How do you get a shipping container certified to legally live in?

Here's a nice link for examples of Container homes.

http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/shipping-container-homes-460309?link=rel&dom=yah_green&src=syn&con=art&mag=tdg

Local codes and regulations will probably apply, but with persistence and reason you might may be able to get waivers.

Cheeries !

When I was in the State Dept. I had a friend in the Peace Corps that did live in two containers. One was her bedroom, the other was the kitchen. They were in a 90 degree angle with roof over the area outside. It was quite comfortable, according to me. I don't think she liked it to much. She had it a lot better than the majority of the PC's.
BTW, this was in Africa.
I recently read of a lady that is converting containers into living space. Google it.

Another site for inspiration :)

http://www.quik-build.com/quikHouse/QH_basicDesign_image.htm

I'm not aware that shipping containers are prohibited specifically. If I had to guess, I'd say that you must meet all applicable building codes for your area. (no duh) And that how you do it is up to you. That being said there are some strange rules in some places. I once encountered a town that required wooden fire-blocks to be installed in the walls. This wasn't a problem for most people since they mostly built with wood in that area. However, we were building a metal building, (a warehouse) and it just didn't make sense to us; to introduce a flammable item; in the name of fire prevention! (It would have been the only flammable thing in the structure.) After quite a lot of haranguing with the city inspector, mayor, city council, etc. we were able to get an exception, and they eventually modified the rule. But it was a huge hassle. Bureaucrats are very risk-averse (spineless) in this sense. If you're doing the project yourself, you might even consider fitting the windows, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc. at some location with little or no building codes / contractor licensing laws / other restrictions. Then move the units into place when and where you have a suitable one. Also, I see many temporary construction offices and such, built from containers, in my area. If those things are allowed, then they shouldn't be able to prohibit you. Good Luck

Using a shipping container as a home depends on the individual town/city. At least it does in Canada. I can't remember, but I believe it would be considered to be a type of mobile home. However most townships view the shipping container as basically 'unpretty' and won't issue the permit. Modifying a used shipping container into a home is hard, smelly and very loud. You'd also have to be an experienced master welder. A neighbour of mine had modified a pair of containers into a cabin on 'crown land'. And that's about the only place where the Canadian government couldn't care less about(only woodstoves are now regulated). But you'll need to have a clear cut plan on how to go about doing it(dealing with the insulation and the baffle design of the container) to put in windows and doors. My neighbour didn't and nearly went off his head trying to figure things out.

I don't know, but check with other alternative building communities, like cob, straw, "earth ship", cordwood, etc. They will have faced the same sorts of issues in getting their weird homes approved.

I'd talk to them at your municipal planning office. They may already have been approached with this question and might be able to help. There are two aspects to consider: the living space itself (building codes) and the placement of it (zoning/planning). As for building codes, it would need to meet the international building code standards. This includes things like foundation, walls, plumbing, and heating. It also includes living space considerations. The amount of square feet devoted to sleeping areas, living areas, etc. have minimums. Kitchens and bathrooms (yes, you need them) have to have certain facilities for cooking, water, sewer, etc. For placement of the unit(s) you would, generally, need to put it in a residential zone (as opposed to a commercial zone). This really does depend on your city. It may even be appropriate for an accessory dwelling (like a guest house) if the zoning code accomodates it. Your zoning code may allow for it in certain places and unit density would be a consideration (how many units per lot). For example, if you live in a duplex on a 6,000 square foot lot and the city code allows for one unit per 3,000 square feet, placing an extra dwelling unit on the property would not be allowed.

The only certification you would need would be required by wherever you intend to build your structure and then it would be on the structure itself. You would need to submit your plans for the proper permits with the agency responsible for their issuance. Obviously using a material that is unusual might lead to a few extra questions but if it meets all codes and standards you should be fine.

I realize this isn't really an answer to your question, but there is an outfit that makes containers that are already modified for occupancy. Even if you're not interested in buying one, it's a good source of inspiration.

http://globalportablebuildings.com/

http://www.homedesignfind.com/green/7-coolest-recycled-shipping-container-homes-offices-buildings/

This seemed like a neat site

I've seen pictures of converted containers and I think they are marvelous! What a very cool idea. Please post any info you get. I would like info for Ontario Canada if anyone finds out. I will do the same (and for other areas too.) I spent one whole night trying to find answers to your question, but had no success. :0( Soooo sory I don't have an answer right now.