Shipping containers
Shipping containers may be temporarily located on premises for a maximum of 90 days without approval from Council. This allows residents reasonable time to unload furniture, household goods or other items.
If you intend to permanently locate a shipping container on your property, you must obtain all appropriate approvals before installation.
A Development Permit for Building Work is required to site a shipping container permanently on premises, regardless of the zoning of the land or the intended use.
How can I obtain a Development Permit for Building Work?
To obtain a Development Permit for Building Work you will need to engage a Private Building Certifier.
The Building Certifier will consider matters including:
Structural stability
The container may need to be anchored to a designed concrete foundation. A Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) may be required to provide a structural design accompanied by a Form 15 Design Certificate.
Structural strength
The Building Certifier may require documentation from the manufacturer or an engineering assessment to confirm the container is structurally suitable for the proposed use.
Habitable use
If the container is proposed to be used as a Class 1a building (for example a dwelling or unit), additional documentation will be required such as:
- floor layout plans
- energy efficiency assessment
- flood or bushfire assessment (if applicable).
What other approvals may be required for residential and rural residential zones?
Shipping containers located on residential or rural residential properties must comply with Council’s Amenity and Aesthetics Policy(PDF, 1MB).
Typical requirements include:
• only one shipping container may be established on a site
• the container must be located behind the dwelling house and not visible from the street
• the container must be screened by landscaping or a suitable structure such as lattice
• the container should be painted to match the colour of the dwelling to minimise visual impact
• the container must comply with the setback provisions in the Dwelling House Code of the Fraser Coast Planning Scheme.
If the proposal cannot meet one or more of these requirements, a concurrence referral(PDF, 308KB) to Council will be required for assessment.
For habitable purposes
If you intend to convert a shipping container into a habitable building (Class 1a) such as a house or unit, a Development Permit for Building Work will be required.
You should contact a Private Building Certifier to discuss the specific requirements for your proposal.
What if my property is affected by an overlay?
Additional approvals may be required if the property is affected by planning overlays such as:
- Coastal Protection
- Heritage
- Neighbourhood Character
- Fraser and Great Sandy Strait Islands.
Contact Council to discuss your proposal if your property is affected by one of these overlays.
What happens once I have approval?
If your application is successful, Council will issue a Concurrence Agency Response.
This response forms part of the Development Permit for Building Work issued by your Building Certifier.
The permit will include approved plans and conditions of approval, which must be complied with at all times.
What happens if my proposal is not approved?
If Council does not support the concurrence referral, the Building Certifier will be unable to issue a Development Permit for Building Work.
What happens if Council receives complaints?
Council investigates complaints regarding shipping containers that may not comply with development approvals or planning requirements.
A site inspection may be undertaken to ensure the container complies with the approved plans and conditions of the development permit.
Need assistance?
For further information contact Council’s Planning and Growth Department or Building and Plumbing Team on 1300 79 49 29 or visit a Customer Service Centre.