Are Shipping Container Homes Legal in Ohio?

  • By: Promise
  • Time to read: 4 min.
Promise
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Shipping container homes have become the normal thing among people who dream of having a home out of shipping containers. The reason is however nothing but the fact that shipping container homes are strong and very much cheaper than the traditional blockhouse we all know.

But the question is, are shipping container homes legal in Ohio?

Shipping container homes are legal in Ohio but you are required to follow the Ohio Building Codes (OBC) and Residential Code of Ohio (RCO) when building a shipping container home in Ohio.

The truth remains that shipping container homes are one of the modern innovations that states are adopting with different states adapting to such innovations. Some states even went to the extent of amending their laws and building codes to expand shipping container homes.

These states that allow shipping container homes are already aware of how affordable it is, therefore, amending their rules to expand such innovation. Imagine having a $25,000 house of your own where you won’t have to ever pay rent again. It’s such a great development.

Yes, it is legal to build a shipping container home in Ohio as long as you obtained the permit to build such a house and follow the Ohio building codes and zoning laws when building the house.

Can You Build a Container Home in Ohio?

Yes, since the Ohio government has approved the use of shipping containers as homes, you can build a shipping container home in Ohio following the Ohio Building Codes (OBC) and Residential Code of Ohio (RCO).

According to the state government,

Whether or not a shipping container is regulated as an IU if it is modified with interior and exterior finishes, doors, windows, plumbing, or electrical fixtures, compliance with either the Ohio Building Codes (OBC) and Residential Code of Ohio (RCO) is required depending on how it will be built.

Ohio State Government

The approval made by the Ohio government is a go-ahead to people who dream of having a shipping container home. It means that you don’t have to only build such a home but can also build one according to your standards.

As reiterated earlier, the fact that the Ohio state government has given people the opportunity to own a house from shipping containers doesn’t mean you will just wake up one morning and start building one without following the procedures.

The same way you follow procedures while building a traditional brick/blockhouse is the same way procedures are followed when building a shipping container home. The procedure involves ensuring that you are permitted to build a shipping container home in the land where you wish to build them.

Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shipping Containers Homes In Ohio?

You need a permit to build a shipping container home in Ohio. To obtain the permit, you need to submit the plan of the kind of house you wish to build to the Ohio Building Department. Once the plan is approved, the permits will be granted to you.

However, it is important to note that sometimes, these bodies in charge of giving building permits may not grant the permit. It could be because of one reason or the other which will be communicated to you.

In that case, you need to correct whatever the problem is and submit back the plan for approval.

It is also pertinent to note that sometimes getting a permit can take a longer period than expected. I’ve heard some said it took them three to four months before they were able to obtain a building permit.

That is why you are advised to meet any reputable shipping container home builder in Ohio and let them help get the permit for you. Since they are a company known for building container homes, it might be easier for them to get the permit. Plus there is a chance that the Building Department knows them as a shipping container home builder, hence will help fasten up the permit.

Another great advantage of using a shipping container home builder to get the permit is because they are already aware of the requirements and procedures to get the permits. This will help fasten the period it would take had you been the one applying for the permit.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Shipping Containers Home in Ohio?

It cost between $25,000 to $80,000 to build and furnish a standard shipping container home in Ohio. However, if you want a more sophisticated shipping container home in Ohio, it will cost more than $80,000.

Final Thoughts

Building a shipping container home in Ohio is legal. All you need to do is to ensure that all the Ohio Building Codes (OBC) and Residential Code of Ohio (RCO) are followed. The state government requires that you follow those codes depending on how you want the house to be built. A shipping container home can only be illegal in Ohio if you do not follow these OBC and RCO.

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