Specifications for Construction of a Garage
(Permits are valid for 6 months)
The following outlines general requirements and recommendations for garage construction.
Contact Planning and Development at 937-296-2441 for a maximum allowable size of garages and other accessory structures located in the rear yard.
- Obtain a building permit from the Planning and Development Department.
- All plans should include a site plan, floor plan, elevations and a wall section that clearly indicate the nature and extent of the work. All drawings are to be drawn to scale.
- Plans must have name, address and phone number of the owner or contractor on each page.
- Plans should indicate material, size and dimension of footing, wall and roof construction.
- Sample drawings are on the Planning & Development website.
- Detached Garages:
- The required minimum setback for a detached garage is 3 feet from the side and rear property lines. It cannot be located in any easement. The detached garage is required to be in the rear of the yard at least 6 feet away from any other structure.
- The maximum height allowable is 15 feet to the middle of the gable or hip, but no higher than the principal structure on the lot.
- Attached Garages:
- Must have a half inch drywall separation between the planned addition and the dwelling.
- Must comply with setback requirements of the principle structure.
- All floors must be concrete with a minimum thickness of 4 inches with a minimum one eighths inch per foot slope towards the garage door. Continuous footing must be 32 inches below grade. A minimum of 2 feet 8 inch wide side hinged door is required.
- Corner lots: See Plans Examiner for additional regulations.
- Driveways in the City of Kettering are required to be hard surfaced and dust free.
- Drainage should be directed away from neighboring properties. Erosion should be controlled by use of gutters, downspouts and splash blocks.
- Additional permits may be required for any electrical, heating, plumbing or for work in the city right-of-way. The right-of-way is generally from the house side edge of the sidewalk to the street. Right-of-way permits are available at the Engineering Department 937-296-2436.
When garage construction is complete, please call 937-296-2441 to schedule a final inspection.