Time for that Garage?

Thinking about adding a garage to your home?  If you do not have a covered place to park your car chances are you are considering it.  Eliminating the need to clean and shovel out your car when the winter weather hits, is a strong incentive to add an attached or detached garage.  

Did you know that a detached garage is easier to permit than one that is attached to the house?  

Yes, a garage not attached to you house can be built closer to your property line.  This is because a detached garage is considered an accessory structure and subject to more lenient setback requirements.  A buildings setback is the distance a building is from the property line.  

Once a garage becomes attached to the house it considered part of the house and must meet the setback requirements of a primary structure.  Although the setback may not be an issue with large lots, for smaller lots it is critical in deciding between an attached or freestanding garage.