What does the International Building Code say about shipping containers?
NationwideReviewed October 2026
Starting with the 2021 edition, the IBC added Section 3115, which covers intermodal shipping containers repurposed as buildings or parts of buildings. It calls for construction documents, a container data plate (identifying the manufacturer, date, safety approval and load ratings) per ISO standards, protection against decay and termites, under-floor ventilation, roof assemblies, and treatment of joints and voids. It also sets structural rules, including foundations designed under the code's structural chapters and anchorage that gives a continuous load path. There is a simplified design path for single stand-alone containers in certain seismic categories, and a detailed analysis path otherwise. Section 3115 applies only where your jurisdiction has adopted a code edition that contains it, so ask which edition is in force.
Check your local rule. This varies by state, county or city. Your permitting office has the final word; the official lookup pages below show you who that is.