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For information about placement of a shipping container on private property, refer to our Building safety and compliance guidelines.
A permit will not be approved without prior inspection/assessment by an authorised officer.
Applying for a permit
Placement of a shipping container, storage container or similar on Council land requires at least 7 days' notice to Council before placement.
To apply online, you must attach a diagram/map showing the proposed container location, and a Public Liability Insurance certificate for $20 million listing Knox City Council as an interested party.
Once your application is submitted:
- We will review your application and contact you if we need more information.
- Conduct an inspection of the proposed site.
- Email you the outcome of your application. You are not permitted to place the container without the permit being approved first.
Fees and charges
The following fees are valid from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.
| Type of fee | When | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee (non-refundable) | On application | $188 |
| Permit fee | Per week | $200 |
How long can the containers remain out?
Each container placement is valid for up to 7 days and will be subject to permit conditions.
Containers must be removed by the end of the day of the day the permit expires.
You must reapply for a permit if a container is to remain in a public place for more than 7 days.
Extended periods of placement will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Penalties and fines
Placing a shipping container, storage container or similar on Council land or roads without a valid permit may result in an on-the-spot fine.
Council can also impound any container that does not follow policy or is positioned dangerously. All impounding costs will be charged to the resident / property owner.
Container safety and care
Container providers must ensure that:
- The container complies with the Vic Roads Code of Practice for the placement of Waste Bins on roadsides in relation to being fitted with a light or reflective tape and side markings.
- The ‘supplier’ and ‘driver’ are aware of the responsibilities in the VicRoads Code of Practice for the placement of containers on roadsides.
- The container may be located on the road, road related area, or other Council land if a suitable location is not available on private land.
- A container is positioned so that it is clearly visible for a distance of at least 100 meters when placed on a road.
- Your contact details (name and phone number) are clearly displayed on both sides of the container.
- The container isn’t a danger to public safety and does not obstruct any footpath, pedestrian access, emergency vehicle, drainage pit or outlet channel.
- Containers, and the area adjacent, are kept clean, and rubbish does not overflow.
- Containers will not be used to store contaminated or hazardous materials.
- Materials in the container must not rot or cause offensive odours.
- The area around the container is clean after the container is removed
- Placement of the container does not contravene any traffic control sign or road rule that would apply to vehicles, including but not limited to being placed in designated areas such as No Stopping, Loading Zone, Bus Zones, Accessible Parking Bays or where other parking restrictions may apply.
- Damage does not occur to any Council infrastructure or asset. You are responsible for any damage to channels, footpaths, nature strips or other council assets. Any damage must be reported to Council as soon as possible.
- It is not placed on a footpath.
- Placement on a nature strip must have at minimum 1.5 metres of clear pedestrian access at all times.
- You comply with all permit conditions and the Knox City Council Amenity Local Law 2020.
- The container is removed by the permit’s expiry date.
- The holder of this permit must accept full and total responsibility in the event of any damage which may arise from or involve articles, or things which are deposited or erected on the street road, road related area, or footpath in relation to the works.
For more information on placing containers on the road, download the VicRoads code of practice for placement of waste bins on roadsides.
Need help?
Contact us and we will get back to you.
Or call our Customer Service team on 9298 8000.
