Container Architecture Adoption & Regulations
The adoption of shipping container architecture and construction has gained popularity in recent years due to its numerous benefits such as cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and versatility. However, the utilization of shipping containers for building purposes is subject to various regulations at the national, state, and local levels.
National Guidelines
At the national level, shipping container architecture is generally governed by building codes and standards established by organizations like the International Code Council (ICC). These codes ensure that the structures meet safety, structural integrity, and fire protection requirements. In 2021, the International Building Code (IBC) was updated to include specific regulations for shipping container construction. The IBC now provides guidelines for the design, construction, and maintenance of shipping container buildings. These guidelines cover various aspects such as structural design, insulation, ventilation, plumbing, electrical systems, and accessibility.
NC Container Guidelines
Local jurisdictions still have the authority to interpret and enforce the national guidelines for shipping container construction. In general, North Carolina looks to the ICC G5-2019 - Guideline for the Safe Use of ISO Intermodal Shipping Containers Repurposed as Buildings and Building Components. The guideline provides an in-depth, technical overview for how to design, review and approve intermodal shipping containers as a building element, and is primarily intended to benefit state and local jurisdictions, owners, architects, builders, and engineers as they react to a lack of regulatory and compliance guidelines amidst the growing trend of shipping container repurposing.
In North Carolina, all new and used steel cargo shipping containers that are intended for manufacture or remanufacture and use as commercial or residential modular buildings are required to meet certain guidelines to ensure structural integrity and EPA standards.