Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 29, 2009 6:00 PM
There are demands for the City of Vernon to clamp down on metal storage containers.The North Okanagan Mini Storage Association claims metal bin sales are operating from unauthorized sites and that is creating regulatory issues as well as the containers not being esthetically pleasing.“They are causing an eyesore,” said Wendy Kay, representing the association. She says that development permits are not required for the containers and zoning is not being followed although other businesses, including those who own mini storage facilities, must do so.“We are seeing them all over town.”
Kay also questions why building permits aren’t required.“This will become a larger issue if these containers are converted into dwelling units,” she said.Kay says city revenues are being negatively impacted, including through property taxes.“The city is forgoing development cost charges and businesses licences. They don’t reflect what is actually taking place.”Kay also points to possible safety concerns because the containers are stacked on top of each other and believes they break sign rules because each bin has the name of the company selling it.“They are not being regulated like any business, not just mini-storage.”
City staff say there haven’t been significant problems related to the storage containers.“We do periodically get some complaints, specifically where people are trying to place them on roadways,” said Clint Kanester, bylaw enforcement manager.
1 comment:
The advertising container located on the parade square of the Army Camp is an eyesore and a disgrace. What could it possibly be storing?
It's about time the City starting dealing with these things.
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