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HerrGarage14 May 2025 11:00We are currently dealing with the site planning for our property. I hope this post belongs here and not in the "Garage" forum.
Our house is already built, so no changes to the house design are possible. We wanted to build a garage (3x9m (10x30 feet)) next to the house at the level of the upper floor, at the finished floor height. However, this was rejected by the building authority because a fill would be required next to the house, causing the garage roof to exceed the allowed 3m (10 feet) height above the original ground level (according to the building regulations NRW).
The problem is that our plot slopes downhill from the street. We were allowed to build the house at street level, but the garage is not permitted at that height. We do not like the approved plan (see attached file) because the driveway to the garage slopes steeply downhill, and we had planned to park the car in front of the garage more often, at least for the next few years.
Now we are facing the question of whether and how to build the garage. Our requirements are as follows: 2 parking spaces (side-by-side or tandem, covered or uncovered does not matter), space for 4 bicycles (covered), and space for garden tools (covered; according to the development plan, we are not allowed to build a shed in the garden). We are considering what would make the most sense and how we could park the cars as level and straight as possible.
Additionally, we have the problem of a public parking space in front of our property (5.50m (18 feet) from the boundary to the neighboring semi-detached house; see file). There is no sidewalk there, so the lowered curb does not cause any issues.
Development Plan/Restrictions
Plot size: 400sqm (4300 sqft)
Slope: yes
Site coverage ratio: not relevant
Floor area ratio: not relevant
Building envelope, building line and boundary: yes – 6m (20 feet) from the street, then 15m (50 feet)
Edge development: no
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of storeys: not relevant
Roof shape: not relevant
Architectural style: not relevant
Orientation: NW
Maximum heights/limits: According to NRW building regulations: Roof of garage or carport may not exceed 3m (10 feet) above natural ground level on average; parking area max. 1m (3 feet) above ground
Additional requirements
Client Requirements
Garage or carport: yes, mainly to store bicycles, garden tools, a stroller, and play equipment
House Design
Who designed it:
- Planner from a construction company
We do not like the current design at all. We are struggling with the steep driveway. The planner from the company is not willing to provide further design options for us.
Personal budget limit for the garage: 15,000 Euros
If you had to give up on something, which features or expansions
- What you can give up: Cars can also be parked outdoors
- What you cannot give up: Covered storage for bicycles and garden tools, access to bicycles must be maintained when cars are parked
Why is the design the way it is?
The architect told us during the house planning stage that the building authority would allow deviations from the building code (max. 3m above ground) if the neighbor agreed. However, the building authority does not allow any deviations.
What would you advise, or do you know a qualified planner who could assist us further?
Thank you very much
Our house is already built, so no changes to the house design are possible. We wanted to build a garage (3x9m (10x30 feet)) next to the house at the level of the upper floor, at the finished floor height. However, this was rejected by the building authority because a fill would be required next to the house, causing the garage roof to exceed the allowed 3m (10 feet) height above the original ground level (according to the building regulations NRW).
The problem is that our plot slopes downhill from the street. We were allowed to build the house at street level, but the garage is not permitted at that height. We do not like the approved plan (see attached file) because the driveway to the garage slopes steeply downhill, and we had planned to park the car in front of the garage more often, at least for the next few years.
Now we are facing the question of whether and how to build the garage. Our requirements are as follows: 2 parking spaces (side-by-side or tandem, covered or uncovered does not matter), space for 4 bicycles (covered), and space for garden tools (covered; according to the development plan, we are not allowed to build a shed in the garden). We are considering what would make the most sense and how we could park the cars as level and straight as possible.
Additionally, we have the problem of a public parking space in front of our property (5.50m (18 feet) from the boundary to the neighboring semi-detached house; see file). There is no sidewalk there, so the lowered curb does not cause any issues.
Development Plan/Restrictions
Plot size: 400sqm (4300 sqft)
Slope: yes
Site coverage ratio: not relevant
Floor area ratio: not relevant
Building envelope, building line and boundary: yes – 6m (20 feet) from the street, then 15m (50 feet)
Edge development: no
Number of parking spaces: 2
Number of storeys: not relevant
Roof shape: not relevant
Architectural style: not relevant
Orientation: NW
Maximum heights/limits: According to NRW building regulations: Roof of garage or carport may not exceed 3m (10 feet) above natural ground level on average; parking area max. 1m (3 feet) above ground
Additional requirements
Client Requirements
Garage or carport: yes, mainly to store bicycles, garden tools, a stroller, and play equipment
House Design
Who designed it:
- Planner from a construction company
We do not like the current design at all. We are struggling with the steep driveway. The planner from the company is not willing to provide further design options for us.
Personal budget limit for the garage: 15,000 Euros
If you had to give up on something, which features or expansions
- What you can give up: Cars can also be parked outdoors
- What you cannot give up: Covered storage for bicycles and garden tools, access to bicycles must be maintained when cars are parked
Why is the design the way it is?
The architect told us during the house planning stage that the building authority would allow deviations from the building code (max. 3m above ground) if the neighbor agreed. However, the building authority does not allow any deviations.
What would you advise, or do you know a qualified planner who could assist us further?
Thank you very much
M
MachsSelbst14 May 2025 18:26But if you need to fill and retain the soil, then your 15,000 EUR will never be enough, right?
H
HerrGarage14 May 2025 19:40Hello, the 15 tons refer only to the garage and foundation.
The excavation, backfilling, and access paths are included in the budget for the outdoor areas. We are estimating 30-40 tons for that.
During the course of the house construction, a considerable amount of filling around the house has already been done.
The excavation, backfilling, and access paths are included in the budget for the outdoor areas. We are estimating 30-40 tons for that.
During the course of the house construction, a considerable amount of filling around the house has already been done.
H
HerrGarage14 May 2025 19:42If anyone has built a house with an integrated garage on a slope, please feel free to share a photo of your solution.
H
hanghaus202315 May 2025 11:56Without the development plan in image and text form, it is difficult to make any statements.
In such a case, a preliminary building inquiry should be submitted.
Is it allowed to place a CP (construction project) adjacent to the road?
In such a case, a preliminary building inquiry should be submitted.
Is it allowed to place a CP (construction project) adjacent to the road?
H
hanghaus202315 May 2025 12:19What does the zoning plan say about garages/parking spaces? Is it allowed to build a garage outside the building area?
From what I understand from the site plan, this isn’t a boundary garage after all.
From what I understand from the site plan, this isn’t a boundary garage after all.
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