CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF CLEARWATER
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-05
AMENDING PART II, CHAPTER 117 – ZONING
ARTICLE I – DEFINITIONS and
ARTICLE V – GENERAL BUILDING AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
OF THE CLEARWATER CITY CODE
THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, MINNESOTA, HEREBY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
City Code Section 117-1 – Definitions is hereby amended to add the following:
Portable Storage Unit: A storage unit or container designed, constructed or reconstructed to be capable of movement via towing, hauling, attachment to a vehicle from one site to another and designed to be used without a permanent foundation for the storage or shipment of household goods, wares, building materials or merchandise. Portable storage units shall include semi-trailers, cargo or shipping containers, and similar units which are used primarily for storage rather than transport.
Temporary Outdoor Storage Container: A portable storage unit that does not have a permanent foundation or footing and which includes cargo containers, portable storage containers, and bulk solid waste containers. Such structures shall not be considered a building. A temporary storage structure may include a self-storage container that is delivered to and retrieved from a home or business for long term off-site or on-site storage. Temporary outdoor storage containers shall be permitted for a maximum of one hundred and twenty (120) days.
City Code Section 117-1037 - Outside storage/display is hereby amended to add the following new section (e):
(e) Portable Storage Units.
1. Permitted locations and prohibitions.
a. Residential Districts.
i. Portable storage units may not be permanently placed, stored or used on any residential property. Units with alterations, such as cosmetic or structural changes made for the container to appear more like an accessory building or structure, are not allowed permanently on residential property.
ii. A portable storage unit may be temporarily placed, stored, or used for storage on residential properties for moving purposes for up to one month in a 12-month period.
iii. A portable storage unit may be temporarily placed, stored or used for storage on residential properties for construction or renovation purposes provided all required permits are obtained for the project, the project remains in compliance, and the portable storage unit is removed from the lot upon completion of the project. Use is subject to the standards within this section
and the respective zoning district.
b. Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Districts.
i.Portable storage units shall be allowed subject to the standards within this section and the respective zoning district.
2. Standards. The following standards shall apply to portable storage units in all zoning districts.
a. No portable storage units shall be modified, retrofitted or used on-site for any purpose other than storage. Portable storage units shall not be provided with refrigeration, heating, electricity or plumbing for the purpose of human habitation or to conduct commercial
activities.
b. All portable storage units shall be stored in a secure fashion with doors that are fully closed.
c. All portable storage units shall be placed on a bituminous or concrete surface.
d. Portable storage units shall not be stacked on one another.
e. No portable storage unit may be placed on public right of way, block a public sidewalk or be placed in a location that does not comply with the requirements of section 117-1035.
f. Portable storage units shall be maintained in good condition, free from evidence of
deterioration, weathering, discoloration, graffiti, rust, ripping, tearing, or other holes
or breaks, always.
g. Portable storage units that become unsound, unstable or otherwise dangerous shall be immediately repaired or removed from the property where kept, subject to the city’s
requirements. The city shall provide notice to the owner of the property where the cargo container is located of any condition in violation of this section. After notice to the
property owner, any cargo container stored or kept in a manner deemed a dangerous
condition and a public nuisance as determined by the city may be immediately removed
by the city. Any cost or expense associated with the removal shall be the responsibility of the property owner where the cargo container is located.
h. Portable Storage units in Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Districts shall be screened in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 117-1130 (b): Fencing and Screening Standards. The screening shall serve to minimize visual impacts on adjacent residential properties.
3. Current violations; time to comply.
a. Portable storage units located on Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional District prior to the effective date of this chapter are considered illegal.
b. All property owners within the city shall have 12 months from the effective date of this chapter to bring the properties, which currently portable storage units that are in violation of the terms of this chapter, into full compliance with the provisions of this section.
Effective Date. This ordinance shall be effective October 13, 2025, following its passage and publication, which is hereby authorized by the City Council.
ADOPTED THIS 13th DAY OF OCTOBER 2025.
/s/ Andrea Lawrence Wheeler, Mayor
ATTEST: Annita Smythe, City Administrator
City of Clearwater
(Published in the Patriot: 10/18/25.)
