The short answer: most Swiftbox containers go on a driveway, side yard, lawn or gravel pad, and when the container sits on your own property, you usually don't need anything from the city. A permit generally only comes up if the container has to sit on a public street.
Where a Swiftbox can go
Because we deliver with a soft-touch loader instead of a tilt-bed truck, a Swiftbox fits places other companies can't reach. Common spots include:
- Your driveway. The most common choice. The container is close to the house and easy to load.
- A side yard or lawn. Handy when the driveway needs to stay open for cars.
- A gravel pad or parking area. Common on rural properties, farms and job sites.
- A business lot. For inventory, equipment or overflow storage at work.
Plan on about 19 ft long by 9 ft wide of space and 9 ft of overhead clearance (watch for branches, gutters and wires). The box itself is 16 ft long; the extra room is what we need to set it down. Not sure your spot works? Try our Will It Fit tool.
Do I need a permit for my driveway or yard?
Usually not. A container sitting temporarily on your own property generally doesn't involve the city at all. A couple of things are still worth checking:
- HOAs and condo associations. Some have rules about containers, such as how long one can stay. If you have an HOA, a quick email before delivery avoids surprises.
- Long-term or permanent use. Cities treat a container that stays for good differently from a temporary rental. Ours are rented month to month, so this rarely comes up.
- Rentals and shared driveways. If you rent or share a driveway, check with the owner or your neighbors first.
What about putting it on the street?
The street, parking strip and sidewalk are public right-of-way, so most cities want a permit before a container goes there. The process differs from city to city, but it usually looks like this:
- You apply with the city's right-of-way or street use office before delivery day.
- You include a simple site plan showing where the container will sit.
- The container has to stay clear of driveways, fire hydrants and intersections.
- There's usually a permit fee, and sometimes a daily use fee depending on the street and how long it stays.
Seattle
Seattle requires a Street Use permit from SDOT before a storage container is placed in the right-of-way. Based on SDOT's published guidance:
- Containers are typically approved for a legal parking space, usually the parking lane in front of your own home.
- Keep the container at least 30 ft from intersections and at least 10 ft from driveways and fire hydrants.
- Your application includes the start date, how long you need it, the container size and a site plan.
- To hold the space, you can set up a temporary no-parking zone with rented no-parking signs placed at least 72 hours before delivery. Metered and pay-to-park spots have extra steps.
- Applications go to SDOT by email (SDOTPermits@seattle.gov) or in person at the Street Use counter downtown.
Fees and details change, so check SDOT's permit pages for current requirements before you apply.
Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma and other cities
Most cities around Puget Sound follow the same idea: your own property is usually fine, and the street needs city approval. Some examples:
- Bellevue handles street placement through its Right of Way Division (425-452-4189).
- Tukwila requires a permit before a container is placed in the right-of-way, and allows temporary placement on private property.
- Everett, Tacoma, Kirkland, Lynnwood and others run street use and right-of-way permits through their public works or permit centers. A quick call before delivery day is the easiest way to get a clear answer.
Short on street time? Load it, and we'll store it for you
If the street is your only option, you don't have to leave the container there for weeks. Many customers load their Swiftbox in a day or two, then we pick it up and keep it at our secure storage facility until they're ready. When it's time, we deliver it back to you or to your new home. That keeps the street permit short and simple, and your belongings stay protected the whole time.
The easiest path: keep it off the street
Since a Swiftbox fits tight spots, most of our customers never need a permit. Before delivery, your local rental coordinator can help you find the best spot on your property, whether that's a narrow driveway, a side yard or a gravel area. If the street really is the only option, we'll walk you through what your city typically asks for, and we can pick the container up as soon as it's loaded so it's only on the street briefly.
Common questions
Can a storage container go on my lawn?
Yes. A side yard or lawn is a common spot when the driveway needs to stay open. We just need enough clear space, about 19 ft by 9 ft, and room overhead.
How long can a container stay on my driveway?
As long as you need it. Swiftbox rentals are month to month. If you have an HOA, check whether it has a time limit.
Do I need a permit in Seattle?
Not if the container sits on your own property, like a driveway or yard. If it goes on the street, Seattle requires a Street Use permit from SDOT before delivery.
What if my driveway is steep or narrow?
Hills and tight driveways are common around Seattle and the Eastside. Our soft-touch delivery handles many spots other companies can't. Send us a photo or call, and we'll help you pick the best place.
Can I load on the street and then have you store it?
Yes. Load your Swiftbox, then we pick it up and keep it at our secure facility until you need it, so it only sits on the street for a short time.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. City rules and fees change, so confirm current requirements with your city before placing a container on the street.