Alexandria is considering making trailers permanent structures.
The city’s special use permit process currently allows commercial businesses and schools to use temporary trailers for two years, followed by an option to extend the use for an additional period.
City staff are seeking guidance from the Planning Commission at its meeting tonight on the potential policy change.
Restaurant approvals are most often allowed for five years, while other uses are generally allowed for two years, according to the city.
The city is evaluating these options:
Option A: Allowing trailers to operate by-right
- This option relies on state building, fire and health codes to address maintenance, structural, health and safety matters
- This option is only applicable in commercial zones
- The uses must be allowed in the zone and would be subject to zoning ordinance approval regulations
Option B: Administrative special use permit (SUP)
- Requires administrative SUP approval for all trailer requests in commercial zones
- With a two-year approval, private and commercial schools would be included and the trailers would not be visible from the public right of way
- No time limit SUPs would be for restaurants, retail shops and public schools
