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Building Permits >

Size Requirements

• The square footage of all buildings, including the garage, shall not exceed 40% of the lot area (45% on a corner lot), with the following limits
• maximum area allowed is 1000 square feet
• maximum height allowed is 15 feet

Location Requirements

• Attached garage location must comply with the set-back requirements established for dwellings. The building inspector should be consulted before determining the garage location.
• Detached garage location must be
  • at least 60 feet from front lot line
  • 3 feet from any side or rear lot line
  • 5 feet from any alley
  • 10 feet from the dwelling unit, including porches and/or decks
  • Detached garages are allowed a one foot overhang encroachment into required setbacks.

Construction Requirements

Slab construction must include

• removal of all vegetation and topsoil
• minimum four inches of compacted granular fill
• minimum 8” x 8” thickened perimeter with (2) #4 re-bar
• minimum four inch slab with minimum #10 six by six (6” x 6”) inch wire mesh
• minimum four inch exterior curb with min. 3/8” anchor bolts at 8’ O. C.
• minimum 18” from corners

Slab shall slope toward the main exterior door.

Framing construction must include

• pressure-treated bottom plates
• a maximum stud spacing of 24 inches on center
• diagonal corner bracing installed on both walls at each corner
• wall ties at the top plate and collar ties in the upper one-third of the roof must be installed with a maximum spacing of (48) inches on center; wall ties must be one piece with a minimum size of (2 x 6) inches; collar ties shall be at least (2 x 4) inches for roof slopes of less than four (4) inches per foot
• rafters and structural framing members shall be designed per the “National Design Specifications for Wood Construction”, and rafters and trusses must be mechanically fastened to the top plates by engineered clips, straps, or hangers.
• Many trusses are delivered with standard 2 foot overhangs. Adjust the truss overhang or garage location to meet setbacks.

Permit Submittal Requirements

• Include two sets of construction drawings, which include elevations and section details.
• Include one legal plat of survey. An existing survey may be used if it accurately portrays the current status of the property
• Permit fees are due when permit is issued

Inspection Requirements

• First Inspection: of slab preparation before concrete is poured. All rebar and mesh must be in place at the time of inspection.
• Second Inspection: framing/final when garage is complete

This information details basic code requirements to consider when contemplating residential garage projects. Additional code requires may apply. For further information, please contact the City of West Allis Department of Building inspections and Zoning at 302-8400.

Building Inspection and Zoning Department

Director

West Allis City Hall