Shipping Containers

Want to learn more about Shipping Containers? Explore the resources below for more information.

F.A.Qs

Find all the Frequently Asked Questions here: Short-Term Rentals, Trailers, Hunt Camps, Shipping Containers F.A.Qs

 

Shipping Containers

If my lot is large enough, can I have 2 or more 20’ x 8’ Shipping Containers or Storage Buildings provided that I meet all lot line setbacks?

 Yes, property owners are permitted to have more than one accessory structure (which includes Shipping Containers) on their property; so long as the total lot coverage for all buildings and structures does not exceed 15%.

 Only Shipping Containers with a maximum floor space area of less than 161.5 Sq Feet and proposed for storage purposes only benefit from permitted development rights and do not, therefore, require a building permit.

 Shipping Containers, or other accessory structures, are not permitted to be placed adjacent to one another or modified in any way; without a valid building permit first being obtained. In all cases, they cannot be ‘stacked’ or exceed a maximum height of 5 meters.

Larger Shipping Containers measuring 8’ X 40’ will require a building permit. Since I am not “building” this Shipping Container, will the cost of the permit be reduced to that necessary for the Inspector to only attend the property, and ensure satisfactory setbacks are being met in relation to the lot boundary lines?

Under the Act, a building permit is not only required for construction but also for placing a building on a lot. Shipping containers over 161.4 sq ft are buildings and have always required a permit and, as such, are regulated by and subject to the Ontario Building Code regulations. Given the feedback received, staff and council are committed to reviewing this matter.

Is it correct that as soon as a building permit is taken out for a Shipping Container or any storage building larger than 161.4 Square Feet, that MPAC is notified and this could result in a possible property reassessment? Is it possible to just have a ‘location fee’ instead of a building permit for storage buildings that result in the cleaning up of people’s property?

Yes, a copy of each building permit is submitted to MPAC. In regard to whether a ‘location fee’ could be applied, the answer is unfortunately ‘No’. The Ontario Building Code is the only authority having jurisdiction in regard to the requirement to obtain a building permit, and the municipality cannot enact a By-law to supersede the code.

Since many people already have Shipping Container(s) on their properties, what will be the process required to legalize their possession, and the use of these Shipping Containers? Will existing Shipping Containers be deemed Legal non-conforming uses?

Legal non-conforming is a zoning term which describes a building where the current use of the building would be prohibited except where such building and its use predates a by-Law prohibiting such use.

Legal non-conforming uses do not apply to the building code nor a structure that was constructed or placed without the authority of a building permit where the building code was implemented.

Therefore, since a shipping container over 161.4 Sq. Ft has always required a building permit and that the use of which was never permitted in Bonfield they would not be exempted nor “grand fathered.”

Have additional questions? Please call the Township at 705-776-2641 or contact any member of Council to provide feedback.

Additional Resources:

Please see pages 29 - 32 in the Town Hall presentation below, for details on Proposed Zoning Amendments

Shipping Containers

Did you know that shipping containers are not currently allowed for any use, including storage, anywhere in the Township of Bonfield?

Proposed Bylaw 2025-11 aims to change this by permitting shipping containers for storage under certain conditions. The main considerations are:

  • Shipping containers shall not be stacked.
  • They must be placed in the side or rear yard of a property
  • On waterfront properties, they will not be permitted within shore road allowances.
  • In rural areas a minimum 30m vegetated buffer, or appropriate screening, will be required from the road.
  • Containers must be painted in a solid, neutral, or natural color, and any logos or advertisements must be removed to ensure the structure is visually appealing.
  • Prior to changes made to the Ontario Building Code 2022, any proposed building or structure over 108 Sq. Ft. required a Building Permit.
  • Now the Building Code has added a provision to permit sheds conditionally, to be constructed or placed, having a maximum floor area of up to 161.4 Sq. Ft. without having to obtain a building permit; provided the shed is used for personal storage purposes only; is accessory to a principal building on the property; is without plumbing; and must comply with all other zoning any applicable laws.
  • This means a container 8’x 20’ that is used for storage purposes qualifying as a “shed” does not require a building permit, (other uses or classification would require a building permit.)
  • A container larger than 8’ x 20’ still requires a building permit.