Detached Garage Builders in Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis Garage Permit & Zoning Requirements

This page is a homeowner-friendly summary of key Minneapolis requirements for detached accessory structures (garages). Final requirements depend on zoning, lot conditions, and project scope. Western Construction verifies requirements by address and handles permits as part of a turnkey garage build.

Maximum Garage Size in Minneapolis

Minneapolis sets maximum size standards intended to prevent detached accessory structures from becoming the predominant element on site and to keep accessory structures subordinate to the principal structure.

• Maximum footprint: 800 sq ft or 10% of the lot area, whichever is greater.
• To exceed 800 sq ft, the garage must match the principal structure in exterior materials.
• The gross floor area of the principal structure must be greater than the gross floor area of the accessory structure(s).

Practical note: Most permit delays happen when lot coverage, impervious surface, height tier, or submittal requirements trigger additional review. We confirm these early so your permit set matches what the City expects.

Lot Coverage & Impervious Surface Rules

Minneapolis regulates both building coverage (principal + accessory structures) and impervious surface coverage (structures plus driveways, walkways, decks, porches, steps, and similar surfaces). Limits vary by built-form overlay district.

• Building coverage: commonly ranges from 45% to 80% depending on district.
• Impervious surface coverage: commonly ranges from 60% to 90% depending on district.
• This includes structures, driveways, walkways, steps, decks, porches, and most non-landscaped surfaces.

We measure and calculate the site early so the garage size you choose is permit-ready.

Garage Height Rules (13 ft vs 16 ft Standards)

Detached accessory structure height in Minneapolis is measured from grade and varies by roof type. Height standards are grouped into two tiers, each with different requirements.

• Up to 13 ft: typically no land use application required.
• Up to 16 ft: administrative review required; exterior materials and roof pitch must match the principal structure.
• Wall height maximum: 10 ft.

If you want a taller garage for storage trusses or a larger door, we’ll design it to meet the applicable tier and help you understand any required review steps.

Minneapolis Garage Setbacks & Separation Distances

Minneapolis allows certain setback reductions when a garage is located within the rear portion of the lot, but reductions are not permitted in some situations (for example, when a vehicle access door faces a lot line). Setbacks are highly dependent on your lot layout and access.

• Interior side yard (typical minimum): 1 ft when in the rear portion of the lot and meeting separation requirements; no reduction if vehicle access doors face the interior side lot line.
• Rear yard (typical minimum): 1 ft; no reduction if vehicle access doors face the rear lot line. Additional restrictions may apply where the rear yard abuts a required side yard.
• Distance from your dwelling: at least 6 ft from habitable space or an attached garage.
• Distance from adjacent dwelling habitable space: at least 10 ft.

Eaves, Overhangs & Lot Line Clearance

• Eaves cannot be closer than 6 inches to the lot line under zoning rules.
• Building code standards commonly require at least 8 inches to the lot line.
• Overhangs are part of what inspectors review—plan for clearance, not “tight fits.”

Administrative Review (When Taller/Larger Garages Require It)

Minneapolis requires an administrative review application to increase height and/or floor area in certain situations. The City will only accept applications that include all required items.

• Completed application worksheet and accuracy declaration.
• Scaled elevations of the principal structure (roof pitch, eaves, trim).
• Scaled site plan (property lines; streets/sidewalks/alleys; adjacent uses; building footprints; impervious surfaces and materials; curb cuts if applicable).
• Scaled garage elevations (roof pitch, materials, grade, eave overhangs).
• Photos of all sides of the principal structure.
• Administrative review fee: $240 (subject to change by the City).

If your design triggers administrative review, we’ll guide you through what the City needs and help keep the submittal complete.

Important Minneapolis Permit Notes (Lot Lines, Curb Cuts & Trees)

• Locating lot lines: Applicants are responsible for locating property markers; the City may require a registered land surveyor to certify exact locations.
• Curb cuts: Permits may be required through Public Works and routed through Development Review/311.
• Boulevard trees: Removing a boulevard tree or placing driveways near one may require Park Board approval.

These items can affect schedule and cost. We flag them early so there are no surprises after your design is finalized.

Get a Minneapolis Garage Quote

Western Garage Builders — part of Western Construction, Inc. — handles zoning checks, permits, demolition (when needed), concrete, construction, and inspections. We’ve been building garages in Minneapolis since 1949.

Note: This page summarizes key Minneapolis detached accessory structure standards. Final requirements depend on zoning, lot conditions, and project scope.