Development News for Bluffdale, Utah

City Considers New Rules for Shipping Container Storage, Tables Item for Redrafting

The Planning Commission discussed proposed revisions to the city code regarding the storage and use of shipping containers. Initially, the proposal aimed to regulate their placement in residential and non-residential zones, including requirements for secure storage and limitations on size and quantity. Community feedback led to revisions, such as removing the requirement for securing containers against theft and allowing storage on gravel or compacted surfaces instead of only concrete or asphalt. The discussion also delved into differentiating regulations for residential versus commercial/industrial zones, with proposals for limits based on lot size for residential areas (e.g., one container per 20,000 sq ft for lots under 20,000 sq ft, one per 5,000 sq ft for larger lots) and a ratio of one container per 8,000 sq ft for non-residential zones. Concerns were raised about potential conflicts with new design standards for commercial properties and the definition of 'good repair.' The commission ultimately voted to table the item to allow staff to redraft language, specifically addressing temporary uses (moving, remodeling), commercial site plan requirements, the distinction between vehicles and containers, and the language regarding containers becoming permanent structures. They also favored changing regulations from a unit-based limit to a linear footage limit for flexibility.

New Definitions for Fulfillment Centers and Medical Transport Establishments Approved for Council Review

The Planning Commission considered a text amendment to add definitions for 'fulfillment center' and 'medical transportation establishment' and permit these uses in specific non-residential zones. A fulfillment center was defined as a facility up to 10,000 sq ft without a retail storefront, not open to the public, for storing, packaging, and shipping goods. A medical transportation establishment was defined as a service for transporting patients, potentially including sleeping facilities for up to four on-call providers. The commission reviewed proposed zoning applications, permitting fulfillment centers in certain flex retail areas and non-residential zones (excluding neighborhood commercial and civic institutional), while medical transportation establishments were proposed for professional office, heavy commercial, regional commercial, and heavy/light industrial zones, but excluded from general commercial, neighborhood commercial, sand and gravel, or civic institutional zones due to proximity to residential areas and potential noise impacts. The commission voted unanimously to forward a positive recommendation to the city council.