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Shipping containers have become more readily available in recent years due to an increased supply of second-hand containers from transport companies. As a result, they are frequently used as a low-cost and secure storage option and have become increasingly popular within Buloke Shire.
The absence of clear and consistent guidelines governing the use of shipping containers has resulted in Council experiencing a rise in compliance and enforcement issues relating to the unauthorised placement of shipping containers. This fact sheet has been developed to assist both Council and landowners by providing clarity on the appropriate use, siting and management of shipping containers.
Depending on the circumstances, the placement and use of a shipping container may require a planning permit and/or a building permit.
Short term use/placement
Neither planning nor building permits are required for the short-term use of a shipping container. Examples of short term uses include:
Note: Short term use may require a Local Law Permit
Long term use/placement
Both planning and building permits are required for the long-term use and placement of a shipping container for storage purposes, conversion to tiny house, small office, café, etc.
Planning Permits
Whether a shipping container requires a planning permit depends on a number of factors, including:
Domestic
A planning permit is generally required on residential land where a shipping container is proposed:
A planning permit is generally not required where the shipping container is associated with an existing dwelling and is used:
These requirements may vary depending on the applicable zoning and overlays. A building permit is required in all circumstances.
Commercial and Industrial
A planning permit is required for the buildings and works associated with the placement of a shipping container.
The use of shipping containers on commercial or industrial land for any purpose other than short-term loading or unloading of goods for shipping, or within a designated shipping container storage facility, may require a planning permit.
Planning Permit application
A planning permit application will require the following to be submitted:
Building Permits
There are regulations that govern the use of shipping containers on private land. A shipping container to be used as a store, habitable room, dwelling or any other use, will be a classifiable building under the National Construction Code and the Building Regulations 2018.
A building permit is required to place a shipping container on properties for medium- or long-term use.
Examples requiring a building permit on domestic properties include:
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.
Building Permit Application
To obtain a building permit for the permanent/long term placement of a shipping container, you need to submit plans that include a site plan and information about:
Note: 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. Where the Relevant Building Surveyor is not satisfied that the appropriate information has been provided, then they cannot issue the building permit.
Online Planning and Building Portal - Greenlight
Our online planning and building portal - Greenlight - is your one-stop-shop for all requests relating to planning and/or building permits and applications.
The Greenlight online portal also makes it easier for all residents to search the publicly available planning register and/or make a submission on any advertised application.
Enter the GREENLIGHT PORTAL
More information about building and planning
Contact Buloke Shire Council's Planning Department on 1300 520 520, email planning@buloke.vic.gov.au, or visit www.buloke.vic.gov.au.
Media Enquiries:
For further information contact Buloke Shire Council on 1300 520 520 or email media@buloke.vic.gov.au