Below is an overview of the main rules and regulations around using a shipping container on your land for storage or work in the state of California. We are by no means authorities in this regard, so we encourage you to do your own research. If you would like to contribute any of your knowledge in this field to this article, please contact us.
Generally, shipping containers that are used for the storage of equipment and objects are considered as 'equipment', not 'structures' under national regulations. This means that shipping containers for storage do not come under the guidelines of the International Building Codes, which makes life much easier.
Technically speaking, a shipping container that is used for storage is first categorized as a portable storage unit used for the shipping and/or storage and transportation of materials, inventory, or products, and is then constructed. It should be placed directly on the ground without a foundation, have no wheels or axle, and have no utilities connected to it.
If the shipping container is to be fixed permanently to footings or foundations, this may change its classification away from equipment to a structure, and permits might be required depending on which area of the country you live in. There are also certain cities, depending on the intended use and specific location, that may require permits to be used, even if the shipping container is only to be used for storage.
Before buying, renting, or putting a shipping container on your land, it is always a good idea to talk to your local building or planning department to understand what the restrictions might be in your area. Like many things in this country, regulations and guidelines are set on a State, County or City level and do vary.
State of California:
Los Angeles: Los Angeles requires a Use of Land permit for shipping containers used for storage, but no building permit. It is best to contact both the Department of Building and Safety and the Planning Department before you put a shipping container on your land. Local neighbourhoods or homeowners’ associations (if residential) may have their own regulations. Shipping containers for portable storage are allowed without a permit for use on any permitted construction site.
City of Fresno: Shipping containers can be used for storage on any zone except residential or mixed-use. Shipping containers should be screened from view from major roads and highways. In commercial districts, shipping containers are limited to one per 20,000 square feet of area of the main building. Buildings with less than 20,000 square feet are allowed one. It's best to contact the Planning and Development Department before putting the container on your land. Local neighbourhoods or homeowners’ associations (if residential) may have their own regulations. Shipping containers for portable storage are allowed without a permit for use on any permitted construction site.
Bakersfield: Bakersfield only allows shipping containers for storage use on Commercial or Industrial land. The number of containers you can put on your land is limited to one per 20,000 square feet of area of the main building. Bakersfield rarely allows shipping containers on other zones, and only with a conditional use permit. Shipping containers must be a neutral or earth-tone color. Shipping containers for portable storage are allowed without a permit for use on any permitted construction site. Contact the Building Department to find out specific restrictions for your area.
Long Beach: Long beach only allows shipping containers for storage on industrial zones, active construction sites, at the port, and at events with a permit. They are not allowed on any other zone. Follow up with the Development Services Department for more info.
City of San Diego: Shipping containers for use as storage must receive a permit, except if used on a construction site or a permitted special event. The Development Services Department oversees these permits and requirements vary depending on land zoning.
Oakland: Shipping containers are typically allowed for storage in the port, warehousing, and industrial zones. Regulations around putting a container in residential zoning is less straightforward. Contact the Planning and Building Department for full details and also check with local neighbourhoods or homeowners’ associations as they may have their own regulations. Shipping containers for portable storage are allowed without a permit for use on any permitted construction site. Sacramento County: Shipping containers used for storage are allowed in Sacramento County. However, check with the Building Department as restrictions vary depending on zoning. Also check with local neighbourhoods or homeowners’ associations (if residential) as they may have their own regulations. Shipping containers for portable storage are allowed without a permit for use on any permitted construction site.