We 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
hanghaus2023 schrieb:
As I read the site plan, it is actually not a boundary garage.Building within 3 meters (10 feet) of the property line counts as boundary construction. If you build with a one-meter (3.3 feet) gap as shown here, your carport is considered to be within the boundary zone.HerrGarage schrieb:
If anyone has built a garage on a slope, feel free to share a photo of your solution. I don’t think it will work the way you imagined. Having the garage at the front means the driveway is too steep; moving it further back would block the terrace window.
hanghaus2023 schrieb:
Without the development plan in images and text, it’s hard to say much. Exactly.
@HerrGarage:
hanghaus2023 schrieb:
What does the development plan say regarding garages/carports? Are you allowed to build a garage outside the building zone? hanghaus2023 schrieb:
Is it permitted to place a carport by the street? Or is it allowed to build a carport sideways with a 3 meter (10 feet) distance from the street?
Otherwise, I would suggest bending the carport driveway, that is, the courtyard, to the right in front of the house according to the plan, and then placing the carport in front of the house. The second parking space would then be as planned, in front on the driveway. Bikes could be stored in a lean-to shed on the side of the house instead of in the garage.
H
HerrGarage16 May 2025 19:45ypg schrieb:
I think it won’t work the way you imagined it. Putting the garage at the front means the driveway will be too steep; placing it further back would block the terrace window.
Correct, putting it in front is not an option. Placing it at the back is only feasible with a shorter garage.
Is it allowed to build a carport perpendicular with a 3-meter (10 feet) distance from the street?
No, no structures are permitted outside the designated buildable areas.
You might get an exception permit for a parking space.
Otherwise, I would suggest bending the carport driveway—meaning the courtyard—to the right side in front of the house according to the plan, and then placing the carport there. A second parking space would then be, as planned, in front, i.e., on the driveway.
Bicycles could be stored in a lean-to shed on the side of the house instead of in the garage.
That would be an option for a parking space.
Attached is the site development plan. The building envelope is shown on the site layout.
H
hanghaus202317 May 2025 10:51Since the top edge is fixed, you can only increase the footprint upwards. Otherwise, you'll just have to accept the steep descent.
H
hanghaus202317 May 2025 11:22You can make the ramp less steep with a solution like this.
With a shed roof or a symmetrical gable roof.
Or like this. Then you just have to build up to the property line.
In that case, the wall should be 3 m (10 feet) high and no L-shaped retaining walls.
With a shed roof or a symmetrical gable roof.
Or like this. Then you just have to build up to the property line.
In that case, the wall should be 3 m (10 feet) high and no L-shaped retaining walls.
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