Sea Containers Information and FAQs

The use of redundant steel shipping containers, otherwise known as “Sea Containers” for the purposes of storage on residential, commercial and industrial properties is not uncommon.  This information sheet explains the requirements for the approval of and general requirements relating to locating a sea container on site for this purpose.  This Information Sheet and FAQ’s should be used as a guide only. Before undertaking any development or works in this regard, please discuss your intentions with the Shire.  If you need to make a development or a building application your time and money can be saved if you are thoroughly prepared.

What can I use the sea container for?

The sea container can only be used for the storage of items and goods related to the primary use on the site.  For example, on a residential site the sea container shall be used only for the storage of items and household goods only.  Similar for industrial sites, the storage shall be for the purposes of the industrial use on the site only.

Under no circumstances, can a sea container be used for habitation, regardless of where it is located.

Where can the sea container be located?

The Shire’s Local Planning Policy 9.1 – Sea Containers (see link below) provides details on location and when a development approval is required in addition to a building permit.

What about safety and structural integrity of the sea container?

All sea containers are considered to be sufficient structurally, subject to them being adequately tied down or fixed.  As such, a Structural Engineer’s design for the tie down of the sea container is required to be provided in support of any application.

The issue of tie down is critical, and this means that the structure will need to have a design certified by a Structural Engineer. This certification will be specific to the site and loading.

 

Footings and tie down details should be designed by a structural engineer to suit:

  • soil classification,
  • wind region,
  • terrain category,
  • container size and weight,
  • whether the container is empty or loaded,
  • whether it is stacked or single level.

 

Typical details usually include either a slab on ground fixing or a pad footing detail as per the below examples. There is also an option to have a above ground pad footing which is basically a cube of concrete on each corner of the structure the same as the inground option with loads calculated to determine the actual size of the mass concrete fixing to hold down the structure.

 

Do I need to lodge any applications?

A Building Permit is required for any sea container on any site as they are a structure as defined under the Building Code of Australia.

Depending on the size, location and timeframe for the use of the sea container, you may also require a Development Application.  Please see the Shire’s Local Planning Policy 9.1 – Sea Containers (LPP 9.1) for guidance.  A link is provided below.

LPP 9.1 provides details on when a proposal is exempt from a development approval and criteria for location of sea containers.  Criteria will depend on the zoning of the land with different criteria applying to residential land to that of commercial or industrial zoned land.

Before undertaking any development or works, please discuss your intentions with the Shire.  If you need to make a development or a building application your time and money can be saved if you are thoroughly prepared.

Please contact the Building Services or Planning Team on 9188 4444 for further assistance and queries.

For information on how to apply for a Building or Planning Permit please refer below:

Development Application 

Forms and Fees

LPP 9.1 – Sea Containers