Town takes steps to limit shipping container uses

The new rules primarily regulate the amount of time and the location where a homeowner might place a shipping container on his or her property. The code also prohibits the use of a shipping container as a dwelling.

Board members discussing the code at the meeting suggested the code was rewritten to prevent homeowners from getting permits for shipping containers in order to turn them into Airbnbs.

According to the draft, “It is the intention of the Town Board to maintain a clean, wholesome and attractive community and to guard against the creation of nuisances and conditions that may endanger the health, safety and welfare of the residents, reduce the value of properties, interfere with the use and enjoyment of adjoining properties and interfere with the well-being of the public.”

Catskill Town Supervisor Dale Finch said no specific event or events necessitated the addendum, but rather the town has seen probl

cems arise in surrounding communities involving shipping containers and wanted to prevent such situations in Catskill.

“The proposed container law is a proactive approach to maintaining the aesthetics of the community and minimizing the negative effects they have on a community,” said Finch. “The proposed container law takes into consideration the different zoning districts, so different criteria will apply, depending on the district.”

Town Code Enforcement Officer Matt Carlile said recently that a number of Catskill homeowners were opting for shipping containers instead of placing a shed on their property.

“They seem to be a popular alternative to buying a shed. Sometimes they’re 8-by-20, sometimes 8-by-40. We’re trying to do the best we can to make everything work well for the community and close any loopholes people might try to take advantage of,” said Carlile.

In June 2021, the village of Catskill filed a lawsuit against a Liberty Street resident who was storing a container in his backyard while his home was undergoing renovation, because the container was larger than the village code allowed.

In September 2021, Catskill Town Justice Richard Paolino ruled that the matter would be held over for a bench trial or the defendant would obtain the proper permits or remove the container altogether.

Weeks later the village backed away from that position and told the resident he could keep the container on his property throughout construction, which angered Paolino.

“I’m kind of like aggravated because the time wasted on this matter since June of this year,” Paolino said. “All of a sudden now, because somebody doesn’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings, they’re going to change the law, but not really change the law, they’re just going to cover up the violations.”