Can You Place A Shipping Container On Agricultural Land?

Can You Use a Shipping Container on Agricultural Land?

Key Takeaways

• Shipping containers can be used on agricultural land for various purposes, such as storage or controlled environments for crops.
• Understanding local zoning laws is important as they determine what is permissible on agricultural land.
• Temporary structures often have fewer regulatory hurdles compared to permanent installations.
• Conexwest is your go-to solution for purchasing and renting shipping containers anywhere in the US.

Understanding Agricultural Land Designation

Agricultural land is designated primarily for farming and related activities, which include crop production, livestock rearing, and other agrarian pursuits. The designation of land as agricultural makes sure that these lands are preserved for their intended use to prevent encroachment from urban development and other non-agricultural activities.

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Can You Place A Shipping Container On Agricultural Land?

Check if you’ll need permits before placing a shipping container on your agricultural land to avoid legal complications.

Yes, you can place shipping containers on agricultural land in the US. They can be used for various purposes, such as creating controlled environments for indoor crops and dry storage. However, there are some regulations and guidelines to consider:

• Temporary vs. Permanent: On farmland, using shipping containers should be temporary. Otherwise, you'll likely need permission.
• Setback Requirements: In most cases, you will need to meet certain setback requirements, which dictate the distance the container must be from other structures or property lines.
• Local Authority Consultation: Rules can vary from one area to another, so it's recommended to consult with your local authority to assess whether your project is viable.

Examples of Regulations

• El Paso County, Colorado: As per the El Paso County Land Development Code Chapter 5, all types of shipping containers are allowed in residential, forestry, and agricultural areas as permanent storage structures. Containers must be painted to be compatible with the surrounding area or screened from views, with an exception for A-35 agricultural zoning.
• Hampton Township, New Jersey: Shipping containers on a farm property must be at least 50 feet from any property line. No more than one shipping container per every five contiguous acres is permitted on any farm property at any given time.

Steps To Get Approval For Using A Shipping Container (If Needed)

1. Verify Zoning Regulations: Contact your local zoning office to confirm that shipping containers are permitted on agricultural land in your area. Also, consult them to understand structural and safety requirements for using shipping containers.
2. Obtain Necessary Permits: Apply for any required permits, such as building or special-use permits, as dictated by your local regulations.
3. Prepare Site Plans: Develop detailed site plans illustrating the container's placement, foundation, and intended use to submit with your permit application.
4. Schedule Inspections: Arrange for any required inspections for compliance with local building codes and land use regulations.
5. Comply with Utility and Environmental Regulations: Adhere to regulations concerning water, sewage, and electrical systems if the container will be connected to utilities.
6. Pay Applicable Fees: Be prepared to pay any fees associated with permit applications or inspections.
7. Install the Container as per the Approved Plan: Once you have received approval, place the container as specified in your site plans, adhering to all local regulations.

Choose Conexwest For All Your Shipping Container Needs

Conexwest’s experts can also help you comply with your local shipping container laws.

Conexwest is a leading provider of new and used shipping containers in the US, specializing in sales, rentals, modifications, and delivery. Since we were established, we’ve served top-quality containers for various needs, from personal storage to large-scale commercial projects.

Why Choose Us

1. Extensive Inventory: We maintain a large inventory of shipping containers (from 10 ft to 45 ft in length) so you can find the perfect container that suits your needs.
2. Customization Options: Need doors, windows, insulation, electrical work, specialized paint jobs, or anything else for your container? Our in-house fabrication team can handle it all.
3. Quality Assurance: We thoroughly inspect all of our containers so they meet the highest standards of quality and durability.
4. Experience and Expertise: With years of experience in the industry, we have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the container selection, modification process, and even compliance with your local regulations.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are some common uses for shipping containers on farms?

1. Storage for equipment and feed
2. Workshops for maintenance
3. Controlled environments for crop production
4. Temporary housing for seasonal workers
5. Retail spaces for direct sales

Do shipping containers impact the agricultural status of my land?

Generally, placing a shipping container on agricultural land does not affect its designation as long as the container supports agricultural activities. 

What factors affect the cost of shipping containers?

The cost of a shipping container can vary based on size, location, condition (new, used, or refurbished), and modifications. But besides the purchase price, also consider additional expenses such as delivery, installation, and permits.

Do I need special equipment to move my shipping container?

Transporting a shipping container requires specialized equipment, such as a crane or forklift, especially for larger units. 

What types of shipping containers does Conexwest provide?

We have a wide range of shipping containers, including new, used, and refurbished ones. Our containers range from 10 ft to 45 ft in length and can be refrigerated, mobile offices, open-top, and flat-beds.