There are several strange laws in Texas. For example, did you know that it’s illegal to sell your eyes? Or that you can’t shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel? What about the law that says you can’t dust a building with a feather duster? While these laws are obscure and difficult to know without looking them up, there are some lesser-known laws that may affect you.

For example, do you need permission for a storage container in Fort Worth?

Depending on whether the storage container is in a residential area, near a road junction, in the street or in a parking lot, you might need permission before you rent or buy a portable storage container. Let’s take a look at a few different scenarios.

Scenario #1: In a Residential Area

Say you want to use a storage container for a residential move. Do you need permission? For starters, it depends on where you’ll be temporary storing the container. If you’re not blocking traffic, you may be able to get by without permission, but it depends on whether you have a Homeowners Association (HOA) or not. If you do, make sure you get their permission before using a storage container in a Fort Worth residential neighborhood.

Scenario #2: Near a Road Junction

When it comes to storage containers near a road junction, it’s a little trickier. You’ll likely have to contact the street department, licensing and permitting department, police department or department of temporary signs. Do some online research or contact the Fort Worth Planning & Development Department with questions about the specific road junction you may be placing your storage container near.

Scenario #3: In a Parking Lot

Parking lots seem like a logical choice for placing storage containers, as they’re spacious and flat. They can be either publicly owned or privately owned, but you need permission either way before you put a storage container on them. Be sure to get permission not only for using the parking lot, but for the length of time you plan on using it as well.

Scenario #4: On the Street or Sidewalk

If you live in the city, it’s possible that the only place to put the storage container is either on the street or in your private driveway intersected by a public sidewalk. Both of these scenarios involve public property, so you need permission or a permit from the local governing agencies. Again, a call to the Fort Worth Planning & Development Department is your best bet before renting one.

If you’re interested in renting a portable storage container or have any other questions, give us a call at 972-438-2726 today.