001
Via Fax 589-0890
Dear Jeanne:
I would like to address tbe City Council if at all possible on Monday evening. May
16,2005, on behalfofBHl Denlinger and his wife who own Heartland Storage regarding
the outside storage ordinance. Mike Van Milligen suggested I write you this letter as
soon as possible.
Jim Theisen had indicated to me that he wished to address the City Council and I
am using this letter to advise you of that. I will also ask Jim to write a letter as soon as he
can.
Very truly yours,
FUERSTE, CAREW, COYLE,
~P'C'
MICHAEL 1. COYLE
r~--.',\
\
MJC:dh
MAY-11-2005 WED 04:50 PM DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER
FAX NO. 5635571591
P. 01
.-. --- .-. ".-- "-. ._- --
--- .- t..-------------
@R~~~~~~
I
8UIIN.S. ADVOCATE FOR THE TRI-STATlS
May 11, 200S
The Honorable Terry Duggan and Members of the City Council
Attention: City Clerk
City Hall
SO West 13th Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Dear Friends:
I am writing to request that I or Dan Cunningham, the Chamber's Director of Government and
Business Affairs, be given the opportUnity to address the May 16 meeting of the Dubuque City
Council. We would like to address Section 11-83 of the Code of Ordinance regarding the
prohibition of exterior storage containers.
Please contaCt Dan Cunningham at your earliest convenience to discuss this request. Dan can be
reached at 690-9205, or via email atDCunningham@DubUQueChamber.com.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
~~
Steward Sandstrom
President & CEO
SS:dc
Post-if" Fax Note
To Cl\''i
COJOllpt,
Phone It
7671 Date
-_.
; II of
pag.. .
C~~~
Co.
hom
'I ~ O~'1 0 Fax #
300 MAIN SlUBT SUtTE 200 P.O. Box 70S DUBUQ~, IA )2.004-0705 (563)557-9200 (563)557-1591
E-MAIL: OffICS@DuBUQUECHAMBER.COM WEB SIn: WWW.DUBUQUBCHAMBBR.COM
\,
. .
Stsvsls
A ~t)
Hardware ::Inc:..
May 10, 2005
Dear Mike,
Having reed the revisions to the storage container ordinance, my only concern is
that a site plan does not have to be one done by an engineering firm because of
the added cost involved. In addition, I would like to see variances be allowed on
a case by case basis involving setbacks from property lines and bUildings as
long as general safety could still be observed,
Certainly, Mike, you know that you will not satisfy everyone, but I think you and
the city staff have responded in a way that is responsible and I thank you all for
your efforts.
.'
Sincerely,
5-reJL.lff
Steve Selchert
Steve's Ace Hardware Inc.
1670 J.F.K. Road ......2013 Central Avenue......3350 J.F.K. Road
Z 3DVd
(7L' "r( ("or'xv'
:::lL 1; ~jj I;"j' ~
3HVM3HVH 3JV S ,3A31S:WOHj WV LZ:60 83M SOOl-!I-AVW
05/12/2005 09:30 15635832724
LARRY WOLFF PAGE 01
..Ar7 ~'II/ .' PA ~ ~ ~ ('c 1-1 ~p ,J.p~aae 1 of 1
Honorable "yor and City Council,
Re: Recent Ordinance Eliminating Stora..- ConlalnerafTrail.,. ("units")
I have no flnanci.llnte....t in this ordlnanc....we do not u.e thl. type storage nor do
any of our Tenants.
Our currently adopted ordinance .Iimin." allauch sfDrage and City etaff is now
rwonalclerlng tM ~ of the ordinance to detennlne if it can be made more bu.l.....
friendly.
l.JI~clndllJJl.II1'~nan~.jJ.nd ,.(~tne~lJIl~(:......o.!!.1hiLmatter.
My concern Ie the CBy regulating this commerce activity.
1 I am not aware of any Incid~ts where th... units caused a" accident or any
sa,.. Issu.. weN compromised. W. have had leau.. of Illegal wiring. roof building,
blocking Ire ....... etc.. that are vk*tIone of existing ordl....nces and could be
eliminated by e"forclng fire codes and city ordinances. Another ordinance doe. not
seem nSCMsary to eliminate the safety i.su...
2 My information.. that the... are between 500 and 1000 ofth_ un'" In the City.
Every day SOIfte of...... unlta move In and out of various locations. If. .... plan. with
site pIIln review .. required to regula" the activity, it would ...m like many mMtinp.
Inspections and manpower hours would be required dally. Enforcement of any
ordlMnce to atop the vlolato... to debtnnlne If a unit Is "storage," in tranalt waiting for
pickup or delivery, or in transit, would also be very ..bor inttnaive. I can~ Imagine ~r
City could ever collect enough fees to cover th... eXaMns...
3 The ordinance .Iitninatee the "storage unit busln..... ( The DenUn......) from .
operallng wtlNn Ole City limlta. A very high percentage of the cltlee In our country haYe
this aCtivity and I doubt they ban the busin... providing ..... service from o,....tJnO
within their city Ilmft8.
4 "ny, many Dubuque bus In.... depend on thla .torage method to etRc....ay
oper.... their pla_ .nd _rehouses. It's not prudent to force these ~....._ to
make other arrangementa that wilt add to their overhead and make them ....
competitive In the market place. The City would al80 be weakened by adding overhe.d
dolla18 to ... operating cCMIta with little benefit to the _pay.....
~~
LarryW
3890 Central Avenue
City
\..;,.'
ThUtSday, May 12, 2005 America 0Wine: LanyW331
..
..
. , Petition opposing Ordinance 84-04 for exterior storage trailers and containers.
We, the undersignJd businesses and individuals are united in our opposition to
Ordinance 84-04, enact~d by the Dubuque City Council on December 20,2004 and we
hereby petition the council to revisit this ordinance since it will create economic hardship to
these businesses and individuals. In addition, we ask that the enforcement date of the
ordinance be stayed until such time the City Council can re-evaluate the consequences and
receive inpute from the opposing parties.
Address
Phone
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Petition opposing Ordinance 84-04 for exterior storage trailers and containers.
We, the undersigned businesses and individuals are united in our opposition to
Ordinance 84-04, enacted by the Dubuque City Council on December 20, 2004 and we
hereby petition the coWlcil to revisit this ordinance since it will create economic hardship to
these businesses and individuals. In addition, we ask that the enforcement date of the
ordinance be stayed until such time the City Council can re-evaluate the consequences and
receive inpute from the opposing parties.
Company &/or Individual
16 ~, t!'"~
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Petition opposing Ordinance 84-04 for exterior storage trailers and containers.
We, the undersigned businesses and individuals are united in our opposition to
Ordinance 84-04, enacted by the Dubuque City Council on December 20, 2004 and we
hereby petition the council to revisit this ordinance since it will create economic hardship to
these businesses and individuals. In addition, we ask that the enforcement date of the
ordinance be stayed until such time the City Council can re-evaluate the consequences and
receive inpute from the opposing parties.
Address
Phone
32
33 ()/tK ST~
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Petition opposing Ordinance 84-04 for exterior storage trailers and containers.
We, the undersigned businesses and individuals are united in our opposition to
Ordinance 84-04, enacted by the Dubuque City Council on December 20, 2004 and we
hereby petition the council to revisit this ordinance since it will create economic hardship to
these businesses and individuals. In addition, we ask that the enforcement date of the
ordinance be stayed until such time the City Council can re-evaluate the consequences and
receive inpute from the opposing parties.
Company &/or Individual
46 S'MoV'1 C~,t.tPf,l
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Petition opposing Ordinance 84-04 for exterior storage trailers and containers.
We, the undersigned businesses and individuals are united in our opposition to
Ordinance 84-04, enacted by the Dubuque City Council on December 20, 2004 and we
hereby petition the council to revisit this ordinance since it will create economic hardship to
these businesses and individuals. In addition, we ask that the enforcement date of the
ordinance be stayed until such time the City Council can re-evaluate the consequences and
receive inpute from the opposing parties.
61
Company &/or Individual
IYlOfSe. E ,~ c.+; ,e..
62 ZefA7( Alv#tlnvW)
63 Wu,z.e..llOwin
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Petition opposing Ordinance 84-04 for exterior storage trailers and containers.
We, the undersigned businesses and individuals are united in our opposition to
Ordinance 84-04, enacted by the Dubuque City Council on December 20, 2004 and we
hereby petition the council to revisit this ordinance since it will create economic hardship to
these businesses and individuals. In addition, we ask that the enforcement date of the
ordinance be stayed until such time the City Council can re-evaluate the consequences and
receive inpute from the opposing parties.
Com any &/or Individual
76 Itlal/JelVf ~;J'I-
Address
PhoDe
;2/!jf ~e'(t el....L S-~7 $0
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Petition opposing Ordinance 84-04 for exterior storage trailers and containers.
We, the undersigned businesses and individuals are united in our opposition to
Ordinance 84-04, enacted by the Dubuque City Council on December 20, 2004 and we
hereby petition the council to revisit this ordinance since it will create economic hardship to
these businesses and individuals. In addition, we ask that the enforcement date of the
ordinance be stayed until such time the City Council can re-evaluate the consequences and
receive inpute from the opposing parties.
Company &/or Individual Signature & Print Name Address
Phone
91 !l j;,ItAS SA/C/4/r
92 ,.-ed
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94
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~\Jf\tJ iS~oJ Sg347'2.\
Petition opposing Ordinance 84-04 for exterior storage trailers and containers.
We, the undersigned businesses and individuals are united in our opposition to
, Ordinance 84-04, enacted by the Dubuque City Council on December 20, 2004 and we
hereby petition the council to revisit this ordinance since it will create economic hardship to
these businesses and individuals. In addition, we ask that the enforcement date of the
ordinance be stayed until such time the City Council can re-evaluate the consequences and
receive inpute from the opposing parties.
....;.
.../
Company &/or Individual Signature & Print Name
Address
r;-'d 7 S""
tJ!,1t1/~~ U
Phone
~-~~- ~11
108
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Petition opposing Ordinance 84-04 for exterior storage trailers and containers.
,/~
U
We, the undersigned businesses and individuals are united in our opposition to
Ordinance 84-04, enacted by the Dubuque City Council on December 20, 2004 and we
hereby petition the council to revisit this ordinance since it will create economic hardship to
these businesses and individuals. In addition, we ask that the enforcement date of the
ordinance be stayed until such time the City Council can re-evaluate the consequences and
receive inpute from the opposing parties.
()
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Address Phone
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Listing of companies &lor Individuals opposing Ordinance 84-04 for exterior
storage trailers and containers
ABC Supply Co.
Adams Sinclair
AI's Garage
Alter Scrap Processing
APEX Concrete
Arrowhead Trailer
Art Pape Transfer
Artic Glacier Ice
Beidler Towing
Blum Company
Bob McNally
Bradley Iron Works Inc.
Broughton Auto
Brownie's Auto Salvage
Bruggeman Welding
Burt Steve & Son's Garage
Butts Florist
C&K Realty
Callahan Construction
Carpet One
CASH Company
Christensen's Florist
Conlon Construction Company
Connor Refrigeration
Crescent Electric
Diamond Jo Casino
Dubuque Appliance Center
Dubuque Area Steamatic
Dubuque Discount Gas
Dubuque Fireplace & Patio
Dubuque Furniture & Flooring
250 S. Main
1081 University
1005 Century Circle
180 Harrison St.
45 Jones St.
1505 Rhomberg
1080 East 12th St.
19 Nightengale Lane
PO Box 1756
411 E. 15th St
2960 VanBuren
2345 Kerper Blvd
95 Westside Ct
466 E. 12th St.
165 Westside Ct.
3366 Crescent Ridge
2300 University
3110 Washington
7629 Commerce Park
587 University
3606 Crescent Ridge
PO Box 1196
1100 Rockdale Rd.
3119 Jackson
215 S. Main
400 E. 3rd St.
2600 Dodge St.
500 Huff St
4110 Dodge St
925 Century Dr
430 Garfield
557 -9920
556-2272
583-9202
552-2857
582-1208
556-1391
588-1435
556-7626
583-9900
582-5409
583-4721
588-0577
557 -7500
557-1644
588-3474
582-5082
538- 3551
583-5716
588-4273
557-7212
582-1719
580-9331
583-1724
599-2131
583-6441
590-3046
556-7454
556-5821
538-9889
582-5156
556-3616
Dubuque Glass
Dubuque Hose & Hydraulic
Dubuque Mattress
Dubuque River Terminal
Dubuque Stamping
Dubuque Thermal King
Edwards Concrete Contractors Inc.
Ellis Power
Family Dollar
Flexsteellndustries
Floor Emporium
Floorshow Corp.
Flynn Company Inc.
GCR Tire
Geisler Brothers Co.
Giese Company
Goodwill Industries
Grove Tool
Hanley Auto
Hansel Builders
Hawkeye Truck & Trailer
Hendricks Feed & Seed Co.
Hodge Company
Hurst Logistics
ICE Railroad
Joe Duccini
Kane Services
Key City Moving & Storage
Key City Recycling
Key City Transport Inc.
Kirchoff Distributing
K-Line Sales & Service
LAMCO Ltd
Leggett & Platt
Linden Propeller Co.
801 Cedar Cross Rd
500 E. 14th St.
3220 Dodge St.
5 Jones St.
32nd & Jackson
1270 E. 12th St.
5115 Wolf Rd.
3357 Jackson St.
2013 Central
3200 Jackson St.
4370 Dodge St.
1475 Associates Dr.
800 Julien Dubuque
10435 Bronzwood
340 E. 12th St.
2125 Kerper Blvd
2121 Holiday Dr.
3230 Dodge St.
1030 Century Circle
439 Tamarack Ct
1190 Roosevelt
880 Central
1111 Purina Dr.
2491 Kerper Blvd
506 Garfield
270 Rhomberg
14858 Hwy 20
2300 Twin Valley Dr.
3270 Dodge St.
1020 Century Circle
5035 Chavenelle Rd
5075 Pennsylvania
12998 English Mill Rd
2459 Kerper Blvd
480 E. 14th St
582-5475 -
582-4673
582-9144
588-4641
583-5716
556-8100
588-2026
582-1733
582-0728
585-8118
583-8222
557 -9952
556-5334
583-8238
583-7363
588-2023
557-3158
588-0536
583-7220
599-9433
557-8170
556-1401
583-9781
556-2161
588-4029
543-2088
556-2068
590-1343
582-2388
590-1343
556-8911
556-2593
599-3388
556-5871
557-7767
LINK Hydraulic
Luber Construction
Matod Can Company
Matthews Distributing
McClain Fence Company
Michaels Arts & Crafts
Midway Motors
Mike's Auto Center
MOLO Oil Company
Morse Electric
Mulgrew Oil
Mutual Wheel Co.
Newt Marine
Northend Wrecking
Oak Street Furniture
Paulson Electric
Perfection Oil Co.
Peterson Logging
Rafoth Sheet Metal
Rainbo Oil Company
Rettenberger RV
REX TV
Rich & Junnies Coin
River City Paving
River City Stone
RSC Equipment Rentals
RUAN Transport
Sara Lee Bakery Group
Schuster Heating & Pump
Selco Inc.
Servpro
Sharons Furniture
Shopko
Simoniz Car Wash
Slumberland Furniture
180 Westside Ct.
2561 Front St.
5150 Wolf Rd.
2459 Kerper Blvd
5095 Pennsylvania
2455 NW Arterial
1745 Elm St.
1055 Century Circle
PO 1540
359 S. Main
85 Terminal
30 Jones St.
5 Jones St.
55 W. 32nd St
4370 Dodge St.
685 Century Dr.
2655 Lincoln Ave
15078 Route 52 N.
1766 Central
2255 Kerper Blvd
5200 Old Hwy Rd
4099 McDonald Dr.
2095 Kerper
12567 English Mill Rd.
12567 English Mill Rd.
390 E. 12th St
2150 Kerper Blvd
25 Main St.
100 Westside Ct.
15 S. Main
1044 Iowa St.
3400 Central
255 JFK Rd
3199 University
4390 Dodge St.
556-2551
583-3126
557-1888
557-8811
583-2588
557-1529
583-9146
588-1858
557-7540
556-0828
583-7386
556-0800
557-1855
556-0044
582-9609
588-2373
556-8444
552-1452
583-5766
582-7291
557-8686
582~10
588-1083
582-8334
582-8334
583-1132
543-1004
583-5791
582-2148
556-2434
584-2242
556-0624
583-5762
583~ 16
582-1095
. .
Steel Mart 555 E. 12th St. 582-3726
Stetson Building Products 1015 Century Circle 582-5410
Steve Smith 2255 JFK Rd 590-1708
Steve's Ace Hardware 1670 JFK 556-8030
Tandem Tire 3435 Stoneman Rd 582-3696
Tandem Tire 400 Harrison St. 557 -8300
Target 3500 Dodge St 557 -9800
Theisens Supply 4949 Chavenelle 556-4738
TM Inc. Warehousing 5401 Chavenelle 585-0168
Toys R Us 1300 JFK 582-8697
Tri Cor Insurance 500 Iowa St. 556-5441
Tri State Towing PO Box 932 583-9494
Tri State Truck Repair 3262 Dodge St 582-3530
Tschiggfrie Escavating 400 Julien Dubuque Dr. 557 -7 450
Uelner Tool 4545 Futuro Ct. 583-5125
United Rental 2175 Holiday Dr. 583-3966
USA Furniture 9079 E. Tamarack 586-2547
Valet Food Service 1230 E. 12th 588-2346
Verlo Mattress 2725 Dodge St. 585-0393
Vessel Systems 8025 Chavenelle Dr. 557-7443
Wal-Mart 4200 Dodge St 582-1003
Walser Crane Service 525 E. 19th St. 583-5735
WC Stewart Construction 221 E. 8th St. 588-4496
Weber Paper 4300 Chavenelle Rd. 588-4611
Weldon Tire 1247 Century Dr. 582-3991
Wenzel Towing 275 Salina St. 556-6480
Westphal Electric 750 Cedar Cross 583-5749
White Front Feed & Seed 4290 Dodge St. 556-7575
Willis Auto 1982 Rockdale Rd. 583-9329
Wilwerts Golf Carts 15 Nightengale Lane 557 -8818
Y ounkers 555 JFK Rd. 584-2940
Zephyr Aluminum 555 Huff St. 588 2036
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Jeanne Schneider
From: LarryW331@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2005 9:03 AM
To: rbuoI1@mchsLcom; amichalski@cityofdubuque.org; dnicholson@cityofdubuque.org;
jmarkham@cornerenergy.com; connors63@mchsi.com; pcline@cityofdubuque.org;
jschneid@cityofdubuque.org
Subject: Re: Recent Ordinance Eliminating Storage ContainersITrailers ("units")
Honorable Mayor and City Council,
Re: Recent Ordinance Eliminating Storage ContainerslTrailers ("units")
I have no financial interest in this ordinance...we do not use this type storage nor do
any of our Tenants.
Our currently adopted ordinance eliminates all such storage and City staff is now
reconsidering the terms of the ordinance to determine if it can be made more business
friendly.
I urge rescinding the ordinance and no new ordinance on this matter.
My concern is the City regulating this commerce activity.
1 I am not aware of any incidents where these units caused an accident or any
safety issues were compromised. We have had issues of illegal wiring, roof building,
blocking fire lanes, etc., that are violations of existing ordinances and could be
eliminated by enforcing fire codes and city ordinances. Another ordinance does not
seem necessary to eliminate the safety issues.
2 My information is that there are between 500 and 1000 of these units in the City.
Every day some of these units move in and out of various locations. If a site plan, with
site plan review is required to regulate the activity, it would seem like many meetings,
inspections and manpower hours would be required daily. Enforcement of any
ordinance to stop the violators, to determine if a unit is "storage," in transit waiting for
pickup or delivery, or in transit, would also be very labor intensive. I can't imagine our
City could ever collect enough fees to cover these expenses.
3 The ordinance eliminates the "storage unit business" ( The Denlingers) from
operating within the City limits. A very high percentage of the cities in our country have
this activity and I doubt they ban the business providing this service from operating
within their city limits.
4 Many, many Dubuque businesses depend on this storage method to efficiently
operate their plants and warehouses. It's not prudent to force these businesses to
make other arrangements that will add to their overhead and make them less
competitive in the market place. The City would also be weakened by adding overhead
dollars to its operating costs with little benefit to the taxpayers.
For the above reasons, I urge you to rescind the ordinance.
05/1312005
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Sincerely,
Larry Wolff
3890 Central Avenue
City
05/13/2005
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rage 1 U1 1
Jeanne Schneider
From:
To:
Sent:
Subject:
"Anglin, Ken" <Ken.Anglin@slbg.com>
<jschneid@cityofdubuque.org>
Monday, May 16, 2005 7:52 AM
Storage Container Ordinance
Mayor Terry Duggan
I hope you will turn down the Storage Container Ordinance, or at the very least table the issue until there is more
information given to the business community.
As Plant Manger of Sara Lee Bakery here in Dubuque I have been selling our cooperate office that Dubuque is
the community in which Sara Lee needs to grow and expand our business. With ordinances such as this one the
city council will again tie our hands as to how our company can use our property, and we will get to pay high taxes
for YOUR services. Our business involves transportation of tractors and trailers. As our business fluctuates with
seasonal volume we will be in a situation where we will have trailers that would fall under the new ordinance and
would require us to pay YOUR fee and follow YOUR plan.
I am writing this letter for all 150 of our current employees of Sara Lee Baking Co.
Please help us and let us run our business.
Ken Anglin
Ken.Anglin@SLBG.com
563-583-7645
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05/16/2005
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yage 1 or 1
Jeanne Schneider
From:
To:
"Ann Skemp" <annskemp@yousq.net>
<rbuoI1@mchsLcom>; <amichalski@cityofdubuque.org>; <dnicholson@cityofdubuque.org>;
<jmarkham@comerenergy.com>; <jconnors63@mchsi.com>; <pcline@cityofdubuque.org>;
<jschneid@cityofdubuque.org>; <ctymgr@cityofdubuque.org>
Monday, May 16, 2005 9:43 AM
Storage Trailers
Sent:
Subject:
Hello,
I read this mornings paper about the discussion that will be held tonight about storage trailers on private property.
I feel the need to write and ask you to consider changing the ban on these containers. My Father has one at his
shop and I work for a company that has one out back. These two trailers pose no threat to anyone and are not in
the way of anything and we would really like to keep them. We would be more than willing to abide by the rules
about wheels and not being stacked etc.
Please allow us to keep our storage trailers!!!
Thanks,
Keep Your Knees in the b~'eeze
Oak Ridge Apparel and Awards
Ann Skemp
{_;r,Jr.:l";ics DeDt.
annskerlt P(9Jyousq. rlet
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05/16/2005