BUTTE – Butte is considering adding time limits for the use of large storage containers on city streets.
“Short-term use of these containers is a good idea, but to leave these on the streets for the long term is not a good idea,” said District 6 Commissioner Jim Fisher.
The Council of Commissioners this week moved to have an ordinance drawn up to be voted on at a later date that would limit how long these containers can remain on the street.
“Have a time limit the streets and some type of process procedure so that we know where they are at, how long they will be there and when they will be removed,” said Fisher.
Some commissioners say these units are not only eye-sores but create a traffic hazard.
“Sometimes when they’re parked in certain ways at four-way stop signs or two-way stop signs, they’re safety hazards because people can’t see the stop signs,” said Fisher.
The commissioner says he has no problem with people using the storage containers like this one. It’s only a problem when they’re being used for long-term storage in public places.
“What’s happening is some of these are becoming permanent-type storage units on the main streets of Butte, Montana, and that’s just not a good thing,” said Fisher.
One storage unit has been parked on the street as long as 8 months.
Once a draft ordinance is drawn up, the council will review it and vote on it at a later date.
