Garages & Accessory Structures

Print Feedback

Font Size: + -

Do I need a permit for building a garage or accessory structure?

Yes. A building permit is required for building or razing an attached garage, detached garage, storage shed or outbuilding exceeding 100 square feet. A building permit is the document that grants legal permission to begin construction of a building project. It also represents a contractual agreement between the homeowner and the city that all work performed will meet or exceed the minimum standards established by the City of Wauwatosa's Municipal Code and the State of Wisconsin’s Administrative Code. A building permit is required in order to ensure these standards are met in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.

Note: A structure built in a floodplain requires a floodplain permit even if a building permit is not required.

Application Process

You can apply online using this self-service portal. You can upload any needed documents and process payments online. During the application process, you will be required to submit:

a pdf of construction plans
a recent land survey
photographs of the front of the home, photographs of the area to be affected by construction
the application fee of $50

What needs to be included in the construction plans?

A minimum set of plans will consist of cross section details and elevations of all four sides. Cross section drawings should include exterior grade level, exterior wall and roof construction identifying materials used and spans. Elevations including information on the exterior appearance of the building, indicating location, size and configuration of doors, windows, roof, exterior grade, and the type of exterior materials. All plans must be drawn to a scale not less than ¼ inch per foot and all dimensions must be accurately figured. Plans for attached garages require information for footing and foundation wall sizes (if applicable) and types of materials.

Why do I need a survey and how can I obtain one?

Surveys are required to ensure that your project complies with today’s codes and is the best way to avoid property boundary disputes with neighbors.

Check your records for a survey. Some homeowners acquire this document as part of their home purchase. However, you may need to obtain an updated survey from a registered land surveyor for permit submittals.

What is the likelihood my garage will be approved?

Very likely if the proposed design matches the style of your home. Ideally, a garage should be a miniature version of the house. If the proposed garage or storage shed meets all of the following requirements it may be approved by the building inspector:

All elevations must be shown on the plans
Exterior building cover matches the dwelling
Roof pitch matches the dwelling (need not exceed 6:12 pitch)
Roof color and cover match the dwelling
Overhangs match the dwelling (need not exceed 12” in projection)
Photograph of the dwelling front elevation submitted
Photograph of the affected area to be built submitted

Design Review by City Staff

Garages and storage sheds do not have to go to a design review board. However, any new buildings or any alteration to the exterior of a residential property must be reviewed by the Building & Safety Manager.

All residential application materials should be submitted to the Building & Safety Manager. There are no deadlines for residential review.

How long does it take to get the permit?

That depends. If an application does not require Design Review approval, your permit should be ready within one week. The number one reason this timeline may not be met is the applicant’s failure to submit required information at the time of application. Our office will contact the applicant when the permit has been approved and is ready for issue.

How much will a building permit cost?

Total fees are calculated based on square footage of the proposed garage to be constructed plus plan review. A storage shed is a flat fee of $80. Razing permits are also based on square footage or a minimum of $50. The $50 paid at application is applied to the total cost of the permit.

Are there any location restrictions?

Yes. Contact the Planning Division staff at (414) 479-8957 to find out the requirements for your property prior to submitting a permit application. Generally, foundations for detached garages, storage sheds and outbuildings must be a minimum of eighteen inches from the rear and side lot lines. If located next to an alley, the minimum is five feet. Eave overhangs can extend into the setback but may not cross over lot lines. These structures are not permitted in the front yard. Attached garages must meet setback requirements and lot coverage limitations for principal buildings.

Are there any other restrictions?

Yes. Contact the Planning Division staff at (414) 479-8957 to find out the requirements for your property prior to submitting a permit application. Generally, total square footage of lot coverage for all buildings cannot exceed 37% and of that total percentage, detached garages, storage sheds, and outbuildings cannot exceed 12% of the lot area. Storage sheds cannot exceed 12 feet in height. Detached garages cannot exceed 16 feet in height (measured from the finished floor to the ridge of the roof). Garage heights of 16-20 feet may be allowed if matching house roof style and pitch with proper documentation. Attached garages must have frost footings and fire separation.

Is the homeowner allowed to run the electrical service to the garage?

Absolutely not. Service must be installed by a licensed electrician. An electrical permit is required and an inspection will be conducted by Buildings & Safety Electrical Inspectors.

Do I need a permit for a dumpster?

Only if it will be located on the street or public sidewalk. If so, please call Engineering Services at (414) 479-8927.

Safety Tip

Call Diggers Hotline at (800) 242-8511 prior to excavation.

Questions?

Inspectors are available weekdays for code-related questions. Permit-related questions may be directed to the clerical staff (414-479-8907) anytime 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. weekdays. The City Code and The State Code is also available for reference online.