Breezeway attempt/garage apt question

[sidepipechris]

I'll keep this as short as possible. I have been thinking of ways to move back home while adding equity, and still having privacy. I've decided on moving in the garage .But! The garage had 2 cars tightly squeezed in there with no plans for removal. In my area detached is 15' max.

Ideally I'd like to attach it with a breezeway and go up another 10' or so. Will likely be a ground up, but just trying to figure it out, maybe how it would look ect. I'm not concerned about the permit end just yet.
Current setup is 21' deep x 14 wide, 12.5 tall, Looking to be around that but with another level on top with a studio sub 400sq ft apt. Budgeted accordingly. Homes in the area are between 350-450.
Wrote this quickly before I have to go to work. Be gentile.

 

[sublimate]

In my area detached is 15' max.

Ideally I'd like to attach it with a breezeway and go up another 10' or so.

As I understand it, you're looking to connect it with a breezeway so it'll be considered attached so you can go up in height (above 15')?

I'm guessing that won't work where the garage is located. The existing garage looks to be a foot or two away from the side lot line (and another detached garage on your neighbor's property) and maybe similarly from the rear lot line as well? That's often allowed for detached - sometimes they can even go right to the lot line.

But attached structures usually have setbacks, like 10 feet or so from the side lot line. My guess is the house is already up to the side setback. The garage would have to move over if you made it attached so it's directly behind the house which would make entry from the drive difficult and it's not clear from your pics if there would even be room for a setback to the rear line.

You need to consult your local zoning codes.

 

[Cyberbear]

I had a very similar layout and over time added behind the garage as well as next to it and went two story above the side addition, later adding a breezeway from the garage to the house. The breezeway had advantages not possible without it according to local code.
After going through the major hassles with county inspectors about the two story add-on, I opted to decline any further business with the county and their presumption of jurisdiction over my private property. I believe in using the code as a guideline but no longer wish to allow the county to decide what I can do with my land. It's a strictly personal decision, but there are a great many who enjoy being told what to do. I'm not one of them it seems.

 

[Prototyper]

The problem with your plan will become evident when you decide/need to sell your home. Then you will understand they actually DO have jurisdiction over your private property.

 

[SouthernGemini]

The problem with your plan will become evident when you decide/need to sell your home. Then you will understand they actually DO have jurisdiction over your private property.

We may not like it but I agree with the above statement.