Golden Valley Garage Permit & Zoning Requirements
This page summarizes key City of Golden Valley requirements for detached garages and accessory structures. Final requirements depend on your lot, zoning, and site conditions. Western Garage Builders verifies requirements by address and manages the permit and inspection process as part of a turnkey garage build.
Jump to: Verify My Address | Permit Basics | Zoning Setbacks & Location | Maximum Size Limits | Height Rules | Building Code Highlights | Required Inspections | Call Before You Dig | Get a Quote | Back to Minnesota City Hub
Verify My Address (Fast Answer)
Golden Valley has specific rear-yard placement rules, minimum distances to streets and the home, and both individual and cumulative accessory area limits. If you share your address and desired garage size, we’ll confirm the key requirements for your lot before design and permitting.
City of Golden Valley – Inspections & Planning Contacts
Physical Development Department – Inspections
7800 Golden Valley Road
Golden Valley, MN 55427
Inspections: 763-593-8090
Website: goldenvalleymn.gov
Planning Division (unique accessory questions)
763-593-8095
Email: planning@goldenvalleymn.gov
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Garage in Golden Valley?
One-story detached accessory structures used as storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses require:
- Zoning Permit: if floor area is less than 200 sq ft
- Building Permit: if floor area exceeds 200 sq ft
Code requirements—including the Zoning Code—must be followed even when a full building permit is not required.
Golden Valley Zoning: Location & Setbacks
Accessory structures must meet these zoning rules:
- Rear yard only: located completely to the rear of the dwelling
- Distance from house: at least 10 feet from the dwelling
- Distance from street right-of-way: at least 35 feet from any street right-of-way (front yard property line)
- Side/rear setbacks: at least 5 feet from side or rear property line or alley
- Footprint rule: footprint must be less than the principal structure, including attached garage
Practical note: At footing/slab inspection, survey stakes should be located so the inspector can verify setbacks.
Maximum Garage Size Limits in Golden Valley
- Single detached accessory structure max: 800 sq ft
- Cumulative total accessory spaces: including attached garages, must not exceed 1,000 sq ft
If you already have an attached garage and/or other accessory structures, that cumulative 1,000 sq ft limit can affect your maximum detached garage size. We confirm this during your address verification step.
Golden Valley Height Rules
- One story only
- Maximum 10 feet from floor to top plate
Note: Garden structures are also limited to 10 feet in height and must be at least 5 feet from property lines.
Building Code Highlights (Common Garage Notes)
- Frost footings or a floating slab is permissible.
- Wood near grade/ground/concrete must be naturally durable or preservative-treated, including sill plates where required.
- Driveways/curb cuts in the City right-of-way require an additional Engineering permit.
- Garage floor surfaces may be concrete, asphalt, sand, gravel, crushed rock, or natural earth.
- Roof must be designed for 50 psf snow + dead load requirements.
- A signed manufactured roof truss package must be on site at framing inspection (when using trusses).
Required Inspections for Golden Valley Garages
- Footings/Slab: after forms and reinforcing are in place, before pouring concrete (have survey stakes available)
- Framing: after wall/roof framing & bracing, sheathing applied, and electrical rough-in completed
- Ice Protection Membrane: required for detached heated structures or attached unheated structures, before roof covering
- Final: after completion of building and final electrical inspection
Inspection scheduling note: schedule at least 24–48 hours in advance and keep the inspection report card posted on site until the final inspection is completed.
Call Before You Dig
Call at least 2 full business days before you dig: gopherstateonecall.org • 651-454-0002 • 800-252-1166
Get a Golden Valley Garage Quote
Western Garage Builders — part of Western Construction, Inc. — builds code-compliant garages across the Twin Cities and handles zoning verification, permits, concrete, construction, and inspections.
Note: This page summarizes City of Golden Valley accessory structure guidance. Final requirements depend on zoning, site conditions, and City review.
