X posted in Metroplex

Considering putting up a garage in Dallas. If I did this I'd want to do a second story with an office above it. I have been googling everything I can think of and can't seem to find out if it's allowed.

1. Main house is one story. Not sure if I could put a two story structure in the back yard.

2. I've seen some mention of limits to the size of secondary buildings being 750 sf. Not clear if that's the footprint or total square footage.

Anybody who happens to know anything about this?

Heck your deed restrictions,
Check your survey for arial easements
Also (this applies to Houston I know of) but if it's real close to your neighbors property line the exterior wall has a higher fire rating, also possible you'll need an easement on your neighbors property if it's within 3 feet.

All this to say, a good experienced architect that is up to date with all the permitted rules for your city and county can save you a lot of headaches .

Also free advice, if you are in a liberal city, higher a permit runner to push you docs through quicker and with everything you need.

Blew my mind that people's job is to get paid to help cut through and deal with all the read tape on some of this ****

Thanks for the advice

Agree with Architect in charge b/c every property has its baggage.
The most common restrictions are fire related, which also is a foundation for most CODES and Deed Restrictions ... e.g. min. 15ft fire separation between buildings ... that said, some cities allow unoccupied or storage/garage/carports a bit closer to their established Building Lines (no build zones, except for landscape, pools, driveways).

• IRC state adopted building code
• City/government regulations, some may modify the above codes
• Deed Restrictions an ACC enforces in a subdivison they developed or HOA

TIP:

Usually a 1st floor office costs less than an above Garage one if there's enough land, after deducting that Building Line zone. The archtiect or home builder can explain why.