Canadian building code question

What are the building code requirements for shipping container buildings in Canada?

Shipping container buildings must comply with the same NBC and provincial building code requirements as any other building. The non-standard construction method creates unique challenges for structural certification, fire resistance, insulation, and building official review.

Shipping container construction does not have its own section in the Canadian building code. Containers used as buildings must meet the same structural, fire safety, energy, accessibility, and means-of-egress requirements as conventionally built structures. The challenge is demonstrating compliance for a non-standard construction method, which often requires engineering certification, alternative solution proposals, and careful coordination with the authority having jurisdiction.

What to check first

• The NBC does not have specific provisions for shipping container buildings — standard code requirements apply.
• Demonstrating structural, fire, and energy code compliance for non-standard construction typically requires engineering certification.
• Alternative solution proposals may be needed to show how container construction meets the intent of prescriptive code requirements.

Jurisdiction notes

Work through it in this order

1. Confirm that the local authority having jurisdiction will accept shipping container construction and identify any pre-consultation requirements.
2. Engage a structural engineer to certify the modified container for the intended use, loads, and building code requirements.
3. Address fire resistance, insulation, and energy code requirements through the applicable provincial code framework.
4. Prepare alternative solution proposals for any building code requirements where the container construction does not directly fit prescriptive provisions.

Common questions