The short answer to that question would be: yes, mostly. However, there are variations of legislation between various states and regions; therefore, you have to do some preliminary research first.
Ask your local council
In Australia, councils usually consider a shipping container to be a structure similar to a shed or building. Some allow you to install a small container without any permission; others require you to get a permit. All of that depends on your state of residence, suburb, and even the size of your property.
Contact your local council via telephone or visit their web site and ask them the following questions:
- Is there a maximum size for a shed or container?
- What should be the distance between the container and the boundary fence?
- Am I allowed to use it as a living space?
If you are located within an estate, bushfire prone or heritage region, additional restrictions might apply.
Do you have enough room?
A 20-ft. container will be approximately six meters in length and two meters in width. This may be larger than what most people think. There must also be space for the truck. The boxes will most likely come in using either a tilt tray or Hiab crane. Therefore, one should check their gates, driveways, trees, and overhead power lines.
Preparation of the ground
The ground should be prepared for the container by making sure that it is hard and flat. Most people use concrete blocks, sleepers, or a concrete slab for the purpose of raising the box above the wet ground to minimize corrosion. Avoid laying the box above underground pipes and cables.
Hire or buy?
This will depend on how long you would require it. For a quick project such as renovating your house, container hire will be ideal for you. This does not come with any contract lock-in period, and we will come to collect the box once you are through with its use.
For an extended period, you could consider shipping containers for sale. You can decide to go for either the brand new one or secondhand, which is relatively cheaper and will serve you well as storage space for all your items.
Which type should you pick?
A simple container is suitable for storing items in. Should you be planning on storing some high items such as large furniture, consider using a 20ft high cube container that is about one foot higher. Do you require storage space only?
Many individuals transform a container into a gym, home office, and workshops. In fact, some want it to become a granny flat or spare room for guests. In that case, we recommend checking out our container accommodation services. But keep in mind that container accommodation requires council permission in any case.
Final thoughts
Well, is there any way to park your shipping container in the backyard? The answer most certainly is ‘yes’. Check the local authority guidelines, measure the area, and find out if the trucks are going to be able to reach the destination. All that done, it becomes easier.
With Tiger Container having almost three decades of experience in this business, and being an all-Australia company, when you are close to Sydney, we suggest you visit the shipping containers Sydney page. Call us on 1800 072 039.
