North Charleston is joining the list of local governments looking to regulate the length of time portable storage units can sit on your property.

A proposal going to the city's Planning Commission would create a limit of seven days that a unit can be in place in a residential area "while actively being loaded or unloaded."

In non-residential areas, the units would be limited to 60 days provided the storage unit is not visible from surrounding parcels or the public right of way.

Two instances of storage in both areas would be allowed per calendar year.

Permits allowing for an extension could be issued based on "reasonable need," such as if someone is dealing with home damage or destruction, renovation or repair.

The proposal comes as complaints have surfaced around the region about storage units showing up in neighborhoods and staying on-site continually.

Frank Young, chairman of the commission, declined to speak about the proposal Monday, saying he does not comment outside of regular meetings and hadn't seen what had been drafted.

The issue is scheduled to be discussed at next month's commission meeting.

Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Charleston County and other local governments all have regulated how long a room-sized portable storage container can sit on a property.

The containers, commonly rented under brand names including PODS and UNITS, have become popular for moving and long-term storage but also are used during home renovation projects.

The North Charleston ordinance being considered does not cover storage sheds, shipping containers, tool sheds and trash bins.

Reach Schuyler Kropf at 937-5551 or skropf@postandcourier.com

On the Web: Read about other municipalities' attempts to legislate portable storage units at postandcourier.com.