Handout for Accessory Buildings

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Handout for Accessory Buildings and Garages

Attached Garage: A Building Permit is required to construct an attached garage. A permit application, site plan (survey), and building plans must be submitted and approved by City before construction begins. Attached garages must be setback 30 feet from the front and rear property lines. The side setback shall be five feet from the side property line. If adjacent to a public street (corner lot), the side setback shall be 20 feet from the side property line. Note: In most cases the property line is located 13 feet from the curb. The maximum size of an attached garage is limited by the size of the dwelling. Plans may be referred to the Planning Department for determination of maximum size. Note: Frost depth footings and foundations are required on all structures attached to the principle structure.
Detached Garage: A detached garage (intended for parking vehicles) is considered an accessory building. Requirements and restrictions are the same as for an accessory building of the same size; see requirements below. A concrete or asphalt driveway is required for all garages.

Accessory Building: Any structure not attached to the principle structure on a lot. The maximum height for all accessory buildings is 16 feet, measured from the finished grade around the building to the peak of the roof. All Accessory buildings shall be suitably anchored to the ground; they must be bolted to a concrete slab or secured with approved ground anchors. Accessory buildings shall not be located in the front yard or in a public drainage or utility easement.
Accessory Building: 120 square feet or less - A building permit is not required for detached structures (sheds) that are 120 square feet or less in floor area. Small sheds must be located in the side or rear yard areas; a minimum of 5 feet from the side and rear property lines. On corner lots, adjacent to a public street, the setback must be 20 feet from the side property line.

Accessory Building: OVER 120 square feet - A building permit is required for all detached structures over 120 square feet. A building permit application, site plan and building plans shall be submitted to the city. All accessory buildings exceeding 120 square feet in area shall be setback a minimum of 30 feet from the front property line, 5 feet from a side property line (20 feet on corner lots) and 10 feet from the rear lot line. Accessory buildings should be set back 6 feet from the house; less than 6 feet can be approved if appropriate fire protection is provided. Contact a Building Inspector for the specific details. The maximum size for all detached structures is 750 square feet of floor area and the maximum height is 16 feet.

Maximum number of Accessory Buildings: Only two accessory structures are allowed on each lot; one shall not exceed 750 square feet of floor area and the second one shall not exceed 120 square feet.

Natural Resources Management Permit (NRMP): If any excavation is done, the City Engineer will determine if an NRMP is required.

This handout is written as a guide to the most common questions and problems and is not intended nor shall it be considered a complete set of requirements.

Content updated on: 31-Jul-2007

City of Apple Valley
7100 West 147th Street | Apple Valley, MN 55124
(952) 953-2500 | info@ci.apple-valley.mn.us
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