Knowledge Base

For new builds, yes,  a a two-vehicle garage is required. For established homes, yes and no. As long as the home has not been vacant for more than 12 months, most older homes in Painesville fall under 'non-conforming use.' This means the home was built before zoning laws were in place and is therefore grandfathered in. You are not required to build a garage when buying or selling a home if it classified under non-confirming. This is why you see many one-vehicle garages/sheds in the City. For established homes who have been vacant for more than 12 months, yes, the home has lost its grandfather status which means the owner is now required to follow all current zoning laws. 

Per City Code 1125.03 (a)(2),

• Each single family dwelling unit is required to have a minimum of two (2) enclosed parking spaces with such space not less than 12 feet by 22 feet in area and having a parking pad that consists of an approved impervious material
• Vehicles cannot be parked on lawns or other unpaved areas or where they extend over any portion of a lot line or public sidewalk
• Driveways can be widened or extended to accommodate a parking pad, however, one edge must be tapered to meet the driveway width at the public right-of-way or alley and at its widest point, the parking pad shall not exceed 12 feet in width
• Driveways should be a minimum width of 8 feet and a maximum width of 20 feet at the intersection with the public right-of-way or alley.

Garage Policy

• A garage or enclosed parking space must be built if the property is classified as non-conforming;
  • The space should be no less than 12 feet wide x 22 feet deep;
  • If the lot will not accommodate a garage or enclosed parking space, a variance may be request through the Board of Zoning Appeals;
• Engineered/architectural building plans must be submitted to the Painesville Community Development Department for issuance of a zoning permit;
• The exterior materials must be similar in nature and color to those of the main dwelling structure and approved by the Community Development Department
• The detached garage or enclosed parking space must have an overhead door or similar along with a man door. An attached garage or enclosed parking space must have an overhead door and access to the main dwelling unit;
• The floors must be an impervious surface such as concrete.