How to put up a garage without a permit?

Here’s what comes to mind when you think of building a garage – a backhoe, foundations, putting up walls, costs, a mess on the site and a lot of nerves about the whole venture. So what can be done to avoid this? Is it possible to build a garage without a permit?

There are many alternatives to traditional garages. Very popular so-called tin garages are cheap and easy to install, and generally here their advantages end.Both the tin garage and other lightweight structures often do not provide adequate thermal insulation, so that the interior cools down quickly in winter and heats up to high temperatures in summer. In addition, they are less resistant to strong winds and mechanical damage, which makes their durability limited. The trapezoidal sheeting used in their construction usually does not exceed 0.5 mm in thickness. This translates into poor safety and longevity. The tightness of such construction also leaves much to be desired. In most cases, rodents and insects will not encounter major problems sneaking into such a facility.

What kind of garage can and should be built without a building permit?

When planning construction, it is worth knowing that a garage can be erected without a building permit if its area does not exceed 35 m². In this case, a simplified notification procedure is sufficient, which significantly shortens the formalities and allows you to start construction faster. Only in the case of larger structures is it necessary to obtain a building permit. So if you want a simple way to build a garage without getting wrapped up in permits, piles of paperwork, large costs or the stress of building a traditional brick garage on foundations, you’ve come to the right place.

The shipping container garage is one of those things that combine the functionality and durability of a traditional detached garage with the mobility and economy of a tin!

The construction of the shipping container is based on a solid steel frame and walls and roof made of special trapezoidal sheet metal 2-3 mm thick. This guarantees absolute strength, especially during sea transport. The container can then be the basis for piling up several more containers – fully loaded, of course. When you buy a shipping container, you get the whole body including the floor, as opposed to a tin garage. This only reinforces the belief that a garage container will provide security for our car or the equipment we will keep in it.

Garage without a permit, or what do you need to know about a garage container?

First of all, we need a shipping container. It is a good idea to buy a used container in good condition. We should pay attention to the condition of the floor and sheet metal. Also important are:

Dimensions of the garage on application

The most common choice for conversion to a detached garage are 20-foot containers of the High Cube type. Unlike the regular “20”, they are more than 30 centimeters higher, allowing you to garage a delivery van or jeep without any problems. If the container garage is to be used for storing smaller equipment like a motorcycle, lawnmowers and other household items then we can consider buying a 10-foot container.

The ground – putting a garage on a plot of land

Before we put up our container garage, we need to make sure that it is properly set on our plot. Among the most effective ways is to make a concrete floor or paving stones. Such solutions provide us with durability for many years. It is also possible to set our garage on a minimum of six concrete blocks, where one falls on each corner and the other two in the middle of each wall. We must remember to properly level the ground for the garage!

Container adaptation – how to build a customized garage?

As you know from our previous posts, containers can be adapted in virtually every respect. It looks no different in the case of “conversion” to a garage from a container. Installing an electrical system, a small stove, a tool shelf, a workbench, and a garage door with an automatic? No problem! Everything can be done thanks to the solid construction of the container, which even asks to be adapted for a good cause!

Remember the fact that shipping containers allow for modular construction? Well, that’s right! If someday we want to expand our container with additional space for another car or utility room – we can easily attach another box to our garage.

At the very end, cosmetic issues, because the container does not have to be scary at all. If the austere look of the trapezoidal sheet metal does not fit into the style of your yard, you can always change the look of the container both inside and outside. You can customize it to your liking by making the exterior wood facade, for example. The construction law does not prejudge what materials can be used to erect a garage without a permit, but it is worth remembering that the selection of the right raw materials is crucial to its durability and functionality.

Changes in regulations on the construction of garages

In order to simplify procedures related to obtaining a building permit and notifying the intention to construct residential and garage buildings, the Construction Law has been amended. The new regulations came into force on September 19, 2020. (amendment to the law on February 13, 2020). As a result, it became possible to build buildings of up to 35 sq. m. without a permit, as long as they meet certain development conditions.

Additional changes were introduced by the Law of February 13, 2020, which clarified the details of notification for the construction of garages and their location on the plot. Among other things, the new regulations specify the administrative body competent for the location of the plot, to which the notification should be addressed, and the required documents, such as technical sketches and a statement on the right to use the property for construction purposes.

Construction of a garage by application – what exact conditions must be met?

According to Article 29(2)(2) of the Construction Law, the construction of a garage, carport or outbuilding does not require a construction permit if the building area does not exceed 35 sqm and meets certain development conditions. In addition, there can be a maximum of two such buildings per 500 m2 of plot area.

However, it is worth checking the local zoning plan and the requirements of the local authority before starting construction work. The formalities for building a garage can vary depending on the location and type of construction. But whether you opt for a wooden garage, a tin garage or a sturdy structure made of a shipping container is legally irrelevant. Whether you need a building permit is mainly determined by, its square footage.

Notification of the construction of a garage with a construction area of up to 35 sqm can be done in two ways. In person at the county district office or the office of the city on the rights of the county, or electronically, via the e-building portal, which from July 1, 2021 allows the submission of documents online.

In the notification, it is necessary to specify the type, scope, location and method of construction works, as well as the planned date for their commencement. An application for the construction of a garage should usually be accompanied by appropriate sketches or drawings, which will help to precisely determine the location of the garage in relation to other objects on the plot. A statement on the right to use the property for construction purposes is also necessary. Remember that changes to the project may require re-notification, and the scope of the required documents depends on the location of the project. To avoid misunderstandings, it is advisable to consult the relevant office in advance and make sure what paperwork is necessary.

The municipality has the right to object within 21 working days after the submission of documents. If it does not take any action within this time, it is assumed that it has approved the construction of the garage.

Reported garage – distances from plot boundaries

The garage must not be located too close to the plot boundaries. The investor must maintain the appropriate distance, which is a minimum of 3 meters from the border of the plot, in accordance with current regulations. If the building is higher than 3 meters, the required distance increases to 4 meters. The sides of the border should be taken into account in the development plan.

Marine container garage – economy, durability and convenience

With proper planning, you can have a garage on your lot without having to go through complicated paperwork. A freestanding garage from a shipping container is the surest option for a garage without a permit – the standard dimensions are within the requirements for objects on application. In addition, you gain robustness, durability and mobility, while avoiding the problems associated with traditional construction.