Do I Need Council Approval for a Shipping Container Office in Australia?

Setting up a shipping container office is a smart move — it’s fast, cost-effective, and tough enough to handle the demands of any Aussie worksite. But before you drop a container on your block and start calling it the new HQ, there’s one big question we often get asked:

Do you need council approval for a shipping container office?

In most cases across Australia, yes — you do need some form of approval, especially if the container is staying put for more than a few weeks or being used as a commercial or habitable space.

Why Council Approval Is Often Required

Even though a container is technically “temporary,” most councils treat it like a structure once it’s being used as an office, workshop, or accommodation. That means you’ll likely need:

• Development Approval (DA)
• Or at minimum, a Building Permit or planning notification, depending on your state or local council.

They’ll want to make sure it’s safe, accessible, and compliant with local zoning laws.

Factors That Affect Approval Requirements

Every council’s a bit different, but here are the key things they’ll look at:

• How long it’s staying on-site
  If it’s there for a couple of days or weeks (like a hire container), you might not need anything. Long-term? They’ll want paperwork.
• Whether it’s fixed or moveable
  If it's plumbed in, hooked up to power, or sitting on footings, it’s considered more permanent — so approval is usually required.
• Where it’s located
  Metro vs rural, residential vs commercial — all these affect what hoops you’ll need to jump through.
• Use case
  Offices, workshops, and accommodation units generally need approval. Storage-only containers sometimes get a free pass — but it’s still best to check.

Do I Need to Organise It Myself?

Usually, yes — but don’t stress. At ModBox, we can provide the plans, engineering specs, and layout drawings to make the approval process smoother. If needed, we can point you in the right direction for building consultants or private certifiers too.

What Happens If You Skip Approval?

If you roll the dice and go without approval, you could cop a fine, be forced to remove the container, or struggle to insure or lease the site properly. Not worth the headache — best to do it right from the start.

The Bottom Line

If you’re setting up a ModBox shipping container office for long-term use or anything beyond basic storage, check with your local council first. Every area has slightly different rules, so it’s always worth a quick call or email to confirm what’s needed.

Want help getting started or need drawings for approval? Give us a shout — we’ll make it easy.

‍