ISO CONTAINERS.
Fresno Municipal Code § 15-2736
in effectSEC. 15-2736. - ISO CONTAINERS.
ISO Containers, also known as sea, ocean, or shipping containers, shall comply with the following standards.
A. Residential and/or Commercial Use. ISO Containers used as structures containing residential or commercial uses, or any other such occupied space, shall secure all entitlements that are required of conventional structures, shall comply with all provisions of the Base District and other applicable provisions of this Code, and shall secure a Building Permit.
B. Storage Use.
1. Exceptions. City-owned sites and ISO Containers used during construction to temporarily store equipment or material are exempt from this section. The ISO Containers shall be removed upon occupancy of the building and/or expiration of the building permit, whichever occurs first.
2. Incidental Use. ISO Containers shall be incidental to the primary use on the site and/or shopping center. They are not permitted as an accessory use to a stand-alone parking lot.
3. Condition. ISO Containers shall be kept in good condition and free of damage, rust, graffiti, signs, banners, etc. Repairs shall be made within 48 hours of being damaged. Graffiti shall be removed within 48 hours.
4. Vacant Property. Not permitted on vacant property.
5. Residential and Mixed-Use Districts. Refer to Section 15-2405, Recreational Vehicles, Boats, Trailers, and Portable Storage.
6. Commercial Districts.
a. Shall be located to the rear of the building and shall be screened from Major Streets to the satisfaction of the Director.
b. Shall be limited to one per each 20,000 square feet of building area. For buildings less than 20,000 square feet, one.
7. Industrial Districts.
a. IL District.
i. Shall be screened, to the greatest extent feasible, from Major Streets, including State Highways.
ii. Shall not be visible from a local street that also serves existing residences and/or planned Residential Districts.
iii. Shall not be stacked.
b. IH Districts.
i. Shall not be visible from a local street that also serves existing residences and/or planned Residential Districts.
ii. Shall not be stacked higher than two containers.
8. Separation from Residential Districts. ISO Containers shall be separated by a minimum of 200 feet from Residential Districts and/or residential uses. Caretaker's Residences are exempted from this subsection.
9. Separation from Property Lines and Buildings. Ten feet. There shall be no structures between the containers that connect them.
10. Paving. Containers shall be placed on paved areas, per Public Works standards, to mitigate dust. Industrial Districts are excepted.
11. Prohibited Storage. The ISO may not be used to store flammable liquids or other hazard materials as determined by the Fire Chief.
12. Utilities. There shall be no utility connections to the ISO container.
13. Fire Clearances. The container shall provide adequate access as determined by the Fire Chief.
(Added Ord. 2015-39, § 1, eff. 1-9-16).
Source: City of Fresno, California, Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ca/fresno/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=MUCOCHFRCA_CH15CIDECOINRE_PTIIIREAPSOALDI_ART27STSPUSAC_S15-2736ISCOFetched: 11/1/2026