Attached VS detached:setback challenge

[Milan]

Is there a general industry accepted definition of an attached garage? I am exploring options pertaining to adding a 1200 sq ft garage. MY AHJ is requiring a 20 setback from other buildings. I am assuming that means the house also. If I were to install a breezeway from the proposed garage to the house would the garage then be considered an attached garage?

 

[Outlawmws]

That would depend on local zoning interpretation. Call or visit your inspectors...

 

[Milan]

There must be an IBC or some other standard description that is commonly accepted.

 

[Outlawmws]

You have to remember that those "standards" are no more than guidelines. The local/state jurisdiction takes precedence, as long as it is more restrictive, or meets local requirements...

 

[rburke65]

What is a 20 set back?

 

[Outlawmws]

What is a 20 set back?

20 ft. setback from whatever is indicated, so a 20 ft setback from a rear property line is the common "required back yard" for a residential single family dwelling. if you want to add a building there will be a minimum setback from building to building.

In this case from separate buildings. His question is what constitutes a "separate building"

 

[SGKent]

Usually an attached garage means it shares a common wall. IMHO a breezeway is not a common wall but a long hall could be. Visit the local planning dept to get their input. Work with them instead of against them.

 

[blkhonda1991]

many have posted that by adding a breezeway between the house and the garage the town accepted it as attached, of course this varies by town, city. Are you sure the set back requirement he mentioned was a setback from the property lines? I dont recall ever seeing a setback specified between buildings.

 

[kmacht]

My town required a 10' setback from the house for an detached garage. I was able to get around this though by putting up 5/8" fire rated sheetrock on the wall facing the house. The setback requirement was because of fire codes, not necessarily zoning. Go talk to your building inspector and find out what the deal is. Ask for the specific line in the code that addresses your situation. Don't go just by what they say verbally as inspectors are sometimes known to make up rules or interpret ones incorrectly.

Also drive around the neighborhood and see if there are other houses with detached garages less than 20' away. If there are you might even be able to pursue a variance with the hardship that your house will be worth less money because of the similar local houses with closer garages.

Keith

 

[blkhonda1991]

My town required a 10' setback from the house for an attached garage. I was able to get around this though by putting up 5/8" fire rated sheetrock on the wall facing the house. The setback requirement was because of fire codes, not necessarially zoning. Go talk to your building inspector and find out what the deal is. Ask for the specific line in the code that addresses your situation. Don't go just by what they say verbally as inspectors are sometimes known to make up rules or interpret ones incorrectly.

Also drive around the neighborhood and see if there are other houses with detached garages less than 20' away. If there are you might even be able to persue a variance with the hardship that your house will be worth less money because of the similar local houses with closer garages.

Keith

wouldnt that be a detached garage if its 10' away?

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

Is there a general industry accepted definition of an attached garage?
One common wall
I am exploring options pertaining to adding a 1200 sq ft garage. MY AHJ is requiring a 20 setback from other buildings. I am assuming that means the house also.
A 20' "setback" would refer to the property lines. A detached garage would be considered an accessory building. IRC makes notations of fire rated walls when buildings at property lines are within a certain distance to each other. And a notation specifically about garages that are less than 3' from the main dwelling. So no, I would say that is not correct.
If I were to install a breezeway from the proposed garage to the house would the garage then be considered an attached garage?

See answer to first question. That is the general interpretation. But, as others have stated your AHJ will have the final say. Who would be your AHJ?

 

[kmacht]

wouldnt that be a detached garage if its 10' away?

Yes. My mistake it should have said detached.

Keith