Guidelines for the placement and use of Shipping Containers on land in Knox:
Domestic properties
Shipping containers used on Domestic properties for medium or long term use as a habitable or non-habitable outbuilding, shed, storage or like occupancies will require a Building Permit and may require a Planning Permit dependent on the relevant Planning zone.
Shipping containers placed on site for a short term for transfer of house contents when relocating do not require a Building or Planning Permit. It is recommended that the surrounding neighbours be notified of the proposed timelines.
A Domestic property cannot be used for the storage of empty Shipping containers as this is a commercial use of the land.
Should the container require a Building Permit it must comply with Part 5 of the Building Regulations and all relevant parts of the National Construction Code Volume 2.
Commercial and Industrial properties
Shipping containers used on Commercial/Industrial properties for any purpose other than short term loading of goods for shipping purposes or in designated container storage facilities, require a Building and Planning Permit.
The shipping container must comply with all relevant parts of the National Construction Code Volume 1 and be sited in accordance with the conditions of a Planning Permit.
Council By-law
Without a permit an owner or occupier of any land must not encroach, place or allow to be placed any obstruction or other thing on a public place.
In order to obtain a building permit for a permanent placement of a shipping container through Council’s Building Department, plans must be submitted that include the following minimum requirements, a site plan, footings supporting the structure and means of collecting and dispersing the rainwater that will collect on the roof.
A Building permit will only be granted in circumstances where there is insufficient space or access on the property.