<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2Y3Vw9_1H5AbRuX00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2Y3Vw9_1H5AbRuX00" width="1530" height="1151" >Storage containers will be allowed with an administrative permit, rather than requiring an interim use permit, after the council unanimously voted to adopt the option, following a first reading of the newly-revised ordinance from city attorney Kelly Klun.The topic has arisen for discussion at the past few regular council meetings and was on the agenda Tuesday night.At previous meetings, council member Emily Roose had initially advocated for changes that would require interim use permitting, which could make it easier for the council to regulate container use.Storage containers may be placed on lots with no primary structure, for storage during the building process for that structure, when a zoning permit has been issued by the zoning officer. Containers must meet requirements and a building permit must be in effect.Containers may also be placed as accessory structures if a permit has been issued and other requirements are met.Though the local Small Business Association (SBA) disaster relief office closed today, businesses that sustained lost revenue from northern Minnesota’s summer wildfires can still apply for loans online at the SBA’s website until July 22, 2027.Businesses may apply for loans up to $2 million, depending upon the extent of their economic injury. Interest rates may hover as low as 3.625% for nonprofits and 4% for businesses, with no accrual of interest or payment required within the first year.“It gives people a little bit more time to try to recover from what they’ve already experienced,” said SBA representative Monica Myles at Tuesday’s regular city council meeting.The qualifying factor for an SBA disaster relief loan is a business’s inability to pay ordinary expenses due to the wildfire event.Businesses are asked to submit information including their business employer identification number, their income and debts, and other relevant information during the application process.Police chief Chad Houde reminds the public that the calendar parking season has now begun. On Halloween night alone, Houde placed 80 to 90 warnings on vehicles in violation of the rules.“I got good exercise,” Houde joked.Calendar parking ensures street cleaning and snow clearing operations run as smoothly as possible. The policy is in effect from Nov. 1 through May 31 and dictates which side of the road individuals may park on, depending upon the street and date. Information can be found online.The city council gave the greenlight for changes to the Fence Ordinance that will allow for taller fences, up from four feet to six feet on streets and avenues, and up to ten feet for fences in commercial districts. All fences and visual screens require a permit.The new regulations will reduce the volume of height variance requests city staff must sort through, which make up a large share of fence-related requests. All recent fence height variance requests have received city approval.The comprehensive plan steering committee will attend various Ely commission, committee and board meetings in early 2027 to seek input about the plan.Steering committee representatives ask city officials, administrators and board members to review the current comprehensive plan in order to most effectively describe their priorities for the next decade, and how they may have changed since 2016.The comprehensive plan provides a vision for Ely’s 10-year growth and development. A new plan is in the works, as the city’s last document was drafted in 2016.The property at 202 W Camp St. was rezoned from residential to commercial, as recommended by the board of adjustment.“Most of the property around it is commercial C1, so it makes a lot of sense for this property to move into the C1 (zoning),” Roose said.The motion passed with only council member Adam Bisbee voting against the re-zoning, citing that the adjoining property at 210 W Camp St. is opposed to the change.The city council again approved a list of energy rebates, HVAC repairs and heat technology installations at numerous public and private properties around town, as recommended by the Ely Utilities Commission (EUC).Council member Al Forsman encourages residents to take advantage of Ely’s rebate funds, which allow locals to install better units for less money.“It makes sense for utilities. It makes sense for yourselves. Please look into it when you’re doing any home improvement,” Forsman said.City council members additionally approved Pritchard Commercial’s $80,000 bid for a dump truck purchased on behalf of the Prospector ATV Club. Funds from the IRRRB and Federal Recreational Trail Program covered the purchase.Forsman conferred with a Prospector Club member to ensure Pritchard Commercial’s truck offering will meet the club’s needs.“We just want them to make sure we keep everything taken care of on the trails,” said mayor Heidi Omerza.</div></body>

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Storage containers will be allowed with an administrative permit, rather than requiring an interim use permit, after the council unanimously voted to adopt the option, following a first reading of the newly-revised ordinance from city attorney Kelly Klun. The topic has arisen for discussion at the past few regular council...

Council approves revisions to rules on storage containers

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Storage containers will be allowed with an administrative permit, rather than requiring an interim use permit, after the council unanimously voted to adopt

Council approves revisions to rules on storage containers

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