City of Minneapolis, MN This is what the City of Minneapolis handout has to say;
Height, structure or building. The vertical distance from the natural grade measured either at the curb level or at a point ten (10) feet away from the front center of the structure or building, whichever is closer, to the top of the highest point of the structure, or to the top of the highest point of the roof on a flat or shed roof, the deck line on a mansard roof, or the average distance between the eaves and the ridge level for gable, hip and gambrel roofs.
Accessory structures located in the residence and OR1 Districts. A detached accessory structure, accessory to a principal use located in a residence or OR1 district shall not exceed the height of the principal structure or twelve (12) feet, whichever is less. The maximum height may be increased to sixteen (16) feet or the height of the principal structure, whichever is less, where the primary exterior materials of the accessory structure match the primary exterior materials of the principal structure and the roof pitch matches the primary roof pitch of the principal structure, and provided the wall height shall not exceed ten (10) feet from the floor to the top plate. The zoning administrator shall conduct the administrative review of all applications to increase the maximum height of accessory structures. All findings and decisions of the zoning administrator shall be final, subject to appeal to the board of adjustment, as specified in Chapter 525, Administration and Enforcement
Got it? I didn't think so, allow me to translate in real world terms.
Most detached garages in the City of Minneapolis are built with a gable roof. A gable roof is where you have a peak in the front/back and the water drains off of both sides. If you find the middle of the gable and measure down to the slab that's your height.
Here's how you do it. A 22x22 detached garage with a 4/12 standard roof truss has 8' walls. Now we divide the 22' wide garage by 2 = 11 multiply by the roof pitch 4 = 44". Now we add the heel height of the truss and in this case it's 4" for a total truss and heel height of 48". Now we divide the 48" by 2 which gives us the mid point of 24" and divide that by 12" per 1' = 2'. Don't worry we're almost there. Now we add together the 8' wall height and 2' gable mid point for a total of 10' to the average distance between ridge and eave.
Still confused?
If you go over the 12' maximum height you can still build the garage of your dreams but you'll have some hoops and additional expense to go through first.
Here's a direct link to the handout I was referencing, Building a Garage and Accessory Structure in Minneapolis, MN.
Building Permits and Zoning Regularations
DISTANCE FROM FRONT STREET PROPERTY LINE
a) Detached : Line with house; 10′ minimum or average of street setbacks
b) Attached : Line with house; 10′ minimum or average of street setbacks
a) Parallel to rear property line: 1′ with/without alley
b) Perpendicular and Overhead Garage Door faces alley: 8′ to bldg with alley 1′ without alley
c) Perpendicular and Overhead Garage Door faces house: 1′ with/without alley
d) Attached to house: 1′ with/without alley
e) Percentage of rear yard allowed for garage: 65% of rear yard/65% total lot coverage
DISTANCE FROM SIDE PROPERTY LINE
a) Detached and behind the house: 1′
b) Detached along side of house: 5′
c) Attached to house: 5′
DISTANCE FROM SIDE STREET PROPERTY LINE
a) Detached and parallel to street: 10′
b) Detached and perpendicular to street: 10′ or maintain setback if house faces street
c) Attached and parallel to street: 10′ R1; 8′ other zones
d) Attached and perpendicular to street: 10′ R1; 8′ other zones
MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM OWNER’S DWELLING
a) Without frost footing: 6′
b) Without fire proofing: 6′
MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM NEIGHBOR’S DWELLING
a) Without frost footings: 6′
b) Without fire proofing: 6′
MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM UTILITY EASEMENT LINE
a) Existing detached garage: No easements
b) Existing attached garage:
IS MORE THAN ONE GARAGE ALLOWED ON THE SAME LOT AS THE DWELLING
a) Existing detached garage: Yes; 6′ apart - maximum 676 sf combined
b) Existing attached garage: Yes; 6′ apart - maximum 676 sf combined
MAXIMUM SIZE ALLOWED BY CITY
a) Detached: 676′ or 10% of your lot which ever is greater
b) Attached: 676′
CAN A GARAGE BE BUILT ON A VACANT LOT
a) Adjoining lot: No
b) Non adjoining lot: Yes, if under 1 survey
MISCELLANEOUS REMARKS
a) Laminated beams on all hips/reverse gables
b) 6″ minimum setback from garage roof eave drip edge to property line
c) 12″ minimum setback from wall of garage to property line - verify with irons
d) Uniform Building Code requires the removal of all material that can not be compacted prior to placing slab.
APPLICATION FORMS & ADDENDUM
Permit Application: 2 copies of everything
a) When survey is on file:
b) When survey is not on file: Plot plan
Survey or Scale Drawing:
Lot Size & Identification:
Elevation of Building:
Exposed corner irons: Locate and expose to satisfaction of BI
Other:
REQUIRED PERMITS
Demolition Permit: No
Driveway Permit: No
Building Permit: Required
Miscellaneous Permits: Electrical
REQUIRED INSPECTIONS
Demolition Inspection:
Footing/Slab Inspection: After forming/placing sand and reinforcements; prior to porting
Framing Inspection: N/A
Sheathing Inspection:
Electrical Inspection: Prior to final inspection
Final Building Inspection: After wiring and overhead garage door to close out project.
