Washington, DC · Member since 2014 · 8 posts · 5 votes
Hi all,
I'm interested in starting a container home project and am currently looking for a good lot to get everything in motion. If anybody knows the best websites or resources to locate empty lots that include pricing and additional details, it would be helpful if you could share it here.
It would also be great to share resources that provide information about zoning in specific cities or regions across the US. This may be a different resource though, and might just be me talking with the local building department. Thanks!
... might just be me talking with the local building department. Thanks!
By containers, you mean 40' (or 20') long shipping containers, correct? I was trying to improve usefulness of an acreage/farmhouse by adding storage for myself with a shipping container. The lot is within city limits and I spoke with my local code enforcement folks. They would have none of it! The container idea was a complete non-starter for residential zoning.
Your idea of calling your local building department is probably the best. There might be variability from jurisdiction to jurisdiction so maybe make a few calls.
Creativity is awesome so good luck with your project... unless you're my neighbor. In that case, keep your rusty, trashy shipping containers away! ;)
Collinsville, IL · Member since 2014 · 10 posts · 6 votes
11y
The key is to not identify the material as being a shipping container. Consider it a "Corten Steel Modular Building" or even an "ISBU Prefabricated Modular Building Material". If you are creative in your approach, you can get past the initial reaction of the typical thoughts towards a dystopian wasteland of metal buildings and burning barrels of trash.
If your city or local zoning enforcement office has even one shred of looking at "Green Building", using "Repurposed Materials", or "Alternative Building Materials", then go that route. Tell them you are pursuing LEED Certification (even if you aren't going to).
Even moderately insulated homes made from shipping containers have a huge savings factor on the heating and cooling costs. Once the basic structure is complete, any of the usual facade materials can be used to disguise the material it was made from, just like any other house. Basically, that means that once it's complete, it won't look like it was made from shipping containers, but will look very similar to every other house in the neighborhood.