Simple Garage Question

[EddieB]

I guess it's a regional thang. Here 2.5 car garage has to fit a truck, van and four wheeler with a width around 28"

 

[PhiloFarnsworth]

It most certainly is an issue of Building Codes. Post a local Municipality as a test case.

I simply can't think of a scenario where a codes issue concerning dimensions for a garage could come into question except for specific requirements for parking requirements in urban or village settings, where so many spaces are require per bedroom or unit. But I have seen quite a few larger new homes where an unfinished, unheated room with a roll door exists that could not even fit a "Fit" but is added to house the owner's lawn tractor or ATV. How would codes come into play per the dimensions of such an area?

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

play per the dimensions of such an area?

We had a builder once, who became crazy (Schizophrenic) and eventually committed suicide. He built a shallow garage to try and reduce his taxes thinking they would arbitrarily assume the garage was 24' deep. The back of the garage was an oversized master bed. It worked for a while. The assessor caught on. I appraised the new construction after it was complete. He was asleep in the bed and didn't wake. His wife showed me around. His slide into the abyss was already showing. He stored the lawnmower there.

 

[TRESinc]

And then there's the ones that market "2 1/2 car garages".

i used to tell people i would call it a X.5 car garage as soon as they invented half cars. then smart4two cars came out...

 

[Howard Klahr]

I don't think this is an issue of public codes.

My question was more about whether or not anyone uses a rule of thumb on size as to what constitutes a usable parking bay.

I agree with your comment. I believe the answer to your question however is one of functional utility and comparison to what exists within the immediate market. What are the dimensions of garages for your comparables? Are there any properties with cars of similar dimensions? What is the typical vehicle owned/utilized by residents of that market?

 

[Mike Kennedy]

It most certainly is an issue of Building Codes. Post a local Municipality as a test case.

QUOTE= PhiloFarnsworth
"How would codes come into play per the dimensions of such an area?"

One Example:

Hereford Township
Berks County, Pennsylvania
P.O Box 225
Hereford, Pa 18056
Main: (610)-845-2929 – Fax: (610)-845-0616
Website: www.herefordtownship.org

UCC Building Permit for Residential Use
Four (4) of the Following Plans shall be submitted, Along with the Building Permit Application
I. Site Plan
All Applicants shall submit a Site Plan drawn to scale, and the Site Plan shall contain at minimum the following information:
A. Lot dimensions, including all dimensions of all existing and proposed structures
( << UCC includes garages: detached, attached on grade, basement b/in, lawntractor/motorcycle smaller garages or unfinished storage "rooms" for them)
B. Building location on lot and setbacks
C. Street or highway right-of-ways and any other easements or right-of-ways
D. Existing or proposed septic & well locations
E. Existing or proposed driveway location with percentage of slope (or grade) of lot, e.g. 3%, etc.

Residential Building Permit
Data Information Packet for
One & Two Family Dwellings

The Town requires compliance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code

1. Uniform Construction Code (UCC) - DLI - PA.gov
   
   
   www.dli.pa.gov/ucc/Pages/default.aspx
   DLI > Uniform Construction Code ... See "Codes and Standards Enforced Under the UCC" below for...
   
   
2. chapter 403. administration - Pennsylvania Code
   
   
   www.pacode.com/secure/data/034/chapter403/chap403toc.html
   Municipalities electing to enforce the Uniform Construction Code. .... (1) A permit issued under...
   
   
3. 034 Pa. Code § 403.62. Permit requirements and...
   
   
   www.pacode.com/secure/data/034/chapter403/s403.62.html
   Permit requirements and exemptions. ... mechanical or plumbing system regulated by the Uniform...