Portable Storage Container Permits and Requirements

Storage Permit Requirements for Washington, DC, Arlington, Alexandria County, Fairfax County, Montgomery County & Prince George’s County

When you plan to use PODS-like self-storage units or mobile storage containers, you need to know any required permits for placing the unit on a public street or private property before you schedule. Many counties and cities may require you to obtain a permit for a legal placement and use of such device on private or public right of way.

This basic guide will tell you more about permits and introduce you to storage permitting terminology and permitting requirements for Washington, DC metro areas and the individual surrounding counties. Please note that information listed directly on city or county web page may be most up to date about permits.

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Washington, DC Moving Storage Container Permits & Requirements

Washington, DC defines a mobile self-storage unit as “Moving Storage Container (pod).” Permit is required if parked in the parking lane of the street in front of your residence or front yard or side yards between the building sand driveways.

More details regarding placing container in public space can be found in the PDF document issued by District Department of Transportation. To receive the permit and “No Parking” signs if needed, please contact District of Columbia Transportation Online Permitting System.

Arlington County Portable Storage Device Permits & Requirements

Arlington County defines a mobile self-storage unit as “Portable Storage Device.” Permit is required for practically any type of parking, including public roads, driveways or private property to prevent long-term storage of personal items in the public right of way.

For public parking, the Transportation Right-Of-Way (TROW) Permit is required, but in case of private property, container parking permit has to be issued by Zoning Division.

To apply for Transportation Right-Of-Way Permit, please use application available here. For private property, please visit Zoning Division.

Alexandria Packing Crates/Pods/Trailers for Moving Permits & Requirements

Alexandria City defines a mobile self-storage container in many ways, such as “Packing Crate” or “Pods” or “Trailers for Moving.” Permit is required, and “Reserved Parking” Permit may be needed.

There are two interesting factors related to the containers: device is permitted in similar manner as a dumpster in Public Right-Of-Way, and moving company is required to have on file general liability insurance. Transportation and Environmental Services Division Permit Guidelines can be found here.

Application for Right-Of-Way Permit is available here. Applications can be submitted online. Web Application Submission details are available here.

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Fairfax County Temporary Portable Storage Container Permits & Requirements

Fairfax County defines a mobile self-storage unit as a “Temporary Portable Storage Container” and Permit is NOT required, however there are many limitations regarding to classification and use of the storage unit.

  • Temporary Portable Storage Container is NOT a dumpster, cargo/shipping container, roll-off container, or the trailer portion of the tractor-trailer. Temporary Portable Storage Container is a purpose-built, fully enclosed, box-like container and is used to load and unload from a transport vehicle. Georgetown Moving Portable Container complies with this requirement.
  • Container may NOT be placed on a street, sidewalk or trail, or any location that would interfere with vehicular or pedestrian circulation or cause reduced visibility at street intersections, any required open space, or landscaped area.

Please find more information on the Frequently Asked Code Enforcement Question list available here. Fairfax County also have a published brochure related to Temporary Portable Storage Containers for Residentially Developed Properties that is available here.

Montgomery County Portable Storage Container Permits & Requirements

Montgomery County defines mobile storage container as a “Portable Storage Container.” Permit is required for temporary placement of PODS within the right of way or on a county road.

Permit is NOT required if placement does not need a right-of-way placement for example: owner’s private property, outside of the limits of the public right of way like driveway, lawn, yard, etc. Requirements are very similar to the permitting required for the placement of construction dumpsters on roadways.

General information regarding Portable Storage Containers in the County Right-of-Way and on County Roads can be found on Montgomery County 311 Informational page available here and Department of Permitting Services detailed info available here.

Prince George’s County Portable Storage Container Permits & Requirements

Prince George’s County defines mobile storage container as a “Portable Storage Container.” Permit is required when using the public right of way for any reasons that are city-specific. To get more details about storage permitting, please contact individual city or town for permit.

Why Use Georgetown Moving and Storage Company for Storage Solutions in the Washington, DC Area?

We’re here to help you every step of the way. We can be as involved in your storage endeavor as you want, whether you would like us to simply drop off and pick up your portable storage unit or you want us to pack and load everything on your behalf. This flexibility makes storage easy!

Each of our storage units measures 7’ high by 5’ wide by 7’ deep and holds about 150 to 180 cubic feet.

Then, our storage methods are unique. Rather than “self” solutions where storage units are accessible to everyone, our portable units are stacked and stored in a warehouse. This “portable vault” system is economical, safe, and secure, and it costs less than self-storage.

For more information about our safe and reliable storage units, or to schedule services, please call us at (703) 889-8899 or contact us online to receive a free quote on a storage unit for your residential or commercial needs.

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Licensed We ensure your items are safely moved and stored. We’re fully licensed with the Interstate Authority Carrier by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
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Certified Moving Consultants Our relocation specialists are certified by American Moving and Storage Association. Experience the professional difference when you move with our team.
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Locally Owned &
Operated

Experience professional service with a personalized approach. Our management team has over 15 years of experience delivering unparalleled service at an affordable price.

Licensed

We ensure your items are safely moved and stored. We’re fully licensed with the Interstate Authority Carrier by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Fully Bonded
& Insured

Set your mind at ease when you trust your belongings to Georgetown Moving and Storage. We are fully bonded and insured through the United States Department of Transportation – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

GSA
Approved

Our moving and storage team is experienced with providing secure government and military relocations.

Certified Moving
Consultants

Our relocation specialists are certified by American Moving and Storage Association. Experience the professional difference when you move with our team.

Highly-Secure
Self Storage Units

Know that your belongings are safe with our various secure storage options—from PODS-like storage to climate-controlled solutions.

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