New Hope Garage Permit & Zoning Requirements

Detached Garages – Setbacks, Height & Code Rules

Building a detached garage in New Hope means working within specific zoning and building rules for setbacks, height, size and accessory structures. Western Garage Builders has been constructing garages throughout the Twin Cities since 1949, and we handle the New Hope permit process, site plans and inspections for our customers.

If you have questions or would like a quote, call 952-920-8888 or request a quote online.

City of New Hope – Building Permits & Inspections

City of New Hope – City Hall & Inspections Division
4401 Xylon Ave N
New Hope, MN 55428
City Hall: 763-531-5100
Inspections Division: 763-531-5127
Website: newhopemn.gov

Do You Need a Permit to Build a Garage in New Hope?

Yes. New Hope requires permits for most detached garages and many related projects, including:

• New detached garage construction
• Garage expansions or major structural alterations
• Driveway changes that affect grading or access
• Electrical work inside the garage

Permit applications are reviewed by the Inspections Division for compliance with the Minnesota State Building Code and local zoning ordinances.

A typical detached garage permit package includes:

• A completed building permit application
• A site plan or survey showing lot lines, the house, proposed garage and setbacks
• Construction drawings (floor plan, elevations and structural details)
• Driveway layout information if you are adding or modifying a driveway

Western Garage Builders prepares the site plan and drawings and submits them to New Hope on your behalf.

New Hope Garage Setback Requirements

New Hope applies accessory structure setback rules that depend on zoning district and lot configuration. In general:

• Front yard: Detached garages may not be placed closer to the street than the principal dwelling and are usually located behind the front building line.
• Side yard: Minimum side setbacks apply, with greater distances on some corner lots where the garage is closer to a street.
• Rear yard: Detached garages must maintain a minimum setback from the rear property line.
• Garage doors facing streets or alleys: Additional setback is required so vehicles and overhead doors do not encroach into sidewalks or public right-of-way.

Because exact distances depend on your zoning district and lot layout, Western Garage Builders verifies the current setback requirements with New Hope before finalizing your garage location.

Maximum Garage Size in New Hope

Garage size is limited by New Hope’s accessory structure regulations and lot coverage rules. Typical factors include:

• Maximum square footage for any single detached garage
• Maximum combined area for all accessory buildings (garages, sheds and similar structures)
• Lot coverage limits to preserve open space and drainage

We review your lot size, home footprint and any existing sheds or garages to calculate how large New Hope will allow your new detached garage to be.

Maximum Garage Height in New Hope

New Hope restricts the height of detached garages as accessory buildings. In practice this means:

• The garage must stay within the accessory building height limit for your zoning district.
• The garage must remain clearly subordinate in height to the principal dwelling.
• Height is measured according to city definition, typically to the roof midpoint or peak depending on roof design.

Western Garage Builders designs wall heights and roof pitch to keep your garage under New Hope’s height limits while maximizing usable interior space.

Accessory Building Limits & Existing Structures

If you already have sheds, older garages or other outbuildings, they count toward your accessory building allowance. New Hope may limit:

• The number of accessory buildings allowed per lot
• The total square footage of all accessory structures
• Placement of buildings near easements or utilities

We factor in your existing accessory structures when planning your new garage so the entire property remains compliant.

Required Inspections for New Hope Garages

Typical inspections for a new detached garage in New Hope include:

• Footing/Slab Inspection – After base prep, forms and reinforcement are in place, before concrete is poured.
• Framing/Sheathing Inspection – After walls, roof framing and sheathing are installed but before interior finishes cover structural components.
• Final Building Inspection – After roofing, siding, overhead doors and any required safety items are complete.
• Electrical Inspection – When wiring is installed, handled under a separate electrical permit.

Western Garage Builders schedules inspections with the Inspections Division and coordinates any required corrections to keep your project on track.

Why Homeowners Choose Western Garage Builders in New Hope

• Over 70 years of detached garage experience in the Twin Cities
• Complete permit, plan and inspection management with New Hope
• Accurate zoning, setback and accessory building compliance
• Demolition, concrete, framing, roofing and finishing handled start to finish
• One point of contact from initial quote through final inspection

Ready to start your New Hope garage? Call 952-920-8888 or request a quote online.