Thinking about putting in a shipping container office, site shed, café or accommodation unit? You’re not alone — modified shipping container buildings are becoming more popular across construction, mining, retail and hospitality. But one of the first questions people ask is: do I need council approval for a container building in Australia?
Here’s a clear, no-nonsense breakdown of what you need to know before dropping a container on-site.
In most cases, you will need some form of council approval to install a shipping container building — particularly if it’s going to be on-site for more than a few weeks or if it’s being used as a habitable structure (like an office, kitchen, or accommodation unit).
If the container is plumbed, wired for power, or permanently fixed to the ground (e.g. with footings or a slab), it’s likely to be classed as a building or structure under the Building Code of Australia (BCA) — which means it must meet the same rules as any other building.
There’s no single set of rules that applies across all of Australia. Every local council has its own guidelines, processes and triggers for when approval is required.
Some common factors that affect approval:
For example, a shipping container used for short-term storage on a rural property might not need approval. But a modified café container installed permanently in a car park almost certainly will.
If you’re using the container temporarily (e.g. for a few weeks during a build), and it’s not connected to services, your local council may not require a permit — but you should always check first. Some councils allow temporary structures under exempt or complying development rules, but others don’t.
In some cases, you may need both:
If your container includes things like bathrooms, kitchens, or is accessible to the public (like a café or retail store), it’ll need to meet accessibility and fire safety regulations under the National Construction Code (NCC).
At ModBox, we’ve worked with clients across Australia — from rural properties to inner-city lots and remote mine sites. We can provide:
While we don’t lodge approvals on your behalf, we’re more than happy to supply everything your builder, certifier, or planner needs to get it sorted with council.
Even if you’re only placing the container “temporarily”, it’s worth checking with your local council or a private certifier. Skipping approval can lead to fines, removal orders, or hold-ups down the track.
Want More Info?
Need help figuring out if your container project needs approval? Get in touch with ModBox — we’ve seen it all, and we’re happy to point you in the right direction.
