FAQs for Private Single-Family Residential Garage

• Where can it go?
  The answer varies depending on whether your garage will be an attached or detached garage. If the garage is attached, you must follow the “principle building setbacks.” If it is detached, follow the “accessory building setbacks.” See Boulder Revised Code 9-7-8 details and for information on accessory garage exceptions.
  
  Allowed locations vary by zone district. Check eMapLink for your property’s zoning and then look up your property’s location requirements in the code. The city’s Bulk and Density Standards ( Boulder Revised Code 9-7-1 ) specify the requirements.
  
  Zone summaries have been written for some of the zones and may be useful in understanding the applicable code. Boulder's Zoning Districts - Section 9-5 of the Boulder Revised Code
  
  If you are in a Planned Unit Development (PUD) or part of a discretionary review, your requirements will be different. See a project specialist in the P&DS Center, 1739 Broadway, for assistance.
  

• What kind of access is required?
  A 10-foot driveway off the lowest category street (including an alley).
  

• How high can it be?
  Allowed heights vary by zone district. Check eMapLink for your property’s zoning and then look up your property’s location requirements in the code. The city’s Bulk and Density Standards ( Boulder Revised Code 9-7 ) specify the requirements.
  
  The code requires you to measure height a certain way. Go toBoulder Revised Code 9-7-5.
  
  Zone summaries have been written for some of the zones and may be useful in understanding the applicable code. Boulder's Zoning Districts - Section 9-5 of the Boulder Revised Code
  
  If you are in a Planned Unit Development (PUD) or part of a discretionary review, your requirements will be different. See a project specialist in the P&DS Center, 1739 Broadway, for assistance.

• How big can it be?
  An accessory structure must be smaller than the principle building. See Boulder Revised Code 9-16 for a definition of accessory structure.
  
  Allowed area varies by zone district. Check eMapLink for your property’s zoning and then look up your property’s location requirements in the code. The city’s Bulk and Density Standards ( Boulder Revised Code 9-7 ) specify the requirements.
  
  Zone summaries have been written for some of the zones and may be useful in understanding the applicable code. Boulder's Zoning Districts - Section 9-5 of the Boulder Revised Code
  
  
  If you are in a Planned Unit Development (PUD) or part of a discretionary review, your requirements may be different. See a project specialist in the P&DS Center , 1739 Broadway, for assistance.
  

• What paperwork/documentation do I need?
  The documentation and forms you will need to turn in will vary depending on the nature of your project. You will need a building permit application. In addition, you may need to turn in the following:
  • Site plan
  • Solar analysis
  • Floor plan
  • Elevations
  • Foundation plan
  • Framing plan
  • Shadow analysis

Refer to the building guide for Single-Family Residential One Story Detached Garage (472 KB) for more information.

• Do I need a permit?
  Yes
  

• Are there solar access requirements?
  Yes
  

• What is the maximum floor area I can build?
  Allowed area varies by zone district. Check eMapLink for your property’s zoning and then look up your property’s location requirements in the code. The city’s Bulk and Density Standards ( Boulder Revised Code 9-7 ) specify the requirements.
  
  Zone summaries have been written for some of the zones and may be useful in understanding the applicable code. Boulder's Zoning Districts - Section 9-5 of the Boulder Revised Code
  
  If you are in a Planned Unit Development (PUD) or part of a discretionary review, your requirements may be different. See a project specialist in the P&DS Center, 1739 Broadway, for assistance.

• Can I put a studio on top of the garage?
  Usually a studio is allowed. Talk to a project specialist in the P&DS Center, 1739 Broadway for assistance.

• Do I need a permit for a garage door?
  If you are only replacing an existing door and not changing the size of the door or garage, you don’t need a permit. If the size is changing, then yes, you need a permit.

• Can I rent it out as storage space to someone who does not live there?
  No

• Can I convert it to living space?
  Maybe. See a project specialist in the P&DS Center, 1739 Broadway, for assistance.

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Last Updated on Friday, 21 August 2009 19:48