About

Shipping containers (Sea cans or Sea Containers) are used by some property owners as a useful storage option.

To ensure consistency and fairness for all residents, the County is considering changes to the Land Use Bylaw to provide clearer guidelines for the use of shipping containers in Rocky View County.

These regulations may include:

  • The size of the land parcel (acres) necessary to allow for the use of shipping containers.
  • The number of shipping containers permitted on a parcel of land.
  • The requirement to complement other buildings in exterior material, colour, and appearance.
  • Requirements for the condition of shipping containers.

Your participation is important to guide the County in developing new rules and regulations. We invite you to share your views and insights through the survey below. The data collected will be used by staff to create recommendations for potential changes to the Land Use Bylaw that will be presented to Council.

All community feedback gathered will be considered along with the following:

  • The effectiveness of the new rules and regulations.
  • The flexibility of the new rules and regulations.
  • Existing resources and future requirements.

Bylaw Amendments for Shipping Containers is currently scheduled to be presented to Council at a Public Hearing on June 11, 2024.

FAQ

Currently under the County's Land Use Bylaw, shipping containers must not be attached in any way to principal buildings, cannot be stacked in non-industrial districts, and must be visually screened from public roads and adjacent properties to meet local standards.

Council has directed staff to investigate updating regulations to ensure that current regulations are meeting community needs.


Following public engagement, a public hearing is scheduled to be held on June 11, 2024, for Council to consider proposed changes to regulations for shipping container use.

If new regulations are approved, enforcement will be based on complaints received. There will be no proactive inspections.

Yes, all shipping containers in Rocky View County would be required to comply with regulations.

A building permit is required when a shipping container is used for purposes other than temporary storage.

A professional engineer must provide a stamped and sealed design for the work where a container is modified, such as windows or doors are added.

If a shipping container is being renovated and incorporated into a developed building and space, such as a dwelling unit, additional review and certification may also be required for the building permit.