Storage for the home? Highland Park City Council discusses the use of storage containers, including as a residence

Have dreams of living in a storage container? Those dreams could come true in Highland Park.

The City Council of Highland Park has been broadly discussing alternative uses of storage containers for several months. In a conversation during Monday’s Committee of the Whole, councilmembers agreed on some potential parameters for their usage, which opened a dialogue about their potential as primary dwellings. 

The city is looking to create a more defined policy around the use and location of storage containers, specifically looking at containers not connected to a building permit. For example, if a resident used a POD container to store their winter decorations, they would be subject to this potential new policy.

Conversations surrounding storage containers began in November 2023. The topic was brought up again in February when the council requested additional municipal research.

When discussed on Monday, Joel Fontane, the city’s director of community development, presented research derived from 19 neighboring municipalities and asked for council feedback on the duration of the usage, exceptions for the ordinance, and the use of containers as primary dwelling units.

The councilmembers agreed on allowing short-term use for up to 14 days without a permit. From there, they suggested a special-use permit for an extension of 15 to 30 days. They also want to allow an exception for governmental agencies like the Highland Park Fire Department, which uses a container to house additional materials.

The use of a storage container as the primary building material for a home divided the council. Using a storage container as a home is a new architectural trend that has recently reached Chicagoland. 

On one end, Councilmember Yumi Ross was opposed to the idea of living alongside an outfitted container.

“I don’t think any of us want to live next door to that,” Ross said. “I just don’t think it’s a good look for the community, and I don’t think it’s fair to homeowners who might not be expecting that to suddenly pop up.”

Councilmember Andrés Tapia disagreed. He believes the unique homes can match Highland Park’s standards while also being a sustainable solution. Addressing Ross’ thoughts, he said the homes should undergo the same review as any new home.

“They are lower cost, they are recyclable, which is good for our planet and they provide affordability that I think is inclusive and can maintain the aesthetic of our community,” Tapia said.  

The concept intrigued Councilmembers Barisa Meckler Bruckman and Annette Lidawer, both of whom expressed a desire for more research. Councilmember Anthony Blumberg and Mayor Nancy Rotering sided with Ross against their use as primary homes. 

The municipal research found that 95% of the surveyed municipalities allow for temporary use of storage containers with varying limits on duration, averaging around 10 to 30 days. Nearly all of those communities allow for some form of extension. 

The research also found that 71% of the municipalities do not specifically prohibit using containers as building materials, yet two were exploring new policies. 

The staff will take this feedback to the public hearing at the Plan and Design Commission.

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