Looking for shipping containers for sale in San Diego, CA? Quality Storage Container sells new and used containers and delivers them across San Diego, right to your property. We are family-owned, serving customers since 2010 with a BBB A+ rating.
San Diego has some of the most specific container rules in Southern California, and they change depending on whether you are in the City of San Diego, another city or an unincorporated part of the county. Knowing them before you buy helps you pick the right size.
Owning a Container in the City of San Diego
- Building Permit: According to the city's Information Bulletin 149, a building permit is required to install cargo containers on a site, with limited exceptions such as stage sets during a permitted special event.
- Foundation: A single container can sit without a foundation if the ground is level, with a slope of no more than 1/4 inch per foot, and the base material can support it.
- Conversions:
Containers used as buildings must meet the California Building Code.
Owning a Container in Unincorporated San Diego County
The county zoning ordinance (Section 6162) sets clear limits:
- Residential lots under 2 acres: One container, with a footprint of no more than 320 square feet, for no more than 180 days in any 5-year period. A standard 40ft container (40 by 8 feet) is right at that limit.
- Screening: On residential property, the container must not be visible from the street.
- Commercial and industrial: Allowed for storage when the property has a legal primary use and required parking is not affected.
- Small storage buildings: County building rules exempt one-story accessory storage buildings, including sea cargo containers, of 120 square feet or less that need no plumbing, electrical or mechanical permit. Zoning rules still apply.
Matching the Container to the Rules
Size affects which rules apply. A 10ft container has an outside footprint of 10 by 8 feet, or 80 square feet. A 20ft container, our most popular size, is 160 square feet. A 40ft container is 320 square feet. Check full measurements in our Container Size Guide, then confirm with your city or the county before you order.
For grade, a
one-trip container looks close to new, which helps where appearance matters.
Wind and water tight units cost less and are still sealed. Compare all grades in our
Container Grades Guide.
Other Cities in San Diego County
Cities outside San Diego set their own rules. Escondido, for example, allows long-term container storage on industrial property where open storage is approved, and a long-term container cannot be visible from the road next to the property. Check with your city before delivery.
How Buying Works
Contact us or call for a free same-day quote with all costs up front. Pick your size, grade and any add-ons. We send photos of your actual container before you buy, then deliver by tilt-bed or flatbed and set it where you want it.
San Diego Container Buying FAQs
Get a Free Quote on Shipping Containers in San Diego Today
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