Detached Garage Builders in Hopkins, MN

Hopkins Garage Permit & Zoning Requirements

This page is a homeowner-friendly summary of key City of Hopkins requirements for a detached residential garage. Final rules can vary by zoning district and site conditions. Western Construction verifies requirements by address and handles permits and inspections as part of a turnkey garage build.

Jump to: Setbacks · Height Rules · Lot Coverage · Foundation · Eaves/Overhangs · Garage Doors · Permit & Inspections

Setbacks

• Street/alley-facing garage door: If the drive-in door faces a street or an alley, the garage must be set back 20 feet from that property line.

Your lot configuration (corner lot, alley access, and where the overhead door faces) is what typically drives the “real” setback outcome. We confirm this by address before plan submittal.

Height Rules

• Maximum height: 15 feet, measured from grade to the midpoint between the eave and the peak of the roof.

Lot Coverage

Lot coverage requirements in Hopkins vary by zoning district. You’ll want to confirm the specific limit for your property with the City Zoning Administrator before locking in a final garage footprint.

Foundation

• Detached garages ≤ 1,000 sq ft: may be built on a thickened-edge slab.
• Detached garages > 1,000 sq ft (and attached garages): require a foundation extending 42 inches below finished grade.

Anchor Bolts & Sill Plates

• Sill plates: 2" nominal thickness; at least as wide as the studs; treated/decay-resistant wood when close to grade on concrete in contact with ground.
• Anchor bolts: 1/2" bolts extending a minimum of 7 inches into the slab/foundation, with nut and washer.
• Bolt spacing: no more than 6 feet on center and within 12 inches of each plate end.

Eaves / Overhangs

• Eaves may project no closer than 2 feet from a property line that abuts another property. If you want a 2-foot eave, the garage generally must be at least 4 feet from that property line.
• Eaves may not project beyond the alley line.

Roof Trusses

• Wood trusses are permitted when designed for Minnesota snow loads. Provide truss design drawings, including required bracing.

Garage Doors & Openers

• Garage doors must meet minimum wind resistance standards and include a label showing compliance with ANSI/DASMA 108.
• Automatic openers must include an auto-reversing safety device.

Permit & Inspections

Inspections are the responsibility of the permit applicant. The City requests 24-hour advance notice. Three inspections are typically required:

1. Slab inspection: after formwork and reinforcing are in place, prior to pouring concrete.
2. Framing inspection: after framing/bracing/sheathing is complete (and rough electrical approved if applicable), before siding, building paper, or roofing.
3. Final inspection: upon completion of the garage, grading, and address number installation.

City Contact (Hopkins Inspections)

City of Hopkins — Inspections Division
1010 1st Street South, Hopkins, MN 55343
Phone: 952-548-6320 · Fax: 952-935-1834
Website: hopkinsmn.com