St. Paul Garage Permit & Zoning Requirements
This page is a homeowner-friendly summary of key City of St. Paul requirements for detached residential garages. Final rules depend on zoning, lot layout, alley access, and project scope. Western Construction verifies requirements by address and handles permits as part of a turnkey garage build.
Verify My Address (Fast Answer)
St. Paul garage rules vary by zoning district, alley access, corner lots, overlays, and lot coverage limits. If you share your address and target garage size, we can usually confirm key zoning items before design and permitting.
Response time: Usually within 1 business day.
Verify My Address Call (952) 920-8888
Maximum Garage Size in St. Paul
Detached garages must remain accessory to the main house and are subject to zoning-based size and lot coverage limits.
- Maximum combined area of non-dwelling accessory buildings: 1,200 sq ft on lots with up to four dwelling units.
- Slab-on-grade foundations are allowed if the garage footprint does not exceed 1,000 sq ft.
Practical note: Lot coverage limits often reduce allowable garage size before zoning does. We check this early to avoid redesigns.
Garage Height Rules
- Flat or shed roof: 15 feet max
- Gable, hip, gambrel, mansard: 18 feet max
- Accessory structures with dwelling units: 25 feet max
Height is measured from established grade to the midpoint of the roof for most roof styles. Grade cannot be raised to meet height limits.
Setback Requirements
- Rear yard garages may be placed in the rear yard.
- Minimum setback from alley right-of-way: 1 foot.
- Interior lot lines: 3 feet minimum.
- Overhangs must be set back at least 1 foot or ⅓ of the wall setback, whichever is greater.
- On corner lots, garages must meet principal building setbacks from side streets.
Maintenance easements or common wall agreements may allow reduced setbacks in specific conditions.
Lot Coverage & Paving Rules
- Maximum lot coverage (all buildings):
- Driveways and parking areas must be paved with asphalt, concrete, or approved pavers.
- Total paving limited to 10–15% of lot area depending on alley access.
Fire-Resistance & Overhang Rules
- Garage walls within 5 feet of a property line must be 1-hour fire-rated.
- Eaves between 2–5 feet must be fire-rated on the underside.
- No openings allowed within 3 feet of a lot line.
Fire-rated assemblies typically require ⅝″ Type X gypsum on both sides of the wall.
Permit & Inspection Process
- Building permit application and site plan required.
- Construction plans including framing, elevations, and wall sections.
- Inspections:
- Footing / slab (before concrete)
- Framing
- Fire-rated wall (if required)
- Final inspection
- Separate electrical permit required if power is added.
