City passes limits on storage units

The city of North Charleston, following a trend from other local governments, formally adopted regulations Thursday to control how long portable storage boxes can sit on your property.

As adopted, the ordinance covers how long temporary units, which sometimes go under brand names of PODS or UNITS, can be on site in both residential and non-residential areas.

In residential areas, the permitted time would not exceed 30 days per calendar year. In non-residential areas, the limit would be two instances of storage up to 60 days per calendar year.

Extra time could be allowed based on "reasonable need," such as if someone is dealing with home damage or destruction, renovation or repair.

The proposal comes as various complaints have surfaced around the area about storage units showing up in neighborhoods and staying continually.

Adopting the ordinance took months, partly because North Charleston officials debated requiring a permit to show what dates the unit will be at a site. As approved Thursday, the "user or the provider" must apply for a simple permit with the city's zoning department.

Some industry representatives said requiring the permit could hurt their business. City Councilman Kurt Taylor said council probably would re-examine the ordinance later after it has been in effect for a while.

Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Charleston County and other local governments all have regulated how long a room-size portable storage container can sit on a property. Rental containers have become popular for moving and long-term storage but also are used during home-renovation projects.