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Survey: Shipping Containers

Last updated on October 5, 2026

Shipping Containers

Shipping containers—often called sea cans—are large, standardized steel boxes originally designed for transporting goods by ship, rail, and truck. In many communities, they are now also used for storage, temporary structures, or even building components.

To allow these structures on residential land, municipalities often require design treatments or visual screening, and possibly modifications to meet the BC Building Code.

Design or Screening

To prevent containers from becoming long‑term, unsightly storage, municipalities often require aesthetic improvements, such as painting, landscaping, fencing or other screening. Maintaining neighbourhood character is a key factor in allowing the installation of shipping containers.  Placement parameters, such as locating the structure in the backyard, are intended to reduce visual impact.

Municipalities may also require that containers do not obstruct sightlines or emergency access. All shipping containers must also be installed safely.

BC Building Code (BCBC)

Although sea cans are strong and durable, they were not originally designed as buildings. When used on private or public property, several safety and regulatory issues arise:

  • Structural Safety Containers may be modified (cutting doors, windows, stacking, etc.), which can weaken their structure. BCBC ensures they remain safe for use.
  • Fire Safety Containers can create fire hazards if placed too close to property lines or other buildings. BCBC sets minimum distances and fire‑resistance requirements.
  • Ventilation and Moisture Control Containers can trap moisture and create mold or condensation issues. BCBC ensures proper ventilation and safe use.
  • Electrical and Mechanical Installations If a container is wired for power or used as a workspace, it must meet BC electrical and mechanical codes.
  • Public Safety and Liability Municipalities allow sea cans only when they do not create risks for residents, workers, or neighbouring properties.

Municipal Bylaw Review

As per the current Zoning  Bylaw, Shipping Containers are only allowed if they meet section 4.19 of the Zoning Bylaw 2284.

4.19 Shipping Containers

4.19.1 Shipping Containers, cargo containers, and similar metal storage containers may only be used as commercial, industrial, institutional, agricultural or residential Structures, or components of Structures, if the Shipping Container has been converted to meet the BC Building Code and has been issued a building permit from the City of Merritt. *

4.19.2 Except where prohibited, Shipping Containers may be used as Accessory Buildings, including for the purposes of storage, but only if the Shipping Container has been converted to meet the following requirements:

  • a. A vent must be installed in the lower portion of the Shipping Container doors. The vent must be 0.3 metres by 0.3 metres for containers under 6.0 metres in length and 0.5 metres by 0.5 metres for containers 6.0 metres or more in length;
  • b. A vent must be installed in the upper portion of the Shipping Container opposite the doors. The vent must be 0.3 metres by 0.3 metres for containers under 6.0 metres in length and 0.5 metres by 0.5 metres for containers 6.0 metres or more in length;
  • c. Display a placard, which lists all dangerous goods contained within the Shipping Container, on the most visible side.

4.19.3 Shipping Containers used for storage purposes must be situated on a Parcel in such a way that the following requirements are met:

  • a. Located in the rear yard, except on industrial Parcels where Shipping Containers can also be located in side yards;
  • b. Minimum 3.0 metre separation from combustible Structures;
  • c. Doors facing away from Principal Building entrances and windows; d. Screened from view from any Highway and Abutting Parcels in commercial or residential zones.

4.19.4 Shipping Containers are prohibited as Accessory Buildings for the purposes of storage in the R3, R4, R5, R7, R8, RC1, C2 and C6 zones. *

4.19.5 A maximum of one Shipping Container for the purposes of storage is permitted per residential Parcel in the R1 zone.

4.19.6 Unless stated elsewhere in this Bylaw, the number of Shipping Containers permitted ancillary to a permitted Use in a Commercial or Industrial zone for storage purposes is based on Parcel Area at a rate of one Shipping Container per 0.2 hectares.

4.19.7 Shipping Containers must be screened, as per Section 6.2. Shipping Containers for the purposes of storage may only be stacked in the M1, M2, and P2 zones and in no case may Shipping Containers be stacked above two containers in height.

4.19.8 Unless stated elsewhere in this Bylaw, the number of Shipping Containers permitted ancillary to a permitted Use in the AR1 zone for storage purposes is based on Parcel Area at a rate of one Shipping Container per 2 hectares, with the exception of Parcels in the Agricultural Land Reserve, which are subject to restrictions and approval by the Agricultural Land Commission. *

The City is now reviewing this bylaw and exploring how shipping containers (“sea cans”) are used on private property. The aim of this review is to preserve neighbourhood character, balance the needs of the property‑owner, and maintain building safety. Part of this process involves seeking public input to help shape future regulations. Please share your voice.

Share your Voice

We want to hear your views on temporary and/or long-term usage of shipping containers on residential land within the City of Merritt. Please complete this survey by May 31, 2026.

Resources

Preventing Explosions in Containers (PDF, 114 KB) Open PDF Fire Risk Shipping Containers (PDF, 120 KB) Open PDF Storage of Explosives in Shipping Containers (LINK) Open LINK Intermodal Shipping Containers Fire Safety (PDF) Open PDF FCABC Shipping Containers Fire Safety (PDF) Open PDF
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