St Louis Park Detached Garage Builders & Permit Experts

Detached Garage Builders & Permit Experts in St. Louis Park, MN

Western Construction, Inc. has been building code-compliant detached garages across the Twin Cities since 1949. In St. Louis Park, garage requirements can vary by zoning district, alley access, and corner-lot conditions. We help homeowners avoid surprises by confirming the city’s current zoning and building requirements before construction begins.

If you want a fast, accurate answer for your lot, call us at (952) 920-8888. We’ll review your property and guide you through design, zoning, permits, demolition, concrete, framing, roofing, and final inspection.

Quick Rule Snapshot: St. Louis Park Detached Garages

• Side yard setback: 3 ft to the property line (roof eaves may extend up to 18 in toward the property line).
• Rear yard setback: 3 ft to the property line (roof eaves may extend up to 18 in toward the property line).
• Front yard (street side) setback: typically 25 ft from the street side property line.
• Corner side yard setback: typically 15 ft from the side street property line.
• Alley note: if adjacent to an alley, the garage is typically required to be 10 ft from the alley property line.
• Maximum accessory structure size: up to 1,000 sq ft in R1 and up to 1,200 sq ft in R2.
• Height (non-heated garage): max 12 ft to the top of wall plate; max 18 ft to the peak.
• Height (heated garage): max 15 ft to the top of wall plate; max 20 ft to the peak.
• Permit fee (typical): 1% of valuation with a $100 minimum.

Important: Final requirements depend on your lot, zoning district, and how the city interprets placement and access. We confirm these items during the design and permit process.

Detached Garage Setbacks in St. Louis Park, MN

St. Louis Park typically requires the following setbacks for detached garages. These rules help ensure fire separation, safe access, and consistent neighborhood spacing.

Typical Setbacks

• Side yard: 3 ft minimum to the property line.
• Rear yard: 3 ft minimum to the property line.
• Front yard (street side): typically 25 ft minimum from the street side property line.
• Corner side yard (corner lots): typically 15 ft minimum from the side street property line.

Roof Eave Allowance

• Roof eaves may extend up to 18 inches toward the property line.

Alley-Adjacent Lots

• If your property is adjacent to an alley, the garage is typically required to be 10 ft from the alley property line.
• Garages can be designed so the garage doors face the alley, when applicable.

Garage Placement & Driveway Rules (Common Triggers)

Beyond setbacks, St. Louis Park often applies rules related to garage placement and driveway location—especially on corner lots and where alley access exists.

• Garage placement: garages are typically required to be located behind the house.
• Driveway offset: driveways are typically required to be at least 8 ft from a side property line.
• Corner lot driveway restriction: driveways are typically required to be at least 30 ft from the street corner.

These placement rules are a major reason two homes a few blocks apart can have different “buildable” garage options. We verify your specific lot layout before plans are finalized.

Maximum Garage Size in St. Louis Park (Accessory Structure Limits)

St. Louis Park ties maximum detached garage size to zoning district:

• R1: maximum accessory structure size is typically 1,000 sq ft.
• R2: maximum accessory structure size is typically 1,200 sq ft.

If you want a larger garage (or a taller garage), the city may require additional review and/or zoning relief depending on the circumstance. We’ll tell you what is realistic before you spend time on plans that won’t pass.

Garage Height Rules in St. Louis Park

St. Louis Park commonly distinguishes between non-heated and heated detached garages. Height is typically measured from the garage floor elevation to the top of the wall plate and to the roof peak.

Non-Heated Detached Garage

• Max height to top of wall plate: 12 ft
• Max height to roof peak: 18 ft

Heated Detached Garage

• Max height to top of wall plate: 15 ft
• Max height to roof peak: 20 ft

If you’re aiming for storage trusses, a loft, or extra-tall doors, the height rules are where projects often hit limits. We design within the city’s allowed envelope and confirm it during permit review.

Permit Requirements & Inspections (St. Louis Park)

Survey Requirement

• A survey is typically required as part of the permit process.

Footing / Foundation Inspection

• Footing/foundation inspections are typically required for heated garages only.

Typical Permit Fee

• Building permit fees are commonly calculated as 1% of valuation with a $100 minimum.

Western Construction prepares and submits permit applications and coordinates with city inspectors so the project stays on schedule.

Concrete & Foundation Notes (Common Specs We Build To)

While final specs depend on your approved plans and inspection requirements, St. Louis Park commonly expects:

• Slab thickness: 4 inches (typical)
• Concrete strength: 3,500 PSI (typical)
• Thickened edge: 12" x 12" (typical)
• Anchor bolts: commonly spaced at 6 ft; typically one bolt within 12 inches of each corner (per standard practice)

We build to the approved plan set and align details with the city’s expectations so inspections go smoothly.

Want a Fast Answer for Your Address?

If you tell us your address (or send a survey), we can quickly confirm feasibility for setbacks, size, height, driveway placement, and alley access—then quote a garage that will pass permit review.

Call (952) 920-8888 or request a quote and we’ll take it from there.