July 31, 2026 · 9:00 AM
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on whether Metro North Communications can place a shipping container on a vacant industrial lot at 1910–20th Street, despite a city rule that generally bans containers on vacant lots.
Key Decisions
Public hearing and possible decision on an appeal to allow a shipping container on a vacant lot at 1910–20th Street—something the zoning code says is not allowed on vacant lots and only allowed as an accessory use in I-2 Industrial zoning.
Public Input
No public comments or communications recorded for this meeting.
Agenda Items
Public Hearing Appeal of Metro North Communications, Inc. (Owner – Applicant) for the placement of a shipping container on a vacant lot at 1910 – 20th Street. The property is zoned Industrial (I-2).
The board will hear an appeal from Metro North Communications asking to place a shipping container on a vacant industrial lot at 1910–20th Street. The agenda says the zoning code does not permit shipping containers on vacant lots, and in the I-2 Industrial district they are only allowed as an “accessory” use—meaning tied to an active primary use on the site, not sitting alone on an empty lot. This matters because it’s a test of whether the city will enforce its own limits on storage-style containers, or make an exception that could set expectations for other vacant industrial properties.
Public Input: A public hearing is scheduled with the applicant explanation, city staff findings, and public comments (three calls for input are listed in the agenda).
Action to be Taken
The agenda indicates the board is expected to take action after the public hearing, but it does not spell out what specific vote or options (approve/deny/conditions) will be considered. Residents who care about how strictly the city applies its container rules should watch this item closely, because the decision—whatever it is—will effectively define how the city treats shipping containers on vacant lots going forward.