A newly-approved ordinance restricts the use of storage containers in Barrington.

The town council voted unanimously to approve the new ordinance which limits the size of allowable storage containers and restricts the containers from being kept in front yards.

Barrington Town Manager Jim Cunha said the law is response to some eyesores that have popped up in residential neighborhoods.

"We had an issue with some folks parking trailers on their front lawns," Mr. Cunha said. "They had become permanent storage."

The ordinance states that storage containers must be no larger than 20-feet-by-8-feet, and they cannot be kept on a property for longer than 60 days. Mr. Cunha said storage containers being used as part of residential construction projects can be kept on properties for more than 60 days, as long as there is a valid building permit issued for the job.

The town manager added that the new ordinance does not pertain to people who store trailers on their property overnight as part of their occupations.

"This isn't going to prevent a landscaper from parking his trailer at his home every night," Mr. Cunha said. 

The ordinance also states that containers may not be located on the front lawn of any property; shall not be located so as to reduce the amount of available off-street parking spaces; and must be screened by a solid fence or hedge from public view from the road.

"It's a good rule," added Mr. Cunha.