HomePage / Property & Development / Building Permits / Application for a Residential Building Permit / Locate Permit

Locate Permit

A permit is required when you locate (move) a mobile unit (trailer) or a house onto a property. However, not all buildings will be appropriate for relocation within Nanaimo.

Requirements must be addressed through a building permit for structural adequacy, building value, foundation, additions, decks, porches, etc.

What information is required for the permit?

Applications must include the following:

And information as listed in:

Transportation Permit

A permit to transport the structure through the city will also be required.

Can I place a shipping container on my property?

Many restrictions apply.  Please refer to Zoning Bylaw 4500 for detailed information.

In general (see the Zoning Bylaw, Section 6.2 for detailed wording).

Residential Use

  • Temporary use (30 days)
  • May be used as temporary storage of tools/materials during construction/maintenance where a building permit has been obtained and remains active (must be moved within 14 days upon completion of construction)
  • Restrictions as to size of the container
  • Restrictions as to location of the container on the property
  • A locate permit is required for the placement of the container on a property
  • A Works in City Streets permit is required for the placement of the container in a street

Commercial Use

  • Temporary use only
  • Limited to specific zones
  • Restrictions as to size of container

Type of Use

  • Incidental use only to the operation of the business or facility; or 
  • May be used as temporary storage of tools/materials during construction/maintenance where a building permit has been obtained and remains active (must be moved within 14 days upon completion of construction); or
  • May use for shipping as defined in the Zoning Bylaw in the specified industrial zone.
  • A locate permit is required for the placement of the container on a property
  • A Works in City Streets permit is required for the placement of the container in a street

Refer to Zoning Bylaw 4500, Part 6.2 - Containers for a complete description of uses and restrictions.

Related Information

Contact Us

Building Inspections Section
250-755-4429
building.inspections@nanaimo.ca

Last updated: November 13, 2024

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