Public comment period for shipping container placement on residential and commercial lots in Albany opens
A draft policy with new rules for placing shipping containers on residential and commercial lots in Albany has opened for public comment.
The draft policy was brought to the City of Albany’s August 27 ordinary council meeting. The officer’s report noted the common misconception in the community that putting a shipping container on a lot does not require approval.
Any container placement on a lot in the City of Albany needs approval.
Shipping containers previously fell under the Non-Habitable Structures Local Planning Policy that was revoked in June.
The new policy would explicitly restrict shipping containers to lots with an existing fixed building or dwelling, ruling out placing them on vacant lots.
It would also see the rejection of containers stacked on top of each other, containers placed over septic tanks and leach drains or other utilities, and in dedicated carpark, bin storage, landscaping or vehicle manoeuvring areas.
The proposal is designed to not only give clearer guidelines on shipping containers but to also cut down on paperwork by offering possible approval exemptions for the temporary placement of shipping containers for unloading and or loading of materials.
Under the changes, shipping containers placed must also be modified to be opened from the inside to ensure people cannot be trapped inside.
At the August 27 meeting, concerns were raised by Cr Mario Lionetti who said the proposed draft local planning policy shipping containers would “open up a lot of red tape” and “a big can of worms”.
“I think we’re just digging into the ratepayers’ pockets on these — they’re not dangerous, we just need to come up with a better solution,” he said.
Cr Lynn MacLaren said the comment period is an opportunity for the community to provide input on the proposal and that there existed an issue of public safety if not addressed.
“I think that we have looked at all the facets of this proposal,” she said.
“I think if we turn away at this point and don’t put this out for public consultation we risk chaos.
“Our officers have highlighted that this is a stickler for them — they’re having to make decisions on the run, they may have inconsistency.
“Issues of public safety are at stake.
“Let’s find out what Albany wants, it’s our job.”
The comment period is open from until October 8.
Submissions can be submitted online, emailed to [email protected], or mailed to the City of Albany, PO Box 484, Albany WA 6331.
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