Detached Garages – Setbacks, Height & Code Rules in South St Paul
The City of South St Paul has its own zoning and building code requirements for detached garages and other accessory structures. These rules control how close your garage can be to property lines, how tall it can be, and how much of your lot can be covered by buildings.
Western Construction, Inc. — DBA Western Garage Builders — has been building garages in South St Paul and across the Twin Cities since 1949. We work directly with city staff so your new garage is designed and built to meet local requirements.
If you have questions or want a quote on a new detached garage:
📞 952-920-8888
City of South St Paul Contact Information
City of South St Paul – City Hall / Building & Inspections
125 3rd Ave N
South St Paul, MN 55075
Phone: (city main or inspections line)
Website: southstpaul.org
1. South St Paul Setbacks for Detached Garages
South St Paul’s zoning code regulates where a detached garage can be placed on your lot. Typical standards include:
- Minimum side and rear yard setbacks from property lines.
- Extra clearance where garage doors face a street or alley to allow safe vehicle parking.
- Restrictions on building over drainage and utility easements.
Because the exact numbers depend on your zoning district and lot layout, Western Garage Builders checks the current South St Paul setback requirements with the City for your specific property before we draw your plans.
2. Maximum Garage Size, Lot Coverage & Accessory Rules
The size of a detached garage in South St Paul is limited by zoning and lot coverage rules.
- Each zoning district sets a maximum percentage of your lot that can be covered by buildings.
- Accessory building rules limit the total square footage of sheds, garages and other outbuildings.
- Existing structures on the lot count toward the overall accessory allowance.
When we design your garage, we review your parcel, house footprint and any existing sheds to determine the largest garage South St Paul is likely to approve.
3. Garage Height & Roof Design
Detached garages in South St Paul must meet accessory building height limits. These rules typically:
- Cap the maximum height of a garage as a secondary structure on the lot.
- Define how height is measured from finished grade to the roof.
- Help keep new garages compatible with neighboring homes.
Western Garage Builders sizes wall height and roof pitch so your garage meets South St Paul’s height standards while still providing practical storage and headroom.
4. Foundations, Slabs & Engineering
Garage foundations in South St Paul must comply with the Minnesota State Building Code. Depending on garage size and soil conditions, options may include:
- A thickened-edge concrete slab for typical one- and two-stall garages.
- Footings and frost-protected foundations for larger or more complex garages.
- Proper anchoring between slab, walls and roof framing to meet wind and snow-load requirements.
We use details that follow state code and city handouts to streamline your plan review and inspections.
5. Required South St Paul Garage Inspections
South St Paul generally requires several inspections for a detached garage project, such as:
- Slab or footing inspection before concrete is poured.
- Framing inspection after walls, trusses and sheathing are in place.
- Final inspection once the garage is complete and the site is graded.
Western Construction schedules inspections with the City of South St Paul and is on site to meet the inspector when needed.
Need Help with a South St Paul Garage Project?
If you are not sure how South St Paul’s garage rules apply to your lot, we are happy to take a look.
Western Garage Builders — part of Western Construction, Inc. — handles South St Paul zoning checks, site plans, permits and inspections for every garage we build.
Share your address and we will review your setbacks, maximum garage size and layout options for your property.
📞 952-920-8888
