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Building - Garages

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1. I want to demolish / tear down my garage. Do I have to rebuild a new one?

Yes, within 6 months.

2. What is the largest size garage that I can build on my property?

A 400 square foot garage may be built on any residential lot, no matter the lot coverage.

3. What do I do if I want to build a larger garage?

Your garage (and any other accessory buildings in the rear yard area) can occupy up to 20% of your rear yard area, with a maximum of a 600 square foot. If you have a large lot and desire a larger garage you will have to seek a Zoning Variance.

4. How high can my garage be?

15 feet maximum height to the roof peak.

5. What is the smallest size garage that I can build?

• 2 car garage: 18 feet 4 inches wide by 20 feet deep
• Single car garage: 10 feet wide by 20 feet deep

6. Do I need gutters on my garage?

Yes, they can be splash blocked onto your own property or tied into the storm sewer.

7. What is splash blocked?

That is where the downspout rainwater is directed onto your yard (or driveway) rather than being tied directly to storm sewer drain.

8. Do I need to have a floor drain in my new garage?

No, but if you want to install one it must be tied into the sanitary sewer.

9. How close to the rear and side yard property lines can I build the garage?

That depends on what street you live on, with the minimum being three feet from the side and rear property line. Contact the Building Department for further information at 216-635-4203.

10. What kind of siding can I use on my garage?

• T-111 (if painted or stained)
• Vinyl Siding
• Wood lap siding (if painted or stained)

11. How many layers of shingles can I have on my garage (or house)?

The maximum number of roofs permitted is 2. After that, a complete tear-off is required.

12. What kind of shingles can I put on the roof?

The minimum requirement is a 235 pound asphalt or 220 pound fiberglass shingle.

13. Can I put shingles on a "hood" or flat roof?

If the roof has a pitch of 3/12 or less, than a rolled type roofing is required.

14. What are the requirements for constructing a garage pad?

1. You need a 4 inch pad with a 6 inch minimum curb allowing for any wood or siding to be 8 inches above the grade of the land, with a 8 inch deep "rat wall" below on garages 600 square feet or smaller. On larger garages the Residential Code of Ohio requires a minimum of a 36 inch deep footer.
2. Anchor bolts are installed within 1 foot of each corner and not to exceed every 6 feet.
3. Number 10 wire mesh is required in the pad and rolled up into the curb to tie both the pad and the curb together.
4. You need to call your inspector for a forms inspection prior to pouring the concrete; contact the Building Department at 216-635-4203 for more information.
5. Concrete for the pad shall be a minimum of 6-1/2 sack.

15. Is a footer required?

Only on garages larger than 600 square feet.

16. Is a man / service door required?

Yes.

17. Are windows required for a garage?

No.

18. What permits are required to build a garage?

1. Demolition permit
2. Garage pad permit
3. Garage permit
4. (Optional) Electrical Permit

Visit the Building Forms page to find copies of all necessary permit application forms.

19. Are garage lights required?

No, if there is no electrical run to the garage.

Yes, if there is electrical run to the garage. This light must illuminate entrance doors of the garage. Visit the Building Forms page to find permit application forms.

20. Can I construct a carport instead of a garage?

No.