By Barry Stone
Dear Barry,
I'm planning to convert my garage to a small guest unit, with a bathroom and kitchenette. Does this require a building permit? - Judy
Dear Judy,
Conversion of a garage to additional living space definitely requires a permit. According to the building code, a permit is required if you "construct, enlarge, alter, repair ... or change the occupancy of a building... ." In the case of your garage, you are planning to "alter" and to "change the occupancy." Additionally, permits are required if you "install ... any electrical ... or plumbing system ... ." The construction of a bathroom and kitchen would therefore also necessitate a permit.
An additional consideration that will require building department approval is whether conversion of an existing garage to a living unit complies with the zoning requirements and restrictions in your neighborhood. In some areas, garage conversions are summarily disallowed. Some homeowners, after spending thousands of dollars on such conversions, have been forced to reconvert their garages. Although the permit process is not fun, conforming to local requirements can avert significant financial loss.
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