see also: House Additions & Remodels
What Is It?
A single-family garage is used to park a vehicle and store items; it may be in a building separate from a house or it may be attached to a house.
What Permits Do You Need?
- Building permit
- Building permit – addition or alteration
- Electrical permit – You may need to get an electrical permit (through the Department of Labor & Industries) if your garage will be wired for electricity. You may also need to apply for electrical service changes or new services from PSE.
- Plumbing permit – You may also need a plumbing permit if you intend to put a sink/faucet in your garage.
Research the code
Sumner Municipal Code (SMC) guides the size and placement of your garage.
- The combined footprint of your structures (including new garage), covered areas, and decks 36 inches or more above the ground can’t exceed a certain percentage of your lot size. That percentage depends upon your property’s land use zone.
- In residential zones, we limit the total coverage of all structures to a percentage of the lot area. Check with us to find out what zone your property is in and the percentage requirements for your zone.
- You usually can’t put a garage in setback spaces of your property. Ask us more about setbacks in your zone. For homes that principally use alleys for vehicular access, your garage may encroach into the rear yard if it is directly attached to your home or includes an enclosed breezeway.
- Your garage will also need to meet our building code requirements.
Should You Hire a Professional?
Garage drawings rarely require a professional stamp from an architect or engineer. Anyone with drafting skills may prepare the drawings, or you may hire a professional to help you.
We Can Help
This guide is available only to give you a general idea about whether you need a permit and which permits. Every project is different, so no guide can replace the effectiveness of asking us directly about your project. Please reach out by phone or email to get your project started on the right foot and avoid unpleasant surprises through the process.
