Public hearing scheduled for 'on-demand' storage

BY KATHY BARATTA
Staff Writer

MANALAPAN - The Township Committee has set July 11 as the date for a public hearing and possible vote for adoption on a law that will regulate the placement and length of time residents make keep so-called pod storage units on their property.

The ordinance was introduced at a recent meeting of the committee.

According to the ordinance, an application process is being established that will include a permit fee and specific requirements as to where and how long a portable storage unit can occupy a space that must meet with township approval.

The ordinance states, "No non-residential use shall store materials of any kind outdoors in any (zoning) district except in connection with the construction of a structure to be erected on the premises unless specifically permitted in conjunction with an approved site plan or permitted elsewhere in this chapter.

"A portable on-demand storage structure may be used as a temporary structure within the township when in

compliance with the standards of this section. The term portable on-demand storage structure shall be defined to be any container, storage unit, shed-like container or other portable structure that can be or is used for the storage of personal property of any kind and which is located for such purposes outside an enclosed building other than an accessory building or shed complying with all building codes and land use requirements."

The ordinance states that a portable on-demand storage unit must be placed in the driveway of a residence unless otherwise approved by the zoning officer. It also stipulates that a permit to place one of these storage units on a property must be obtained from the office of the township's zoning enforcement officer.

In order to receive a permit, an applicant will be required to submit a sketch of his property showing where the storage unit will be placed, the distance of the storage unit from other buildings, fire hydrants or other utility equipment. A fee of $20 will be charged and is to be submitted with the application.

Failure to observe the application process will result in an after-the-fact permit being issued with the fee being set at 10 times the regular permit amount ($200).

The length of time that a portable on-demand storage unit may stay on a property has been set at 90 days. Finally, no more than two such storage units may be placed on a property at one time and no toxic or hazardous materials may be stored in them.