Temporary Buildings Weighed Case-by-Case

Permits for temporary, modular buildings in the city will be given on a case-by-case basis, the City Council has determined.

The council said a long-range policy on such temporary buildings may be decided after the city staff provides additional information.

The issue came before the council last week when Community Development Director Chris Kelly said St. Irenaeus Church was requesting another three years’ approval for a modular building used for day care.

“This request brings up a broader issue of whether the city wants to allow long-term temporary buildings, such as this modular unit,” Kelly told the council.

“In researching other cities, some do allow for temporary trailers or modular buildings within which program expansions are allowed for a limited time period.”

Council members said they wanted to continue permission for St. Irenaeus to use its modular building. “I’d like to see them keep it,” Councilwoman Cecilia L. Age said. “I don’t think it would be appropriate to shut them down.”

Council members said St. Irenaeus will be given permission for up to three more years for its modular building. Other cases involving temporary buildings will be studied on an individual basis, pending a long-range policy, the council said.