Palmerton can now regulate portable storage units on its borough streets.

On a 6-0 vote, borough council on Thursday adopted an ordinance to establish regulations for temporary storage units. Councilwoman Holly Hausman-Sell was absent.

Temporary storage units are defined in the ordinance as portable weatherproof moving containers commonly used for temporary storage and moving of personal items.

Requirements include completing an application for use of a temporary storage unit, designating the location of the placement of the temporary storage unit and the period of time it will be on location; a fee set forth by council via resolution that it will be paid upon application to the borough; and the police chief must approve the application for use of a temporary storage unit. This section does not apply to temporary storage units that may be placed wholly on private property.

In a related matter, council adopted a resolution establishing the following fees for temporary storage units: $25 per week paid in advance for the first 28 days; and $50 per week paid in advance for each following consecutive seven days.

In June, borough Manager Donna McGarry said the ordinance gives the chief of police the power to determine where the temporary storage units are located for safety reasons.

McGarry also noted at that time there’s been some concerns with where they’ve been located, safetywise.