By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Hays City Commissioners will review the city ordinance involving how long portable shipping containers can remain on commercial property.

Scott Simpson, owner of Best Radiator, addressed commissioners at Tuesday’s city commission work session stating it appears the ordinance is enforced “sporadically.” He questioned whether the regulations, which states the containers can remain on a property for only 10 days, is being enforced equally — specifically mentioning containers at Walmart.

Mayor Kent Steward said although he supports Walmart, the retailer is “in gross violation” and suggested the city revisit the ordinance.

According to Commissioner Eber Phelps, shipping containers make sense for businesses. Phelps said shipping containers are an affordable storage option, and commissioners should be able to come up with a “middle ground compromise.”

Commissioner Ron Mellick said he has “no problem” with shipping containers present on commercial property on a “rotating basis,” so long as they did not remain for extended periods of time.

City commissioners agreed to review the ordinance at a city commission meeting in April.

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