Farmers could be allowed to use shipping containers for agricultural activities, thanks to possible amendments to Kent’s zoning bylaw.
On Monday, Oct. 28, Kent council gave first and second reading to a number of changes to the zoning bylaw.
The most significant of these would allow for people on land zoned for agricultural use to incorporate shipping containers into their farming work. Currently, shipping containers are allowed to be used to store material; however, the district has received a recent variance application from a farmer who wanted to turn a shipping container into a small barn for poultry.
“It will just give some more affordable building options for farmers, especially with small lot agriculture” director of development services Darcey Kohuch said. “Obviously you wouldn’t build a dairy barn out of these things — well, never say never.”
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Any shipping container used would need to conform to the other regulations, which includes setbacks and making sure they’re painted a colour that coordinates with the buildings.
Other changes to the zoning bylaw include some housekeeping amendments to keep the bylaw in line with the ALC regulations, changing some wording around accessible parking and removing the flood control provision since it’s contained in another bylaw.
It also includes some changes to the wording around fences in the district, to make it clear that eight-foot fences are only allowed behind the front line setback. The changes also allow for six-foot fences to be built on retaining walls that are put up during a subdivision development — something that is applicable to homes in areas like Harrison Highlands.
The public will have a chance to comment on the proposed changes at a public hearing on Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers. After the public hearing, council will consider third reading and final adoption for the amendments.
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