Are container homes legal in the US?

08 Apr.,2024

 

Which States Allows Shipping Container Homes?

Are you planning to build a shipping container home but don’t know which states allow shipping container homes in the US? If so, you’ve come to the right place looking for help.

The rules and regulations regarding building shipping container homes can vary by state and even by local jurisdiction within a state in the United States. While some states may not have any specific restrictions on building shipping container homes, others may require that they meet specific building codes and zoning requirements.

Let’s find out what regulations you can come across in different states that allow shipping container homes.

States that allow shipping container homes

You can build a shipping container home almost anywhere in the US. There are some regulations that you need to meet, though. That being said, here are a few states that have relatively lenient laws for building shipping container homes:

Texas – allows the construction of shipping container homes but requires that they meet certain building codes and zoning regulations.

California – allows the construction of shipping container homes, but they must meet state building codes and local zoning requirements.

Florida – allows the construction of shipping container homes but requires that they be designed and constructed by a licensed architect or engineer.

Michigan – has recently passed legislation allowing for the construction of shipping container homes as long as they meet certain building codes.

Colorado – allows the construction of shipping container homes but requires that they be designed and constructed by a licensed architect or engineer and meet state building codes and zoning requirements.

It’s important to note that these regulations can change over time. It’s always a good idea to check with your local building department to see the current regulations in your area.

Can you put a shipping container on your property or not? Check out our detailed guide.

Laws and regulations to consider

Building a shipping container home is an exciting prospect for many people looking to build a unique and affordable housing option. However, navigating the complex web of zoning laws and regulations in the United States can be daunting. Here, we’ll look at some of the different zoning laws and regulations you may encounter when building a shipping container home in the US.

Building Codes:

Building codes are a set of minimum standards that a building must meet in order to be deemed safe and habitable.

Depending on where you live, there may be state or local building codes that you need to follow when building a shipping container home. These codes may dictate things like the minimum square footage of living space, the number and placement of windows, and the types of materials that can be used in construction.

Zoning Laws:

Zoning laws govern how land can be used within a certain area. For example, there may be residential, commercial, or industrial zones, each with different rules about what can be built and how it can be used.

It’s important to research the zoning laws in your area to determine whether building a shipping container home is allowed, and if so, what the specific requirements may be.

Building a shipping container home will likely require various permits and inspections throughout the construction process. Depending on the location, you may need to obtain a building permit, electrical permit, plumbing permit, or other permits to ensure that your home is up to code and safe to live in.

Fire and Safety Regulations:

Shipping container homes can present unique challenges regarding fire safety, particularly if the home is made entirely of metal. As a result, many areas have specific fire and safety regulations that apply to shipping container homes. This may include requirements for smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, or other safety features.

Environmental Regulations:

Depending on where you live, environmental regulations may apply to building a shipping container home. This may include regulations related to waste disposal, water runoff, or other environmental concerns.

Wrap up

We hope you’re familiar with “which states allow shipping container homes” now. While building a shipping container home can be a unique challenge, it’s not something that’s discouraged by any state in the US.

By researching and understanding the requirements in your area, you can ensure that your home is safe, up to code, and in compliance with all applicable regulations.

As housing prices continue to rise, more Americans are seeking alternatives to standard brick-and-mortar houses. The alternatives include camper vans, tiny houses, mobile homes, and of course, shipping container homes.

Though prefabricated options are increasingly available, you don’t have to purchase a ready-made shipping container home. Instead, you can build your shipping container home from scratch. All you have to do is find the right shipping container for sale and convert it into your perfect living space.

But wait! Before you order any shipping containers, you should find out whether you can actually build a shipping container home in your state. Learn which states legally allow residents to construct shipping container homes below.

Which States Allow Shipping Container Homes?

Texas

Texas is one of the best states for building alternative dwellings like tiny homes and shipping container houses. You can get approval to build shipping container housing in major cities like Austin and Fort Worth. However, you will have an easier time finding approval in suburban and rural areas, which will have plenty of space to start living in a 40ft shipping container house. 

California

California is another state that is accommodating to alternative dwellings. It’s legal to build a shipping container home there as a residential unit or Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). 

An ADU is a small, residential dwelling unit that sits on the same lot as a larger dwelling unit (for example, a detached single-family house). It’s an addition to the primary living space on the property. ADUs go by a lot of other names as well, like granny flats, secondary suites, accessory apartments, in-law suites, and backyard cottages.

Louisiana 

Louisiana is another state that allows residents to build shipping container homes. The state offers lenient zoning laws, which can result in minimal government resistance to alternative housing construction. 

Oregon

Shipping container homes are legal in the state of Oregon. The one stipulation is that shipping container homes should be designed as single-family units. Because of this, they are allowed to be situated on land specifically reserved for single-family dwellings.

Missouri 

Missouri is another state that is fairly relaxed when it comes to constructing alternative housing. You may not even need to get a building permit to construct your shipping container house.

Other States and Shipping Container Homes

Texas, California, Louisiana, Oregon, and Missouri are states that allow residents to build shipping container homes. So, what states don’t allow shipping container homes? 

Technically, the answer is none. No state in the country has officially banned shipping container housing. Shipping container homes are popping up across many states, including Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New York, and Washington. 

Does this mean that you’re free to build a shipping container home anywhere in the country? Not exactly. While the state government may not prevent you from going through with the construction, the municipal and county governments just might. 

Municipal and County Restrictions 

It’s important to be aware of construction restrictions actioned by municipalities and counties (sometimes referred to as sub-regions), in addition to states. 

There are thousands of municipalities and counties across the country, and each one will come with different limitations and restrictions for residential dwellings. The only way to confirm whether you can legally build a shipping container home in the area is to contact your local government and see whether your construction plans coincide with the relevant zoning laws and building codes. 

Zoning Laws

Zoning laws are crucial pieces of legislation when it comes to your shipping container housing plans. These are local laws that regulate the geographical location of properties. They’ll tell you about the acceptable and unacceptable placements for your shipping container home. 

One in particular that you might encounter is a regulation against mobile houses. So, if you want to build a shipping container house, the placement will have to indicate that the house is a permanent structure and not a temporary mobile structure. In that case, the placement of your shipping container house will have to be on a slab foundation. 

How can you find out your zoning laws regarding the placement of shipping container homes? Contact your local zoning office or city hall to access your zoning ordinances. 

Building Codes

Building codes are official rules regarding the construction of new buildings, including residential homes. These codes cover basic building factors like insulation, plumbing, electrical connections, HVAC, and more to ensure the health and safety of residents. Builders must comply with the rules set out in the relevant building code.  

Most states follow the standards set in the International Residential Code or International Building Code. These standards will have some modifications or additions to meet residential needs. For instance, Florida is a state where residents are more at risk of dealing with hurricanes. As such, Florida updated its building code to add more protections against hurricane winds.

Some states don’t use building codes whatsoever. However, this doesn’t always mean that builders are free to do what they wish in these states. It often means that building regulations are left up to local governments to decide.

How can you find your building code? Check with your local government. If your local government follows a state-wide building code, you can access the documents that you need through your state government website.

Other Limitations You Should Consider:

Deed Restrictions

A deed restriction is a legal limitation or restriction on how you can use your property. 

Where might you encounter deed restrictions? One common example is when you decide to join a neighborhood controlled by a Homeowners Association (HOA). An HOA is a deed-restricted community that has set rules and restrictions that all members have to abide by. If your HOA doesn’t approve of your plans for a shipping container home or ADU placement, you legally cannot go forward with those plans. The HOA has the power to enforce its rulings and even remove improvements that go against them.

Environmental Factors

One of the biggest benefits of shipping container housing is that it’s adaptable to any environment. You can comfortably live in a shipping container home in any climate, as long as it’s built properly. For example, if you’re choosing to build in Alaska, you will need to prioritize insulation and heating in your construction plans to stay safe and comfortable in the cold climate. 

Do your research and find out exactly where you can build your shipping container house. You just might be able to do it in your home state!

Are container homes legal in the US?

Which States Allow Shipping Container Homes?