Building codes for extra garages (real estate, house, neighborhood)

[Drew1987]

Hey all!

We are revisiting out plans to move to the GB WS HP area. One of our big criteria is being able to build an extra, detached 2+ car garage because we are into old cars. We do like the idea of land (5 acres or so in the country) but we are NOT turned off by the idea of a 1-2 acre lot in a neighborhood.

Were we currently live, West NY (370 miles north west of NYC and completely opposite) we have 2100ft on 3/4 are (and taxes are $6800!) and we could technically build a 20x30 detached garage with a variance if we could fit it in a tasteful way. It would be 100% allowed if we bulldozed out 12x12 barn. I know some parts of the country are more strict on this.

I've seen several homes, while sampling the area via online real estate, that have 1-2 acre yards and driveways the take a 90deg turn at the end into the attached garage, so it would be simple and tasteful to add a 24x24 or something build/trimmed to match the house. What I am hoping to find is general input on how challenging this will be to get approved.

I thought of calling the tows down there, becuase I am sure that, like here, its different from town to town, but that would be a lot of work and a big waste of many town employee's time. Chit-chatting through it here would be extremely helpful.

Thank you so much!

[Edward Teach]

The problem with internet chit chat is that you have no way of knowing if you are receiving accurate information. Only by contacting the planning departments will you know what you're getting, information-wise.

That said, you will find virtually all jurisdictions allow detached garages (known to planners as accessory structures). The specific will vary from place to place, but in general, they're universally allowed. Most jurisdictions will limit the number of such buildings usually 2), size, there will be setback requirements, height limits, etc.

My suggestion would be to wait until you find a house you like, and then contact the local planning department and find out if you can construct the garage you want prior to putting in an offer. Or make your offer contingent upon being able to build the garage. If you have the land, and there aren't already multiple structures, it shouldn't be an issue.

[Drew1987]

Hi!

Thats goo to know! The advice on waiting does make sense, but, as we plan this LONG goal, we want to "aim" properly. I would hate to wait until I think we can get what we need and see it not meet this large requirement. I'd feel bad wasting the time of every town, sounds like I should be fine if I plan on over 1.5 acres. Of course if we say "4 beds 3 baths 2000ft 1.5 acres $350,000" and get 15 results we like, when were ready to buy, i'd certainly verify this before submitting an offer

Its going to take at least a couple years to get there

Thanks!

[Boss]

There are properties, like you mention, that are in HOA's. Check for covenants before you buy. They can be very restrictive in NC.

[Drew1987]

Thanks for your reply! Yea I’ve heard that. I will have to be careful. I do a appreciate those and strict codes like we here have because they keep things looking nice.

Example of when they can be stupid: I just called the town to say I wanted to put 5 foot stockade fence 5 feet off of the front corner my garage and back to it’s rear and stain to match the cedar of our house. That’s against codes but my motive was to tastefully hide my garbage totes and utility trailer which stand out poorly in a 17 house neighborhood of 100 foot driveways with all home owners kindly competing for the most curb appeal. 4 foot would be allowed but wouldn’t hide the tote. Silly. BUT those same codes protect our neighborhood from lowered property value. (My solution was to put a trailer hitch on our garden tractor in tow my trailer back to behind my shed as a courtesy to my neighbors) the totes have to stay which sucks




Hopefully this isn’t a dealbreaker. Obviously we can get a nice home in the country. Grab enough land so it doesn’t matter, but the type of home we’re looking for is few and far between that way even at $450,000. They are $350,000 or less alllll day if on 2 acres in a neighborhood. Just saw one I’d buy in a second for $290. What were looking to do would be 100% matching the house. Roof pitch, siding, windows, shingles. Would look As if the original builder and blueprints called for it


Guess I’ve got research to do!