Garage builders and contractors in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul Metro area are required to obtain a building permit before starting any garage construction. Whether you're building a detached or attached garage, Minnesota law mandates that a permit is secured, especially in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs.
All garages built in Minnesota must follow the Minnesota Residential Building Code. However, each city interprets and enforces the code slightly differently. That’s why it’s critical to check with your local building department before starting your garage planning process.
For example:
Minneapolis garage builders are allowed to build as close as 1 foot from the side lot line.
Saint Paul garage builders must maintain at least a 3-foot setback from the side lot line.
Alley-facing garages:
In Minneapolis: Setbacks range from 6–8 feet, depending on alley width.
In Saint Paul: Garages may be placed as close as 2 feet from the alley.
✅ These are just a few reasons why it’s essential to consult your local zoning and permit office before building your garage.
To begin construction on your new garage, you’ll need:
Zoning approval
A completed garage permit application
Two sets of garage construction plans
These plans must clearly show:
How your garage will be built (materials, size, structural design)
Where it will be located on your property
Once submitted, the local Building Official will review your application. Most permits are approved within one week. The permit fee is typically based on the estimated value of the work.
Phone: 651-284-5069
You can verify that your garage builder is licensed in Minnesota using the above link.
A typical garage construction project in the Twin Cities area involves at least 5 mandatory inspections:
Before applying for a permit, hire a licensed land surveyor to stake your lot. This ensures your planned garage will meet setback and zoning requirements.
Once the slab is formed with compacted gravel, rebar, and wire mesh in place, the inspector must approve it before concrete is poured.
Detached garages typically use a floating slab.
Attached garages require frost footings that extend to 42” deep (frost line in Minnesota).
After the garage is framed and roofed but before siding is installed, the inspector checks:
Firewalls and fire-rated eaves
Shear walls and structural components
Some cities require an inspection of your sheathing nailing pattern and materials before siding installation. Requirements may vary by location.
Two inspections are required:
Rough-in inspection (before connecting to the panel)
Final inspection (after wiring is complete and power is live)
Your electrician must coordinate both inspections.
Once all prior inspections are passed and features like the garage door and opener are installed, the final inspection ensures everything complies with code.
Local inspectors may require additional inspections depending on your site conditions or to address any code-related questions during construction.
Permit fees vary widely:
A simple 2-car detached garage can cost between $200–$800.
An attached garage of the same size may cost twice as much.
Whether you're a homeowner in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, or anywhere in the Twin Cities metro, Western Construction Inc. has the experience and expertise to guide you through the entire garage permitting and construction process.
Let us help you build your new garage the right way — code-compliant, on time, and on budget.
Western Construction, Inc. is a local Minneapolis St Paul Garage Builder. We specialize in garage construction and serve the entire Twin Cities metro area.
Western Construction was founded by my father in 1949 on two basic principals.
"Give people what they want, and don't charge too much." - Milton Chazin
Almost seven decades and three generations later we still operate using these simple and basic principles. Times may have changed but our company's vision set forth by my father remains untouched.