Allowed Use

One temporary portable mini-storage unit may be placed on a fee simple lot, parcel or tract containing a single-family residence, subject to these conditions and limitations:

• If the homeowner has a valid building permit for construction, i.e., the major remodeling of; significant addition to; or damage repair to the single-family residence on the lot, parcel or tract whereon the portable mini-storage unit is requested to be placed; or
• If the homeowner is conducting work involving interior improvements not requiring a building permit; or
• If the homeowner is using the portable mini-storage for moving purposes to move personal items or furnishings to another location.

Requirements

• The unit cannot exceed 8 feet in width, 16 feet in length and 8 feet in height.
• The unit must be placed at ground level and set back a minimum of 10 feet from the front property line and a minimum of five feet from all other property lines. Additionally, the location must comply with the safe sight distance triangle regulations.
• Hazardous materials will not be placed in the unit.
• No mechanical, plumbing or electrical installations or connections can be made to the unit. The unit must be kept clean and in good condition with no visible signs of deteriorations, weathering, discoloration, rust holes or breaks.
• The property owner must attest to having property insurance for damages caused by windstorm.
• The Certificate of Use (CU) must be clearly posted on the exterior of the unit.
• The name, phone number and address of the company providing the unit must be on the unit, as well as the date the unit was placed on the site.
• The unit must be locked at all times when it is not being loaded or unloaded.
• Upon the issuance of a Hurricane Watch, the unit must immediately be removed or secured to withstand winds in excess of 100 mph.
• The CU may be revoked if use of the unit results in an unsafe or unsanitary condition.

Applying for a Certificate of Use

The cost is $39.64 per certificate.

No site may have a portable mini-storage unit for more than 90 days total in a calendar year. If an extension past 90 days is needed, visit the Zoning Certificate of Use section at the Permitting and Inspection Center and request to meet with the supervisor.

• Apply online 

Enforcement

Violations relating to portable mini-storage units are subject to the issuance of a Courtesy Warning Notice. Failure to comply will result in a fine, as specified in Section 8CC-10 of the Code of Miami-Dade County.

First Offense: Warning

Second Offense: $250, and fine goes up another $250 for each subsequent offense

Resources

• Ordinance 16-129
• Section 33-8 of the Miami-Dade County Code of Ordinances
• Section 33-20