West St. Paul Garage Permit & Zoning Requirements (2025)
This page summarizes the official City of West St. Paul requirements for detached garages and accessory buildings. All garages must comply with West St. Paul zoning ordinances and the Minnesota Residential Code. Final approval depends on zoning district, lot size, existing structures, and site conditions.
Western Garage Builders verifies requirements by address, prepares permit-ready site plans, and manages the full permit and inspection process.
Jump to: Verify My Address | Permit Requirements | Setbacks by Zoning | Maximum Garage Size | Height Rules | Exterior & Materials | Accessory Building Limits | Inspections | Get a Quote | Back to Minnesota City Hub
Verify My Address (Fast Zoning Check)
West St. Paul garage rules vary by zoning district (R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, R-2, R-3, R-4), lot width, and existing accessory buildings. If you share your address, we will confirm:
- Maximum allowed garage size
- Required side and rear setbacks
- Height compliance
- Whether existing sheds affect your allowance
Typical turnaround: 1 business day.
Garage Permit Requirements in West St. Paul
- Over 200 sq ft: Building permit required.
- 200 sq ft or less: Zoning permit required.
Zoning permits require a site plan showing structure location and distances to property lines. Building permits require a site plan, survey, and construction plans.
Garage Setbacks by Zoning District
Accessory buildings such as detached garages must be located in the rear yard.
| Zoning District |
Minimum Side & Rear Setback |
| R-1A |
5 feet |
| R-1B |
5 feet |
| R-1C |
10 feet |
| R-2 |
5 feet |
| R-3 |
10 feet |
| R-4 |
10 feet |
For garages that exceed standard size allowances, additional setback increases may be required. Corner lots and easements may impose further restrictions.
Maximum Garage Size in West St. Paul
- Standard maximum: 624 sq ft
- Lots 75 feet wide or greater: Up to 800 sq ft
- Absolute maximum: 1,000 sq ft (no exceptions beyond this)
Size increases may be granted at a rate of 10 additional square feet for every 2,000 sq ft of lot area beyond the minimum required lot size.
For every 20 sq ft increase in allowable building size, the required side and rear setbacks must increase by 1 additional foot.
Garage Height Rules
- Garage may not exceed the height of the principal house
- Maximum height: 15 feet in all residential “R” districts
Height is measured per City zoning standards. Roof pitch, truss design, and overhead door height must be coordinated to stay within this limit.
Exterior Materials & Construction Requirements
- Exterior materials must match or complement the principal structure
- Approved finishes include siding, stucco, brick, glass, or similar approved materials
- Prohibited: tarps, fabric, plastic sheets, hoop structures, tent garages
- Accessory buildings must be securely anchored to the ground
- Treated lumber is required where wood contacts concrete or soil
Accessory Building Limits
- Only one detached garage allowed per lot
- In addition, only one other accessory building is permitted
- Accessory structures cannot be built before the principal dwelling
Required Garage Inspections
- Footing or slab inspection (before concrete)
- Framing inspection
- Final inspection
Western Garage Builders schedules and coordinates inspections with the City of West St. Paul.
Get a West St. Paul Garage Quote
Western Garage Builders — part of Western Construction, Inc. — has been building permit-approved garages across the Twin Cities since 1949. We handle zoning verification, permits, demolition, concrete, construction, and inspections.
Source: City of West St. Paul Accessory Buildings & Structures Handout. Final approval subject to zoning review and site conditions.
