Zoning & Permitting Guide

  If you are modifying a container to be used as a permanent living space, a tiny home, or a commercial storefront, it must comply with the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), which the State of Alabama and Mobile County have adopted.  

• Temporary Use: If you are using a container for temporary storage—such as holding materials during a home renovation, or using it as a temporary office on an active construction site with a valid building permit—municipalities are usually very lenient. Often, no special container permit is required for short-term use, though you must eventually remove it when the project ends. 
• Permanent Use: If you plan to leave the container on your property permanently, many cities view it as an "accessory structure" (like a shed or detached garage). In these cases, you will likely need to pull a building permit.  

• Residential Lots: Residential areas have the strictest rules. Many city zoning laws restrict the size, height, and placement of shipping containers. Furthermore, if you live in a neighborhood with a Homeowner’s Association (HOA), their rules will often supersede city laws. Always check your HOA bylaws before buying a container. 
• Commercial / Industrial Lots: Industrial and commercially zoned areas (like manufacturing plants, farms, or equipment yards) generally have much more relaxed rules regarding shipping containers, as they fit the aesthetic and practical use of the zone. 

•  The structure will be subject to inspections for structural integrity, fire safety, electrical wiring, and plumbing. 
• You will likely have to meet specific setback requirements (meaning the container must sit a certain number of feet away from your property lines, fences, and existing structures). 
• Our Recommendation: Always Call Before You Buy!
• Code enforcement officers can force you to move or remove a container if it violates local zoning laws, and moving a fully loaded container is incredibly expensive. 

We highly recommend calling your local planning/zoning office (such as Mobile County Inspection Services or your local city hall). 

Simply tell them: 

1. The size of the container you want. 

2. Where you plan to put it on your property. 

3. How long it will be there. 

4. What you plan to do with it (storage, office, living space). 

 They will tell you exactly what permits, if any, you need to pull!