Detached Garage Builders in Hopkins, Minnesota

The City of Hopkins has its own rules for detached garages and other accessory structures. These standards 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 Hopkins and across the Twin Cities since 1949.
We work directly with Hopkins Inspections and the Zoning Administrator so your new garage meets the City’s zoning and building code requirements.

If you have questions or want a quote on a new detached garage:
📞 952-920-8888

City of Hopkins Contact Information

City of Hopkins – City Hall & Inspections Division
1010 1st Street South
Hopkins, MN 55343
Website: hopkinsmn.com

1. Hopkins Setbacks for Detached Garages

Hopkins zoning ordinances regulate where detached garages can be placed on a single-family lot.

Separation from the House

• Detached garages must be located at least 6 ft from the dwelling.

Side & Rear Yard Setbacks

• Standard side and rear yard setback: minimum 3 ft from both side and rear property lines for most detached garages.
• Eaves may not project closer than 2 ft to a property line that abuts another property. If you want a 2 ft eave, the garage itself typically needs to be at least 4 ft from the property line.

Garage Doors Facing a Street or Alley

• If the drive-in garage door faces a street or alley, the garage must be at least 20 ft back from that property line to allow room to park off the street or alley.

Because zoning districts and lot layouts vary, Hopkins recommends confirming precise setbacks with the Zoning Administrator before finalizing your garage location.

2. Maximum Garage Size, Lot Coverage & Engineering Requirements

Hopkins limits garage size through a combination of lot coverage rules, maximum height and structural requirements.

Garage Size & Lot Coverage

• City zoning ordinances regulate how much of your lot can be covered by buildings, including the house and all accessory structures.
• Lot coverage limits vary by zoning district. The Zoning Administrator can confirm the maximum combined building footprint allowed on your property.

When a Design Professional Is Required

• If a detached garage exceeds 1,000 sq ft, Minnesota law requires that the plans and design be prepared by a licensed design professional (architect or engineer).
• Detached garages up to 1,000 sq ft can typically be built using detailed prescriptive plans that follow state code and City handouts.

When we design your garage, we check both lot coverage and structural requirements so your project is sized correctly before plans go in for review.

3. Garage Height Limits in Hopkins

The City’s garage handout specifies a clear height limit for detached garages:

• Detached residential garages are limited to a maximum height of 15 ft, measured to the midpoint between the eave and the peak of the roof from finished grade.
• Eaves may not project closer than 2 ft to property lines that abut neighboring properties.
• Eaves may not extend beyond the alley line.

These rules help maintain light, air and access for you and your neighbors while still allowing a full-size garage with usable attic storage.

4. Foundations & Slabs for Hopkins Garages

Garage foundations in Hopkins must comply with the Minnesota State Building Code and City amendments.

• Detached garages ≤ 1,000 sq ft: may be constructed on a properly designed thickened-edge slab.
• Detached garages > 1,000 sq ft and attached garages: must be built on a foundation that extends at least 42 in below finished grade for frost protection.
• Sill plates: pressure-treated or decay-resistant where required, anchored with 1/2 in bolts embedded at least 7 in into the slab or foundation, spaced no more than 6 ft apart and within 12 in of plate ends.

Western Garage Builders uses slab and foundation details that match the Hopkins “Garages – An Overview of Permit and Code Requirements” handout to streamline plan review.

5. Wall Bracing, Roof Trusses & Materials

Hopkins follows state requirements for wall bracing and roof systems:

• Walls must be braced using approved methods such as wood structural panel sheathing, let-in bracing or structural fiberboard installed per code.
• Roof trusses must be designed for Minnesota snow loads and provided with manufacturer’s design drawings and required bracing.
• All siding and roofing materials must be installed according to the manufacturer’s written instructions.
• Garage doors must meet minimum wind-resistance standards and automatic openers must have an approved reversing device.

6. Building Code Basics for Hopkins Garages

In addition to zoning rules, garages in Hopkins must comply with the Minnesota Residential Code and local amendments:

• Concrete slab thickness and reinforcement sized for expected loads.
• Proper anchoring between slab/foundation and walls.
• Framing sized and spaced per code tables or engineering.
• Fire separation and opening protection where a garage is close to neighboring structures or dwellings.

Western Garage Builders incorporates these code requirements into our standard plans so your Hopkins permit review is straightforward.

7. Required Hopkins Garage Inspections

Hopkins Inspections typically requires three main inspections for a detached garage:

• Slab Inspection: After all formwork and reinforcement are in place, but before concrete is poured.
• Framing Inspection: After framing, bracing and sheathing are completed and rough electrical (if any) is approved, but before siding, building paper or roofing are installed.
• Final Inspection: After the garage is fully completed, grading is finished and address numbers are installed.

It is the permit holder’s responsibility to call the Inspections Division at 952-548-6320 to schedule inspections, typically with at least 24 hours’ notice.

Need Help with a Hopkins Garage Project?

If you are not sure how Hopkins’ garage rules apply to your property, we are happy to help.

Western Garage Builders — part of Western Construction, Inc. — handles Hopkins zoning checks, site plans, garage 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 lot.

📞 952-920-8888