I'm considering purchasing a house in Oakland, California that currently lacks a garage. The previous owners turned the garage into a really nice den with a loft, which we'd like to keep. However, I'm thinking about adding a single-car garage where the current driveway is. I'm unsure what roadblocks might exist that could prevent me from doing this, especially regarding local laws or potential complaints from neighbors. Any thoughts on legal setbacks, zoning issues, or anything else I should be aware of before moving forward?
3 Answers
You'll also want to look into zoning regulations concerning the number and type of outbuildings you can have. There are fire codes and various building codes that may apply, so getting a good grasp on the zoning laws in Oakland will definitely save you from future headaches.
One major thing to consider are the setback requirements, which vary by location. These define how far structures need to be set back from the property lines and the road. You’ll need to check your local building codes to see what applies in your area. It might be something you can find easily online or by calling your local zoning office.
Exactly! I live in a small town, and we have specific rules about where we can build garages, so I’m sure Oakland has something similar.
If there's a homeowners association (HOA) involved, they can also be a hurdle. They might restrict what can be built, especially if they see a garage as an eyesore. Just checking the property details to confirm if there's an HOA is essential.
Oh really? I didn’t see anything about an HOA on Zillow. Should I still be worried about that?
Oh, that’s a great point! I bet laws differ quite a bit between cities and even neighborhoods. Double-checking with the city’s regulations sounds like a solid plan.