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Updated over 5 years ago, 07/30/2019
Shipping Container Home near Jacksonville
Hello BP,
We currently have a small (20') shipping container home located in Jacksonville, FL. We have been searching for areas around northeast/central Florida and southern Georgia to relocate it.
Our goal is to be able to have it be rented out on a nightly or weekly basis to vacationers. The container plugs into existing water/power/sewer utilities, and accommodates 2 adults comfortably. Earlier this year, we had it sited at a lovely location about a mile from the beach hosted by the property owner. The interest (not to mention the income) we generated in such a short time was surprised us. Ultimately we had to move it in lieu of the fact that it was in conflict with one of the community's zoning regulations.
I'm seeing if anyone out there in the BP Community has had any experience with this sort of project. I'm open to a wide spectrum of suggestions and out-of-the-box (no pun intended) ideas. If anyone is interested in partnering up, please don't hesitate to start a conversation.
#2 Contractors Contributor
- Severna Park, MD
Getting something like that past any area that has zoning and building codes will be difficult
@Matthew Paul, you're totally right. But I don't think it's impossible. I think the concept needs to be looked at with unconventional solutions taking advantage of the nuances of the regulations of certain areas. There's an undeniable widespread interest in unconventional (smaller) living spaces right now, especially for those who want to try it out short term. I'm just hoping to find some inspiration from other people with the same ideas here on BP.
Love the tiny home movement ! I think the easiest way is for it to be mobile. Since it is only 20 and a shipping container attaching it to wheels and getting a plate opens up the possibility as a RV . Also look into locations that are zoned agricultural way easier to navigate zoning as a temporary home. We actually played with the idea of buying a defunct mobile home park and putting tiny homes on it a while ago here in SW Florida . Still on our to do list !! Wishing you the best of luck and much success on your adventure !
Vonn&Andy
Hi @Vonn Peterson,
Thanks for the advice...I think you're totally on point. A trailer would definitely be a great way to have a container easily be mobile and possible comply with certain RV regulations.
I didn't know agriculturally zones might be more lenient for siting living spaces. I'll start looking into it.
I think the idea of purchasing and re-purposing an old mobile home park is an idea that has enormous potential. If it becomes a reality, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Thanks again.
Will do and good luck !!
Look into a couple things: 1) ultra small towns typically do not have zoning regulations (e.g. think under 1,000 population); 2) in the ETJ of a larger city there is not zoning regulation until it has been annexed, but if you are close to city limits they will have public utilities extended there for future expansion. Sometimes the utility rates have a premium in these areas, but it addresses your issue.
Let us know how it goes.
the trailer park idea that @Vonn Peterson threw out was genius. when i entertained the thought, my plan was to choose a destination where I wanted to travel alot. (I live in Florida now, so lets say Niagra Falls.. a spot where I actually want to go, ship two "pods" one for me, one for renting out (air bnb etc.) Fly back and rent out both units when Im not there. If it works well its easy to duplicate, also in the long run when its time to amass all of your units into a trailer park, or make one mega home, whatever you wanted to do with them.. you could throw them on a train to transport your unit and ride in it to. Better than first class.. but that could be illegal.
but why not use them in the market that Im in? Well I want to capture the market where I am in my own Niche. then make cashflow from my extracurricular (fun activities) But the other area would be different for everyone, close to an aging parent or you just want to write a book while looking at the desert. Its all feasible.
Agreed, love the trailer park idea, Vonn. This reminds me of the Airstream Village in Las Vegas started by Tony Hsieh (Zappos CEO). I love the idea of owning an RV park with most (if not all) spaces dedicated to semi-permanent type tiny houses, shipping container homes, airstreams, etc. These are stellar performers on AirBnB-type platforms, simply because they're a novelty.
Further, I think there's huge value add if you can provide amenities (fire pits, running/hiking trails, volleyball courts, etc). The trailer-park route also seems like the most straightforward way to get around complicated zoning issues, though. Let us know how you end up finding success!!
@Jeffrey H., that's super interesting, thanks for the advice. Do you find that the zoning regulations in a small town might be different or more lenient than the county regulations? I always just look at the planning for the county that a town is in, but I never thought to see if the town itself had different guidelines.
Also I was unaware of what an ETJ was....I just looked it up. Again, it's another area in which I need to educate myself. Up until now, I've just been doing all my zoning research on the county websites.
@Michael Johnson, I like the way you're thinking. It would definitely be neat if train-based passenger containers were developed. Imagine if the infrastructure was in place to move a 20' container home across a continent by rail, then loaded on a container ship and sailed to a new location. It would need holding tanks, though. I've been messing around with a barge idea to make them into a little house boat.
@Allison Littman, I've seen that park. There's another one called Kate's Lazy Meadow owned by the singer of the B-52's. It's such a great concept (although a tad kitschy for my minimalist aesthetic), but there aren't any destinations that feature shipping containers. I think if it were done correctly, it would gain national attention, and the model could be easily replicated. I definitely agree, having site-specific attractions and amenities would be the key. I'm thinking a (container) community kitchen could be a used.
It seems using an existing trailer park or RV park would be the most expedient way to fall into zoning guidelines as well as having utilities already in place. The down side is that they can be really expensive (that's where investors would need to come in) and few and far between. We'll keep looking, though.
@Sterling Cox well what about the containers that ride by on the freight trains. maybe a little bit less than optimum and dont forget the solar panels. I actually saw some new technology (for those who care) Solar panels that are thin enough to be flexible and laid on the tops of roofs practically invisible. idr what its called though
#2 General Landlording & Rental Properties Contributor
The only way to make this work is to work with government to establish a designated community that is approved by local government. No individual is going to impose their dreams of making money on a municipality without first changing their by-laws. Any attempt on the part of a individual to simply place a "tiny home" will be constantly forced to move by building inspectors. Research states that have worked with the tiny movement before you make assumptions.
As for the tiny home in a MHC plan is concerned it will not work without requiring rezoning. Chances of that happening is zero unless municipality and public opinion change.
In most areas today tiny homes are viewed as glorified RVs that RV parks do not want, MHCs do not want, neighbours do not want and by-laws do not allow.
@Michael Johnson, yeah I look at those too and have fun imagining them as passenger spaces. Those are typically 46' and 53' high cube containers and they have a lot of room. As of now, the freight fees would probably not make them a cheap ride especially with the insurance of having human cargo.
But I think it's the reason it's not happening yet. I think ideas like that are what fuels innovation in a way that changes how we view our infrastructure.
Hi @Thomas S.,
Thanks for the input on this. I definitely appreciate hearing from all sides. All my experience with zoning thus far affirms the difficulties you're describing.
Your suggestion of establishing a dedicated community within the regs of a local government as place for people use small-space dwellings as residences is a great idea.
@Sterling Cox Well what about the luxury passenger car market that we could monopolize? ive thought of the barge also. These could be like Adult Legos. Rent or do whatever, bring them together.. Break it down. Like an ultra-modern Lincoln log set. Ill Have some numbers for shipping charges etc. the next time I post.
@Allison Littman those are a couple good ideas, it sounds like you could have more to say?
@Sterling Cox
How much are you asking for it?