Is planning permission for a garage necessary? This is a common question that many homeowners who want to install a garage have. Yes, you might or might not need planning permission for a garage. This is so because a garage is an example of an outbuilding, and each country’s building code includes a section that lists outbuildings. There are a lot of factors that influence the type of garage being built and the circumstances under which you do not need planning permission for one. They are examined below.

Factors That Determine if Planning Permission for a Garage Is Necessary

As was said above, you might or might not need planning permission for a garage. The response will depend on the type of garage you build, the amount of land it will cover, its height, the options you choose for a purchased garage, and its size. The situations when planning permission is necessary will be highlighted in the following section.

Situations where planning permission is needed for a garage

The scenarios that necessitate planning permission for a garage are highlighted below.

·       Building double garages because of the bigger size of double garages

·       Transforming a garage into a separate home

·       A garage with a height greater than 4 meters

·       A garage that occupies more than half of the surrounding property

·       Any garages that are higher than one story and have eaves longer than 2.5 meters

When is planning permission for a garage not needed?

This section examines the scenario in which planning permission for a garage is not necessary. Let’s look at the conditions that a garage must meet in order to be exempt.

·       A ceiling height of no more than 4 meters

·       A garage that occupies no more than half of the surrounding property’s area

·       A concrete sectional garage that is no taller than 4 meters

Additionally, a garage conversion does not require planning permission because it does not enlarge the garage. This is true unless you reside in an estate with garage building limits. Bought prebuilt garages are exempt also since they fall under the legal definition of “pre-cast sectional garages” and are therefore acceptable.

Is Planning Permission Required for Garage Demolition?

Planning permission is typically not required to demolish a garage. If the property is located in a conservation area or is a listed building, this assertion is only partially true. All plans to demolish a listed structure must be submitted with a listed building consent. It is important to follow all safety regulations related to demolition and properly dispose of the demolished materials. Make certain that no falling material damages nearby structures.

Concluding Thoughts on Planning Permission for a Garage

Visit your local building regulations office to establish that you are eligible to construct a garage without a planning permission in order to be safe. Additionally, do not hesitate to go to the local building permission office if the scenario in which you want to build a garage matches the requirements for obtaining planning permission. Of course, professional construction companies are always ready to handle the planning permission for a garage and the following building process for you.