Shipping containers
You may need a planning and/or building permit to use a shipping container. This includes for:
- personal storage
- commercial purposes
- farm or machinery storage
- habitable purposes
Do I need a planning permit for a shipping container on private property?
A shipping container used for domestic storage, farm storage or as a detached habitable building such as a studio or rumpus room/bungalow will be classified as an outbuilding under the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme.
A planning permit for building and works to site an outbuilding/shipping container on your property may be required and will depend on your property’s planning zones and overlays.
A property used for the storage of empty shipping containers could be considered as a commercial use of the land. An application for a planning permit would be required to be lodged with council for the use of the land for shipping container storage with the Planning Services team.
Enter your address in ePlanning to find out if you need a permit.
Find out if I need a planning permit
Do I need a building permit for a shipping container on private property?
Shipping containers used on properties for medium or long term use as a habitable or non-habitable outbuilding, shed, storage or similar will require a building permit.
Shipping containers placed on site temporarily to assist in moving house or for site building works during construction does not require a building or planning permit. It is recommended that the surrounding neighbours be notified of the proposed timelines.
Shipping containers used on commercial properties for any purpose other than short term loading of goods for shipping purposes or in designated container storage facilities, require a building permit.
If the container requires a permit, it must comply with the requirements of the building regulations and all the relevant parts of the National Construction Code.
Find out if you need a building permit
Can I put a shipping container on Council Property?
If you intend to place a shipping or storage container on Council Land or in a public place, you must get a permit from Councils Community Safety team.
You can for apply for a storage container permit online.
Apply for a storage container permit
Contact the building or planning department for more information at 1300 368 333