Garage - Construction & Demolition

This informational guideline has been developed to identify the minimal submittal requirements for a permit application to build a new detached garage or demolish an existing garage. The information provided contains, and is not all-inclusive to, the City of Wheaton’s adopted Building Codes, Ordinances, and inspections required for this type of project. Please review this information and call the phone numbers provided should you have any questions.

Required Submittals

The following documents, forms, and/or permits must be submitted prior to the plan review. These forms are available on the Building and Code Enforcement website and can be accessed throughout this document by following the appropriate link.

1. Building Permit Application
   When filling out a Building Application for Permit, include all required information that is pertinent to the proposed scope of work such as site address, description of work, contractors to be used on the job and their respective costs per trade, the total cost of work to be performed, complete applicant contact information, etc.
2. Grading Plan Requirements Type I
   Please submit two (2) copies. Please call our Development Engineer at 630-260-2040 should you need further information. Please refer to the document titled Grading Plan Requirements Type I for specific requirements.
3. Curb/Driveway Permit Application
   If the existing drive approach will be either removed or altered, please complete the Curb, Driveway, and Public Walk Application for Permit.
4. Utility Easement (Approval to Build Within) submittal requirements - where applicable.

Architectural Plan Requirements

Provide two (2) copies of Architectural Plans that indicate the following information:

Plan View Detail:

• All walls, windows, doors, stairs, stoops, and any other pertinent structural items; Framing member sizes, spacing, species, span, and direction. Include all other pertinent data (such as specified point-load bearing members, etc.) that will be necessary to complete a comprehensive plan review;
• Location of the electrical service panel and the size of service; All electrical receptacles, lighting, switches, smoke alarms, and all other electrical appliances;
• Light and Vent calculations for all of the rooms within and affected by the proposed scope of work;
• Design loads utilized in the design of the home.

Cross Section Detail:

• Footing dimensions and depth below grade;
• Foundation wall materials, thickness, reinforcing, dampproofing, and drain tile (if applicable); Basement floor materials, thickness, vapor barrier, and stone base;
• Floor joist size, species & grade, spacing, floor sheathing specifications, sill plate size, anchor bolt size, and spacing;
• Wall heights (both exterior frame and foundation walls);
• Size and spacing of the wall studs; top and bottom plate specifications; Fireblocking materials and technique;
• R-value and the location of the required insulation; Exterior and interior wall finishes and materials;
• Rafter and collar tie sizes, species & grade, and spacing;
• Ceiling joist size, species & grade, and spacing;
• Roof sheathing, ice & water shield, and roofing material specifications.

Stair Detail:

• Riser height (maximum 7-3/4”) and tread depth (10” minimum measured from the nosing of the treads);
• Minimum stairway height (minimum 6’-8” measured vertically from the nosing of the treads);
• Guardrail details (minimum 36” in height, spindles spaced so that a 4” sphere cannot pass through);
• Stair handrail details (must be 34”-38” above the nosing of the treads, extend the entire length of the stair run, and must comply with the graspability requirements).

Elevations Detail:

• All of the elevations for the proposed detached garage;
• Overall height of the proposed detached garage from grade, as well as foundation depths below grade;
• All material indications, lighting fixtures, roof ventilation, etc.

Current Codes

During construction, it is important that all workers abide by the Codes and Ordinances of the City of Wheaton, especially those that are identified in the Demolition and Construction Regulations Guideline.

See Current Codes information that identifies codes that may be applicable to your construction project.

Significant Codes - IEPA

Under the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule, contractors who renovate or partially demolish pre-1978 residential buildings must be lead-safe certified by EPA and use lead-safe practices. This rule does not apply to the total demolition of a structure. However, the IEPA recommends the use of lead-safe practices during total demolition activities. At a minimum, surfaces should be wetted when possible to control the spread of leaded dust into the air. Lead-safe work practices minimize lead-based paint dust and debris generated during demolition activities. These practices include: containing dust inside the work area, using dust-minimizing work methods, conducting a careful cleanup during the demolition.

Significant Codes - Zoning

For complete information on zoning requirements for detached garages, see the Wheaton Zoning Ordinance, Articles 3.4A.8 & 24.3. The Zoning Ordinance can be viewed on the City’s website or purchased at City Hall. If you have additional questions, call the Planning Department at (630) 260-2080.