I live in Minneapolis. There is a vigilant city planning department that ensures that construction and development meets the codes that have evolved to prevent fire hazards, health risks and other zoning ordinances. I am entirely in support of communities managed by such concerns, even if it is expensive to obtain the requisite building permits.
It turns out that there are rules and regulations on the nature of “auxiliary structures” (garages and storage sheds) that may be built in my part of the city. The most basic limits pertain to the floor area and height of the building.
I have come up with a design that called for 24×36 = 864 square feet, but the city ordinance on garages sets a limit at 676. I suspect this is a number derived from the fact that a city lot is typically 40’ x 128’ and we don’t want oversize garages to dominate our neighborhood or to be available to nascent rock bands or technology company startups.
And because I want high windows (above the garage door), the height of the structure may exceed the 16-foot limit specified by the ordinance.
I don’t make the rules; I just have to live by them. There is an escape clause however. For a fee, the city planners will review my plans and decide if an exception can be made. If I agree that the style and finish of the garage will match the main structure, I may be allowed to expand the floor area.
With my construction contractor, we will be making such an appeal. Included will be a few references to the garages in my immediate neighborhood. Take the tour (next post).