MORANGUP 6083 WA

Fox Mobile Storage – Morangup's Trusted Storage Partner

This page is proudly supported by Fox Mobile Storage — a trusted local W.A provider helping our Morangup residents with secure, flexible container storage solutions across Western Australia.

We’re proud to acknowledge Fox’s direct assistance to community members in need — including helping a Local DV affected and displaced local with reduced-cost secure storage during a very difficult period.

Morangup.com.au recommends Fox Mobile Storage to anyone looking for affordable, reliable container delivery and pickup — whether short-term, long-term or transitional. Their friendly service and commitment to WA locals sets them apart.

🔗 Visit them at foxmobilestorage.com.au or call direct to discuss your container needs.

Comprehensive Guide to Shipping Containers in the Shire of Toodyay

As part of its commitment to sustainable development, the Shire of Toodyay revised its Local Planning Policy No. 14 concerning the use of shipping containers and similar storage structures. This policy aims to balance community needs with maintaining the area’s visual amenity. Here’s a thorough breakdown of the relevant regulations and requirements.

Key Features of the Updated Policy

  1. Approval Requirements:
    • Before placing a shipping container on residential properties, residents must obtain prior approval from the Shire. This applies to both sea containers and similar structures (e.g., prefabricated units).
  2. Container Sizes:
    • The two standard shipping container sizes are 20 feet and 40 feet. Regulations stipulate specific allowances based on the zoning of the property and the size of the container.
  3. Quantity Restrictions:
    • Generally, only one container is permitted per residential property.
    • Properties zoned as Rural with an area greater than 100 hectares may have up to four containers.
  4. Temporary Storage Exemption:
    • Containers used temporarily for construction purposes are exempt from the above requirements, provided they:
      • Are used solely for storing construction materials.
      • Are located on a building site with an active planning approval and building license.
      • Are removed within six months unless special approval is granted for longer use.
  5. Visual Amenity Standards:
    • To maintain the area's aesthetic, containers must:
      • Be placed where they have low visibility from public roads and neighboring properties.
      • Blend with the surroundings, requiring neutral or earth-tone paint.
      • Not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle movements, ensuring safety and accessibility.
  6. Size Limitations:
    • Containers not exceeding 6 meters in length are generally approved for properties not zoned as Industrial or Rural.
    • Containers up to 12 meters in length are permitted on Industrial properties or Rural properties over 100 hectares.
  7. Habitation Restrictions:
    • Shipping containers cannot be used for residential purposes. They may not become permanent fixtures on properties, except in large rural zones where certain conditions apply.
  8. Application Process:
    • Residents must submit:
      • Necessary planning application forms.
      • A site plan indicating the container's proposed location, including boundary setbacks.
      • A written submission outlining visual improvements.
      • Any relevant elevation drawings.
  9. Enforcement Limitations:
    • It is important to note that the by-law does not enforce regulations on containers situated on properties before 2009. This means any containers placed prior to this date are not subject to the updated rules.

Summing it up

The Shire of Toodyay's updated regulations on shipping containers aim to provide a flexible yet structured approach to their use. By ensuring that these structures do not detract from the community's visual appeal, the Shire fosters a balance between development and sustainability. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the policy and consult the Shire's Planning and Development Department for any questions regarding container placement and approvals.

For more detailed information, please refer to the official Local Planning Policy No. 14 document.

Policy Clarification: Sea Containers for Furniture Transport

The Shire of Toodyay’s Local Planning Policy No. 14 (LPP 14) does not explicitly exempt removalists or residents from development approval when using shipping containers for the transportation or temporary storage of furniture and furnishings.

However, temporary placement of sea containers may be permitted for specific purposes — such as during building works or transitional periods — provided the use is short-term and does not conflict with amenity or zoning objectives.

In practice, the Shire has shown discretion. For example, in December 2024, Council approved a 12-month placement of a 20-foot container for domestic storage, noting the container was not visible from the street and met all setback requirements.

Bottom line: While not formally exempt, temporary use of sea containers by removalists or residents may be permitted on a case-by-case basis with prior Shire approval.

🔗 View LPP 14 – Use of Sea Containers Policy (PDF)

Understanding the Latest By-Laws on Shipping Containers in the Shire of Toodyay

The Shire of Toodyay has updated its Local Planning Policy No. 14 regarding the use of shipping containers and similar storage structures. This policy aims to guide residents in the appropriate placement and use of these containers to ensure they do not negatively impact the visual amenity of the area.

Key Highlights of the Updated Policy

  1. Approval Requirements: All sea containers require prior approval from the Shire before being placed on residential properties. This includes any similar storage structures such as prefabricated units.
  2. Temporary Storage Exemption: Containers used temporarily for storage during construction are exempt from these regulations, provided they meet specific criteria, including ongoing construction activity and removal within six months.
  3. Visual Amenity: The policy emphasizes maintaining high visual standards. Containers should be located where they have low visibility from roads and adjacent properties. If visible, they must be painted in neutral or earth tones to blend with the surroundings.
  4. Restrictions on Quantity and Size: Generally, only one container is permitted per property. However, properties larger than 100 hectares can have up to four containers. Size limits vary based on zoning, with longer structures allowed in industrial or large rural areas.
  5. No Habitation Allowed: Shipping containers are not permitted for residential use or as permanent fixtures unless on large rural properties.

Important Historical Note

It is essential to note that the by-law does not enforce regulations retroactively for containers situated before the policy's adoption in 2009. This means that any containers placed prior to this date cannot be subject to these new rules.

Next Steps for Residents

Residents wishing to place a shipping container on their property should:

For a complete understanding of the guidelines, refer to the LPP.14 Policy Document.

This policy aims to balance the need for affordable storage solutions with the preservation of the Shire's aesthetic and safety standards, ensuring that the community's needs are met sustainably.

See the Shire of Toodyay's website for more information https://www.toodyay.wa.gov.au/plan-develop-build/planning/shipping-containers.aspx

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