As you know, we are currently dealing with the city of Hays “inoperable vehicle” ordinance, Sec. 26-40, which affects us all. In addition to this, the ordinance forbidding the use of storage containers, Sec.11-134, has been brought up as well, and I consider them linked and equally important.  ‘

Whether you own or rent one of these convenient and inexpensive means of protecting your overflow inventory, shop equipment or personal property or not, this still goes back to the right to use your “commercial” or “industrial” property as you see fit in an orderly manner on the property you pay taxes on.

Forbidding the employment of such business facilities in the city limits is equally as troubling as the “inoperable vehicle” ordinance. Most of us try desperately to keep order in our business. Choosing to use a storage container to help manage your business can help solve a lot of problems when you’re just plain out of room whether temporary or permanent.

Most people are not aware of the fact you are forbidden to possess these in the city limits for the simple fact that most all business owners are aware that you typically do not need a building permit to set something on your property that doesn’t require cement, rebar, lumber, electricians, contractors, etc. That, coupled with the fact that you see them located in a lot of business places throughout town, would cause most to think that it was an acceptable means to an end and wouldn’t think twice on purchasing one for business use if needed.

What a slap in the face to have one for six months or a year, only to be told after the fact they are not allowed.

The ordinance in question allows for one 60-day permit, one possible 60-day extension and only one permit per year. This obviously does not accommodate those who need or wish to utilize them for longer periods nor does it allow for those who have the room and may need to utilize multiple units such as Walmart, for example.

This is handicapping to businesses that need this service or facility and should not be prohibited from use. Storage containers can provide a weather-proof, fire-resistant, theft-resistant, movable unit that gives us a place to put some of the things the city would prefer not to see stacked outside long term on our property like building materials, equipment, steel, vehicle parts, etc.

It would seem to most this would be a welcome thing on commercial or industrial property as opposed to stuff sitting around outside our buildings. Of course, this would be provided we have enough lot space to house one or more without impeding the normal flow of pedestrians, traffic or emergency access to existing structures.

Again, not unlike the “inoperable vehicle” ordinance, no one wants to see acres and acres of these units crammed into and double or triple stacked on every other street corner but that is not happening.

The only concession I see that would be acceptable is that if they are going to be permanent or long term that maybe the city could require that they be painted white or a matching color to the existing structures they facilitate and given enough time to accomplish this. Long term or permanent units would then appear much more attractive to the passersby and blend into the surrounding structures. I am not sure how others would perceive that concession, but I think that would be acceptable to most.

Again, please come and let the commissioners know of your concerns on these two topics at the next meeting at 6:30 p.m. Jan 23 at City Hall. If they don’t know there is a problem, they cannot help us. This is another business prohibitive ordinance that was passed with little thought to the handicapping consequences on small business owners in this community.

Hays can be a great place to live and do business but we all need each others help to accomplish and maintain this. You presence is needed and appreciated as much as your spoken voice. Even if you do not own or wish to own or rent a container, these kinds of cost saving business strategies help keep overhead down. Lower overhead allows us to conduct business at a lower cost which increases commerce, makes Hays a good place to shop and spend and makes for happier return customers.

We are all in this together. United we stand, divided we fall and everyone pays the price.

Scott Simpson, d.b.a. Best Radiator