Storage units provide great, convenient solutions for businesses that need a building to expand their office space, but whether or not you are legally allowed to operate an office from a storage container depends on the building regulations applicable in the area where you want to have that office constructed. The local building rules will determine whether you can transform storage containers to use them as offices and they will determine many important aspects of the construction as well. Here is what you need to check.

Zoning Regulations

Zoning is the process of dividing urban areas into zones that serve different purposes. One example of zoning practice is to push industrial areas to the city limits and to forbid industrial construction in city centers. In the case of offices configured from storage units, you need to consult local zoning codes to find out whether you are allowed to build a storage unit office in your neighborhood.

Building Permits

Another set of regulations that you must consult and understand are the ones pertaining to construction standards and the permits necessary for your Van Buren storage unit office. The rules will determine the way plumbing, electrical installations, insulation installation and many other building components need to be executed and they will also determine the safety standards, such as fire safety standards, that your building will need to comply with.

The Codes and Regulations Pertaining to Mobile, Modular and Prefabricated Buildings

These codes will also define lots of features that your building needs to carry, depending on the platform they are standing on.

HOA Covenants

Homeowner’s associations also have very strict rules about the type and the size of the buildings that they accept. HOA covenants are mainly used in residential neighborhoods, if the zoning rules allow for office buildings to be erected in your residential district, the HOA covenant applicable in the area might be an important document to consult.

What the Law Will Regulate

The aspects that are likely to be regulated by the above laws, regulations and rules might include the following features:

• The building’s appearance – the colors and the materials used for creating the exterior of your storage unit office might be determined by law;
• Means of egress, fire and smoke detection – the number and the location of the emergency exits and the way your building is protected from fires are all essential for the safety of your property as well as for the safety of your personnel;
• Requirements regarding the structure and the foundation – your container building needs to be resistant, stable, able to withstand the weight of snow. In the applicable regulations, you will find the exact stipulations regarding the depth of the foundation, the material it should be made from as well as the reinforcements to be used in the walls.

The best way to make sure that your storage container office building is in compliance with all the regulations is to turn to a professional architect – the specialist will know all about local laws.