Portable storage units are an invaluable solution for homeowners, contractors and small businesses across Canada. Whether you are in the middle of a home renovation, preparing to move or simply need more space, a portable storage container can do wonders to ease your burden. These portable storage units typically come in 7, 10, 13, 16 and 20-feet in size and are dropped off right at your location to be used short or long-term. However, there are local considerations to think about before you place one of these portable storage containers on your driveway, lawn or commercial property. Do you need to get a permit for placing a storage container on the property? The answer will vary depending on where you live.  In this post, we will outline the rules and regulations of portable storage containers in Nova Scotia, Ontario and Manitoba – three provinces where portable storage containers are growing in popularity.

What Are Portable Storage Units?

Storage containers, storage pods or on-site storage units (as these portable boxes are also called) are secure and weather-resistant storage containers set on skids for easy moving. They are meant to provide storage directly on the property and are great if you need:

• Storage for home renovation or home restoration projects 
• Storage for moving/relocating your home
• Storage for business inventory during the season
• Storage for construction activities on a site
• Storage for decluttering activities prior to staging a home

Your storage provider will deliver and pick up the storage container and you can have it on-site for a few days to several months. But check to see if local bylaws require a permit or approval before putting one out.

Permit Requirements in Canada: Province-by-Province

• Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is among the provinces where storage units on wheels are gaining popularity, particularly in districts such as Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford and Truro. Although the use of these containers is an easy option for residential and commercial developments, Nova Scotia’s municipal authorities are keen on upholding neighborhood looks, safety and accessibility and therefore being compliant with bylaws is of extreme importance.

Permitting in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM)

In Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), one of the province’s most populous areas, portable storage containers are defined as temporary structures. You might not require a permit for extremely brief deployments (less than 30 days), but if the unit is left longer than that, a Temporary Structure Permit will usually be necessary.

Here’s what you’ll need to take into account:

• You are required to apply for a permit if the container will be on site for longer than 30 days or affects public access.
• It is preferable to place units on private property only. If on the street or sidewalk, they need extra municipal approval.
• The preferred placements are driveways, but you can also locate them in backyards or side yards as long as they are set back from property lines.

Aside from permits, owners must also ensure containers are not blocking emergency access, fire hydrants or underground utilities.

Residential vs. Commercial Zones

Permit rules and enforcement could be different based on zoning:

• In residential areas, there is a high emphasis on neighborhood appearance. Permits could be enforced more stringently.
• In commercial or industrial zones, regulations are less stringent, particularly if the unit is installed behind a building or fence enclosure.

Always check the zoning designation of your land prior to placing a unit. What is acceptable on one street could be forbidden a few blocks away.

Additional Tips for Nova Scotia Property Owners

• Certain towns, including New Glasgow, Sydney and Wolfville, have municipal building departments and might have varying permit timetables or placement regulations.
• If your property is within a heritage district or is near public infrastructure, there could be additional approvals needed.
• Noise complaints and visual unsightliness are two of the most frequent reasons why storage units are referred to inspectors. Ensure your unit is tidy, secure and not causing disturbance.

Pro tip: If you are using a trusted portable storage firm in Nova Scotia, they usually assist with getting around the municipal regulations or even processing the required permit documents for you.

• Ontario

Ontario’s rules can vary considerably based on municipality, but many of the cities and towns have bylaws that cover temporary storage units.

Do You Need a Permit?

In some regions yes, particularly in residential areas where the unit is used for more than 30-60 days or is located in a way that obstructs vehicular traffic or visibility.  

Municipal Examples:

• Toronto: Permits are not required for temporary storage units for up to 30 days, provided they are on private property and do not obstruct public sidewalks and roadways.
• Ottawa: Permits may be required if there is a unit for longer than 60 days. Placement must respect certain setbacks in the case of units placed on a front lawn or driveway.
• Mississauga and Brampton: There are some bylaws that regard these containers as accessory buildings, which means you may not be permitted to use them in residential zones.

Considerations:

• Do not obstruct public sidewalks, fire hydrants and utility access.
• Have the containers on a flat area (preferably driveway or paved surface).
• Some municipalities limit the number of containers or total size allowed on residential lots.

Tip:

Check with your city or town zoning department. In urban areas, rules may differ block by block.

• Manitoba

In Manitoba, especially in Winnipeg and other urbanized areas, portable storage containers are classified under temporary or accessory buildings. 

Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, for the most part, in urban areas. If a container is placed in one location for more than 14 days, a Development Permit may be required. 

Winnipeg Guidelines:

• The Unit must not obstruct sitelines, public walkways or emergency routing. 
• The city may also require engineered drawings or proof of a placement plan of the container’s location if it is a commercial unit or multi-unit property.
• Once again the duration is important. Generally, short-term use under 2 weeks is permitted without requiring a permit. 

Rural Areas:

In rural areas population size may mean more loose regulations and it may still be sensible to contact your Rural Municipality (RM) office to get a clearer consensus before arranging the delivery.

Tip:

In particular Winnipeg requests containers to have a visible identification tag and fines may occur for those that do not comply with this request. Always check what the placement duration is and the terms of access to the site prior to the delivery of the unit.

General Tips for Using Portable Storage Units Legally

To avoid being fined or removed, please follow these guidelines. No matter what province you are in:

1. Contact Your Municipality: This is your first and foremost action. Each area has its own bylaws and zoning laws.
2. Look Out for Duration Limits: Generally speaking, most areas will allow storage units to stay anywhere from 14 to 60 days without too many restrictions on permitting. But after those dates, usually it takes some paperwork to keep the storage unit there or it will have to be moved.
3. Make Sure the Storage Unit is Accessible: Storage units should not block sidewalks, driveways that are not private, roads, hydrants and utility lines.
4. Look at Size Restrictions: Some cities put limits on the total size or height of portable containers that are on a residential lot in total.

How Long Can You Keep a Portable Storage Unit on Your Property?

Though time restrictions differ by jurisdiction, the majority of municipalities throughout Canada such as Nova Scotia, Ontario and Manitoba, permit portable storage containers to stay on the property for 14 to 60 days without prior approval.

Anything beyond that typically necessitates:

• A temporary structure permit
• Renewal or extension filings
• Verification that the unit does not contravene any zoning bylaws

In Nova Scotia, particularly in Halifax and surrounding communities, the overstay time without a permit may incur fines, removal notices or municipal enforcement measures.

Final Thoughts

Portable storage units are a great flexible and convenient storage option for short-term or long-term periods. Whether you’re managing a home renovation, a move or even extra inventory, knowing your local regulations is critical in the event your municipality has any fines or complications. 

To recap: Always check with your local municipality before your unit arrives, find out if a permit is needed, what the unit placement rules are and how long you can have it on your property.

When you work in accordance with the regulations and plan ahead, you can reap all the perks of on-site storage without the headaches. And if you are in Nova Scotia, using a local and experienced provider will ensure your experience is smooth from start to finish!

Pop-Up Locker offers secure, affordable and compliant portable storage containers in Brandon, Toronto, Winnipeg and all across Nova Scotia. Available in 7ft up to 20ft.

Call us today to book your unit and start a seamless, headache-free set up.