Garage (Detached), Carports & Tool Shed Projects

For technical design criteria, download the requirements for sheds, carports and garages pamphlet (PDF).

Required Permits

Application Submission Requirements

  • Residential Building Permit Application (PDF)
  • Plot plan showing setbacks from existing and proposed improvements. Acceptable plot plans contain the following:
    • Entire property, showing all property line dimensions
    • Existing dwelling, any other existing structures and the proposed structure location (clearly indicate all proposed structure dimensions). For proposed accessory structures, indicate the overall height.
    • Setbacks from the closest point of the proposed structure to property lines in each direction. Label the measurements from each property line to the closest point on the structure. Be as exact as possible and clearly label the road name.
  • Construction plans (two or more copies) - We'll return one copy to you with the issued permit.
  • Engineered soil reports (two copies) - Required to be prepared by a soil scientist or geotechnical engineer. You need a soils report for construction of any potentially habitable space (e.g. garages with living space above) where the property is deemed to be in the Triassic Basin (the area of the county with an increased potential of "shrink-swell" soil). For more information see the Requirements for Soil Reports and Footings (PDF).
  • Residential Plans Review Delivery Form (PDF) - Indicates whether you want the permit and forms mailed to you or held for three days at the Building Inspection office for you to pick up.
  • Permit and other related fee payments

Construction Plan Requirements (two or more copies)

  • Elevations
  • First floor plan and framing plan
  • For two story structures with potentially habitable attics or second floors, you may need a shrink/swell soil report. Call for assistance.
  • Foundation plan and construction details
  • Roof and roof framing plan
  • Second floor plan and framing plan
  • Structural cross section(s)

Plan Detail Requirements

General Requirements for all Construction Drawings

  • Numbered - Number each plan sheet.
  • Scale - Draw structural plans to architectural scale (typically 1/4 inches, 3/16 inches or 1/8 inches).
  • Legible - Make sure the plans are neat and legible (no handwritten notes).
  • Orientation - Lay out all drawings in the same orientation (portrait or landscape).

Plan Views

You need plan views for:

  • Footing and foundation.
  • Basement.
  • First floor.
  • Second floor.
  • Attic.
  • Roof.
  • Framing plans.

Show the following details:

  • Perimeter and interior dimensions
  • Room names on each floor plan
  • Size and location of all doors and windows
  • All interior load-bearing walls identified
  • All beams, including garage door headers, identified. For all beams carrying more than 4,000 lbs., identify the column on each end.
  • Size and direction of all floor joists and ceiling joists
    • For I-joists or open-web joists, provide manufacturer's layout plan.
    • Identification on plans similar to:
      • Nominal lumber: 2 by 8 SYP at 16 inches on center (o.c.)
      • I-joists: Truss Joist, Series 230, 11 feet 7/8 inches, 16 inches o.c.
  • Braced wall lines and the accompanying braced wall panel method(s) with calculation(s) clearly listed on each floor plan
  • Full height, two-story walls (i.e. walls over 12 feet tall) engineered by a registered design professional
  • Attic plan for all attics accessed by a permanent stair
  • Any space intended for "future" use marked accordingly
  • Each rafter or truss individually drawn to show bearing. All overbuilt roofs identified.
  • For structures with truss roofs, provide truss layout and individual truss detail sheets.
  • Truss detail sheets do not need to be individually sealed for plan review, but must be sealed by a registered design professional at the time of inspection.

Sections

  • At least one "through-structure" section, cut from the front to the rear of the structure, in a location that will show any non-standard section, such as a two-story room
    • If there are multiple complicated spaces, separate sections to show all of the structure.
  • Section cut lines (arrows) referenced on the plan views

Elevations

Two elevations (from the front and side). Show the exterior finishes.