One of the most visible types of temporary buildings is overflowing charity drop boxes, such as those maintained by Hannah Homes.

City Planner Scott Griess read a draft ordinance recently to the Athens City Council suggesting a crackdown on all temporary structures, not just charity drop boxes.

The city has received frequent complaints about the overflowing conditions of the Hannah Home boxes that are placed at several locations around town. Officials say America’s Thrift Stores, a Christian based organization that operates the boxes, will empty them after they complain and cleanup the site. But soon the boxes revert to their previous conditions.

But there are also numerous temporary buildings cluttering construction sites or being used for storage or trailers being used for business.

“This ordinance would limit the use of such structures for business or as appurtenances,” said Griess.

If the Planning Commission recommends the ordinance and the City Council approves it, owners of such temporary buildings would have to obtain a city permit before placing them on property.

“This doesn’t apply to residential storage buildings,” said Griess. “A building must be permanently affixed to a slab to be classified as permanent. It shall not be used for habitation or as accessory storage. Portable buildings for construction won’t get a permit until a building permit is issued.”