Detached Garage Builders in West St. Paul, MN | Western Construction

Building a detached garage in West St. Paul involves more than just picking a size and style. The City has specific rules for garage size, height, setbacks, and the number of accessory buildings allowed on a lot. Western Garage Builders has been building garages across the Twin Cities since 1949, and we handle the West St. Paul permit process, site plan and inspections for our customers.

If you have questions or would like a quote, call us at 952-920-8888 or request a quote online.

City of West St. Paul – Building Permits & Inspections

City of West St. Paul – City Hall
1616 Humboldt Avenue
West St. Paul, MN 55118
Main Phone: 651-552-4100
Building Permits & Inspections: 651-552-4116
Email: permits@wspmn.gov
Website: wspmn.gov

Do You Need a Permit to Build a Garage in West St. Paul?

Yes. West St. Paul requires permits for most detached garages:

• Detached garages and accessory buildings 200 sq ft or larger: Building permit required.
• Accessory buildings under 200 sq ft: A building permit may not be required, but a zoning permit and site plan with setbacks are still required, and all zoning rules must be followed.
• All construction must meet the Minnesota Residential Code and City of West St. Paul zoning regulations.

If you are unsure whether your project needs a permit, the City recommends contacting the Building Department. Western Garage Builders does this as part of our process for your garage project.

West St. Paul Garage Setback Requirements

Setback rules in West St. Paul depend on your zoning district, but some general principles apply to most detached garages:

• Location: Accessory buildings used for storage, plant growing or play must generally be located in the rear yard. A detached garage may not be located closer to the front lot line than the principal house.
• Side and rear setbacks: Accessory buildings must be set back from side and rear property lines, with typical minimum setbacks of about five feet in most residential districts. Some districts require larger setbacks.
• Corner lots: Additional side yard setbacks may apply along street-facing side yards.

Because the exact setbacks depend on your zoning district and lot layout, Western Garage Builders confirms the current setback requirements with West St. Paul before we finalize your garage design.

Maximum Garage Size in West St. Paul

West St. Paul limits the size of detached garages by ordinance. In many residential districts:

• Standard maximum: No detached garage may exceed approximately 624 square feet on most single-family lots.
• Wider lots: On lots that are 75 feet wide or greater, the maximum allowed detached garage size may increase up to about 800 square feet.
• Additional size credits: In some cases, the City allows small increases in accessory building size for larger lots, with corresponding increases in required setbacks.

In addition, West St. Paul limits the total number and combined area of accessory structures, so sheds and other outbuildings count toward your overall allowance. We calculate the maximum garage size that will meet West St. Paul’s current rules for your specific lot.

Maximum Garage Height in West St. Paul

West St. Paul also controls the height of detached garages:

• Accessory buildings may not exceed the height of the principal dwelling.
• In residential districts, accessory building height is capped at approximately 15 feet.
• Height is measured according to the City’s zoning definition of building height.

We design wall height and roof pitch so your garage stays within West St. Paul height limits while still providing practical overhead clearance and storage.

Number of Accessory Buildings Allowed

West St. Paul limits how many accessory structures may be on a single residential lot:

• There may be no more than one detached garage on a lot.
• In addition to one detached garage, there may be no more than one additional accessory building or qualifying structure such as a freestanding solar energy system.

Western Garage Builders takes your existing sheds and other accessory structures into account when planning your new garage so you remain within these limits.

Required Inspections for West St. Paul Garages

Typical inspections for a new detached garage in West St. Paul include:

• Footing/Slab Inspection – Before concrete placement, to verify base preparation, forms and reinforcement where required.
• Framing/Sheathing Inspection – After the structure is framed and sheathing is installed but before interior finishes.
• Final Inspection – When roofing, exterior, overhead door, and any required electrical work are complete.

We schedule inspections with the City and handle communication with inspectors so you do not have to.

Why Homeowners Choose Western Garage Builders in West St. Paul

• Over 70 years of detached garage experience in the Twin Cities
• We prepare site plans and construction drawings that match West St. Paul requirements
• We handle building and zoning permits from start to finish
• We design garages to fit your lot, house and West St. Paul’s size, height and setback rules
• We manage demolition, concrete, framing, roofing and finishing with one point of contact

Ready to start your West St. Paul garage? Call us at 952-920-8888 or request a quote online.