URBANA — The city council on Monday supported an ordinance that would put time, size and number restrictions on large storage units residents keep in their yards or on the street.

As it is written, residents would need to move storage containers off their property after an initial 30 days, or seek an extension from the city's zoning administrator.

The council made a last-minute change to allow indefinite time extensions if the property owner shows "good cause" and the zoning administrator agrees.

Council members also voted to be more lenient with the maximum number of storage units that could be allowed. Originally, the ordinance would have allowed a maximum of two units; under a revision made Monday, the maximum number would be left to the zoning administrator's discretion.

Council members made the changes largely in response to an audience member's complaints. Gina Pagliuso said that, had the ordinance been in place before, she would have had significant trouble moving her parents.

"We should probably base this on actual experiences instead of theoretical choices," said Alderman Dennis Roberts, D-Ward 5.

Residents would need to obtain a permit from the city to use one of the storage units, which often appear during moving or construction projects. Property owners would only be allowed one permit per a 12-month period.

Council members will need to formalize their support when they meet again next week.