Describe the placement before asking about a permit
A moving container in a front yard, a long-term equipment box and an occupied office are different proposals. Tell the permit office which one you intend. Include the street address, parcel information, container size, proposed spot, duration and any electrical or plumbing work. Ask which department reviews the use and which plans it needs.
The West Virginia State Building Code rule 87CSR4, sections 7.2 and 7.7, assigns enforcement and interpretation to the adopting local jurisdiction, which section 2.6 defines as a municipal, county or other local government. Use the city sources below for a parcel within those city limits. For a parcel in another city or town, contact that municipality's government. Outside municipal limits, contact the government of the county containing the parcel.
Charleston: ask how the city will classify the container
The Charleston Zoning Ordinance, amended through August 10, 2022, lists permitted temporary uses in section 3-070 C. Item 7 reads: "Moving and storage containers parked in the front yard. Maximum duration: 30 days. A permit shall not be required for this temporary use." The ordinance does not define those containers. Ask Development Services whether item 7 covers the container you plan to buy and how a longer placement or another use would be reviewed.
Section 3-080 of the same ordinance describes accessory structures in residential districts. It bars accessory structures from the front yard and keeps them at least three feet from the side and rear property lines and from the main building. Section 3-080 A.9 says that no part of an accessory structure, "with the exception of accessory dwelling units", shall be designed or used for sleeping, and that no cooking fixtures shall be placed or permitted in it. Section 3-060, item 54, allows those units only in a residential district, and only with a single-family home that its owner occupies. Ask Development Services at 304-348-6833 whether a container kept on the lot long term would be reviewed as an accessory structure under section 3-080. If it would include sleeping space or a kitchen, also ask whether it could qualify as an accessory dwelling unit and whether the cooking-fixture limit applies to one.
The city's building permit page lists accessory structures among the work it reviews. Call Development Services or the Permit Office at 304-348-6833 with the intended use. Keep the temporary zoning question and the building work question clear in your request.
Charleston's Floodplain Management page says its manager checks whether a property is within a Special Flood Hazard Area before a building permit is issued or when asked. Include the exact proposed spot when requesting that review.
Outside Charleston in unincorporated Kanawha County
The county's Building Permit Guidelines and Procedures require a permit to build, relocate or place a new or used structure in unincorporated areas. The guidelines also cover site preparation and floodplain documentation. Ask Kanawha County Planning and Development, 304-357-0570, how it classifies your container proposal.
Huntington: ask Planning & Zoning and the permit office
Huntington's Planning & Zoning page says most development needs review against its zoning ordinance. The office reviews residential and commercial proposals. Send the intended storage use and site layout so it can identify the zoning path.
The building permit page cites Article 1711.05 for work that includes construction, alteration, moving or a change of occupancy. Ask Inspections & Permits whether placing or modifying your container needs a permit under that article. Reach its permit technician at 304-696-5540, extension 2003. Contact Planning & Zoning at the same number, option 3, for the container use and site layout.
The Ohio River floodwall does not answer every parcel's flood question. Huntington's floodplain page identifies remaining risk near tributaries, including Four-Pole Creek and Krouts Creek. It states that development in a flood-prone area requires a floodplain permit and an elevation certificate. Have the office check the location before choosing a landing.
Morgantown: prepare the site plan and anchoring details
Morgantown's Accessory Structure Permit Guidance asks for property information and an accurate site plan showing boundaries and setbacks. For a prefabricated structure, it requests information about anchoring against design wind loads. The guidance directs applicants to submit a Morgantown Utility Board stormwater permit application along with their accessory structure building permit application.
Call Development Services at 304-284-7401 and describe the container's use. The guidance says work should wait for approval and an issued permit. Star City, Westover and Granville are separate municipalities from Morgantown. For a property in one of them, contact that municipality's government and ask which office reviews container placement and building permits.
Check truck access while the parcel is reviewed
Container One requires 110 feet of straight unobstructed space for a 20ft container and 130 feet for a 40ft container, as stated in its delivery FAQ. Minimum clearances are 15 feet of height for driving, 22 feet of height along the entire unloading path and 10 feet of width. Photograph creek bridges, low underpasses and steep bends as well as the landing.
Container One's Delivery/Dispatch department contacts you to schedule the date and time. Delivery timing depends on the location, when payment is received, the weather and other factors. Tell the Container One representative about soft ground and any changes to the entrance or delivery route.
Keep the answers with the project plan
- Record the office and staff contact that reviewed the parcel.
- Keep the approved use, placement and duration with the site drawing.
- Ask which inspections or supporting documents apply before starting work.
- Give the delivery representative the approved landing and access description.
For an occupied project, read the container home planning guide. For temperature and moisture planning, see container insulation in West Virginia.
Government sources checked October 14, 2026. Ask the office to confirm the requirements for your parcel and current proposal.