Permits are frequently necessary for remodeling or construction projects to ensure compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards established by the City of Huntington Beach. Below, you’ll find the relevant building codes concerning residential garages and garage doors in Huntington Beach.
Guidelines for Single Family Homes
Standards for garage provision: For homes with 0-4 bedrooms, two enclosed spaces and two open spaces are required. This typically includes a 2-car garage door for the enclosed spaces and approximately 20 feet of space in front of the garage door for the additional open spaces. For homes with 5 or more bedrooms, three enclosed spaces and three open spaces are required. This often includes a 2-car garage door and an additional 1-car garage door for the enclosed spaces, with approximately 20 feet of space in front of the garage doors for the additional open spaces.
Vertical clearance: Garages and enclosed parking spaces must have a minimum vertical clearance of seven feet. This means that garage doors are required to be seven feet high.
Distance specification: The minimum distance required from the garage door to the front property line is 20 feet. If the garage is located on the side of the property and its entrance faces the front, the required distance is 10 feet.
Construction schedule: During remodels and new construction projects, all permitted garages and carports must be constructed simultaneously with the main building. These structures are intended for the exclusive use of persons residing on the premises for the storage of personal vehicles and other personal property.
Turning radius: The required turning radius for garages, carports, or open parking spaces entered from an alley or driveway is 25 feet (refer to Fig. #1 – Turning Radius for Garages in Huntington Beach).
Parking Guidelines for Apartment Dwellings
Studio and one-bedroom apartments must have a minimum of one assigned parking space, while apartments with two or more bedrooms must have a minimum of two assigned parking spaces. These spaces can be enclosed, with or without a garage door, and must be located within 200 feet walking distance from the apartment. Assigned parking spaces must be provided with the rental of a dwelling unit at no additional cost.
When a property has three or more apartments, all required covered parking must be fully enclosed. Each tenant’s garage space should have partitions made of sturdy wood or a similar material, with studs set no more than 24 inches apart. The garages must have garage doors and windows built and secured according to the rules of the City of Huntington Beach.
Driveway Width Regulations
Driveway width requirements vary depending on the length of the driveway. For driveways 150 feet or less in length, single-family dwellings should have a minimum width of 10 feet, while multifamily dwellings should have a width of 20 feet. For driveways longer than 150 feet, the minimum width should be 20 feet, except for fire lanes, which must comply with all Fire Department requirements.
Guidelines for Huntington Beach Coastal Zone
Homes located in the Huntington Beach Coastal Zone and properties near the beach must provide a minimum of two parking spaces on the premises. If additional parking is needed beyond the city’s standard requirements, tandem spaces (one behind the other) are allowed as long as they’re in a garage and meet the space needed for cars to turn.
Permit Requirements for Garage Door Repairs in Huntington Beach
There are no permit requirements for replacing or repairing garage doors in Huntington Beach. However, any remodeling or construction work that may impact the garage structure may require a permit. Additionally, replacing or installing a new garage door in HOA communities will require HOA approval if any design changes are planned. Consult a licensed garage door repair company for guidance on permits.
Construction Work Regulations
Construction work on public property in Huntington Beach must adhere to the city’s regulations and be carried out by a contractor licensed by the State of California. For any repair, construction, or remodeling work needing a permit in residential areas, a licensed contractor is required in order to get approval from the city.
The guidelines and codes relating to garage construction and overhead garage doors in Huntington Beach serve to ensure proper execution of work, mitigating potential hazards like structural failures and associated risks. Through the permitting and review procedures, the city regulates development in a unified and secure manner, guaranteeing adherence to specified standards and averting adverse effects on the surrounding environment and community.
