Edina Garage Permit & Zoning Requirements
This page is a homeowner-friendly summary of key City of Edina requirements for detached residential garages and other accessory structures. Final rules depend on your zoning, lot width, corner-lot conditions, and project scope. Western Construction verifies requirements by address and handles permits as part of a turnkey garage build.
Verify My Address (Fast Answer)
Edina requirements can vary based on lot width, corner lots, and setback/height calculations. If you share your address and your target garage size, we can usually confirm the key zoning items you’ll need to meet (setbacks, coverage triggers, height limits) before design and permitting.
Fast answer: typically within 1 business day.
Important: This page summarizes commonly used Edina rules. If anything here conflicts with your specific lot/zoning conditions, the City’s determination controls. We verify by address so your permit set matches what Edina expects.
Setbacks in Edina (Quick Summary)
Front Street Setback
- 30 feet for new undeveloped subdivisions.
- Otherwise, Edina may require maintaining the average front yard setback of homes on either side, or matching the adjacent home on a corner lot.
Side Street Setback (Corner Lots)
- 15 feet (typical side street setback).
- May increase to the front street setback if the adjacent house faces the side street.
- 20 feet for a garage facing the side street.
Interior Side Yard (Principal Structures)
Edina interior side yard requirements are influenced by lot width and building height. A simplified summary:
- Uncovered/unenclosed decks & patios: 5 feet.
- Lots 75 feet or greater in width: 10 feet (plus increases tied to average height over 15 feet).
- Lots >60 feet and <75 feet: base 5 feet with increases tied to lot width and height (Edina references a table for exact sizing).
- Lots 50–60 feet: 5 feet with height-based increases, or 12 feet total with no less than 5 feet on one side.
- Lots <50 feet: 5 feet with height-based increases.
Rear Yard
- Principal structures: 25 feet.
- Accessory structures entirely within rear yard (including eaves): 3 feet.
- Decks & patios: 5 feet.
Practical note: If your lot is narrow, a corner lot, or the main house is tall, setbacks can shift. We confirm the required measurements before drawings go in.
Detached Garage Placement Rules
- No accessory structure can be located in the front yard setback area.
- If the detached garage is located in the side yard: setback is typically 5 feet to the side property line and 5 feet to the rear property line.
- If the detached garage is entirely within the rear yard: setbacks are typically 3 feet to interior side and rear property lines, including eaves/overhangs.
Lot Coverage Limits
- 25% maximum ground-level coverage of all structures on the site.
- Up to 30% on lots under 9,000 sq ft, but not to exceed 2,250 sq ft total.
- Combined total area occupied by all accessory structures shall not exceed 1,000 sq ft.
These are common delay points in plan review. We check coverage early so the permit set aligns with Edina’s calculations.
Building Height Rules
Principal Structures
- Single/double dwelling units: maximum height to the highest point is typically 30 feet.
- Lots exceeding 75 feet in width may allow a ridge line height up to 35 feet, with limited increases tied to lot width (capped overall).
Detached Accessory Structures (Garages)
- Detached accessory structures: typically 1.5 stories or 18 feet, whichever is less.
Eaves / Overhangs (Unenclosed)
Edina allows certain unenclosed overhanging eaves/porches (supported by posts/columns) not exceeding 80 sq ft, provided they meet minimum distances such as:
- 20 feet to a front property line
- 3 feet to a side property line
- 10 feet to a side street
Always measure setbacks to include eaves/overhangs when required—this is a common “surprise” that triggers revisions.
Permit Notes (What We Handle)
- Confirm zoning/setbacks/coverage by address before final drawings.
- Prepare permit-ready plans that match Edina’s expectations.
- Submit permits, coordinate review comments, and schedule inspections as needed.
Get a Garage Quote (Edina)
Tell us your garage size, style, and address. We’ll verify Edina requirements first, then price a code-compliant garage that passes permit review.
Edina Garage FAQ
Do Edina setback rules vary by lot width?
Yes. Edina interior side yard requirements commonly vary based on lot width and sometimes building height. If your lot is narrow or your home is tall, we verify the exact requirement before plans go in.
Can I place a detached garage in the front yard setback?
Generally, no. Accessory structures are not allowed in the front yard setback area. We’ll confirm acceptable placement options by address.
What causes the biggest permit delays?
Most delays come from setback conflicts (including eaves), lot coverage limits, and height constraints. We confirm these up front to avoid redesigns mid-review.
Disclaimer: This page is a general summary of commonly used Edina requirements for single-family lots. City interpretation and site conditions control. Western Construction verifies requirements by address during design and permitting.
