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Agency adopts ordinance allowing certain commercial uses of shipping containers
Summary
Fort Walton Beach's planning agency recommended adoption of Ordinance 2215 to allow shipping containers to be used for commercial primary structures (with existing storage restrictions retained); the measure passed on a 5–0 vote and projects remain subject to building, fire and setback codes.
The Fort Walton Beach Local Planning Agency voted unanimously on June 4 to recommend adoption of Ordinance 2215, which amends Land Development Code section 5.01.07 to permit certain commercial uses of shipping containers while maintaining storage restrictions for residential properties.
"Staff has reviewed section 5.1.7 ... and is proposing an exemption that allows for additional commercial uses and flexibility in that regard, but still restricting storage shipping containers to one per property," Mrs. Roberts, planning staff, said during the presentation. She told the agency there would be no new fees and that projects converted to commercial uses would still be reviewed under applicable building, fire and setback requirements.
Board members and the public asked about stacking limits, allowed utilities and whether containers had been used as accessory dwellings. Mrs. Roberts said commercial conversions would undergo the same permitting review as other commercial buildings and that Florida Building Code and fire‑safety requirements would still apply. She also noted that existing residential restrictions — including limits on storage containers and prohibitions on plumbing for storage units — would remain in place unless separately changed by ordinance.
One board member cited local examples of container‑based businesses and outdoor seating layouts; staff referenced a known local business (Small's in Mary Esther) as an example of existing commercial container use in the region. After discussion, a motion to accept staff recommendations and propose passage of Ordinance 2215 carried 5–0.
The change allows greater flexibility for commercial developers to use shipping containers as primary structures while preserving safety and site‑design reviews; residential use of containers for storage remains limited under the code.
