Detached Residential Garages
Basic Information
This is for one story, light-wood-framed, detached, residential, garages and accessory buildings over 200 square feet. It does not address pole buildings, multi-story buildings, buildings with interior buildouts, buildings with basements, or buildings constructed for uses other than a private garage.
A storage area is allowed in the truss space of a garage, as long as it does not exceed 1/3 the floor area of the floor below and is open to below. If the upper level exceeds the 1/3 floor area or is being used for habitable space, please follow the guidelines for new residential buildings.
Detailed information needed to prepare & submit a garage permit application is found in our Garage Packet. Please plan ahead & submit your application on ePlace two weeks to a month in advance of when you wish to start the work.
More Details & Permit Information
Storage buildings under 200 square feet do not need a permit but do need to follow setback requirements. Setbacks from property lines are required by the Minnesota Residential Code to help prevent the spread of fire.
The Garage Packet is for building 1500 square feet or less with 10 foot tall or less sidewalls. All detached garages have a maximum height of 20 feet, measured from the ground to mid roof. A garage slab needs to be a minimum of 5 inches thick & reinforced with steel as needed for the specific project. Any single accessory structure (like a garage) may not exceed 30% of the rear yard. All accessory structures may not exceed 60% of the rear yard.
Visit our Basic Permit Process page to find out the setbacks and permitted uses for the property. This will also help you with what needs to be on your site plan. With the site plan, truss plan(From your truss supplier) and garage drawings, you should be ready to apply online.
Inspections
You, the permit holder, must call to schedule inspections. Please call a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the desired inspection day. The approved permit & plan must be on site for all inspections. If you would like more detailed inspection information, please visit our Inspection Information page.
Typical inspections for garages may include:
- Footings – Forms must be in place with the required reinforcing steel in place for the inspection. Inspection must take place prior to pouring concrete.
- Framing – Structural integrity and proper attachment of the entire building including the anchoring to the foundation.
- Insulation/Vapor Barrier – If the garage is being insulated, an inspection is required before installing interior sheeting.
- Final – A final inspection must be completed to be sure that the garage complies with the current Minnesota State Building Code.
Each project may have different inspection requirements. Work with the inspector for your project.