A new single-car detached garage beside a 1950s brick ranch home in Independence

Outdoor structures in Independence, MO

Detached garages and sheds for Independence's older lots.

Detached garages, storage sheds, backyard offices, and shops built on site in Independence, where a large share of homes predate 1970 and the original garage is often the first thing to go.

DistanceAbout 12 miles from our Lee's Summit shopRoughly 20 minutes up Highway 291.CountyJackson County

Independence has more pre-1970 housing than almost any city in the metro, and that shows up in our work orders: single-car garages that no longer fit a vehicle, block foundations that have shifted, and lots with mature trees and older utility runs. A new detached garage or a purpose-built shed is often the most practical upgrade an Independence homeowner can make.

The city requires a permit for any detached garage or carport over 120 square feet, and we submit it. Around the Square and in Fairmount and the Truman Historic District, we also pay attention to how a new building reads next to a 1920s bungalow.

Permits

Permits in Independence

The Independence Building Inspections Division handles accessory structures. What the city publishes:

We prepare the drawings, file the application, and schedule the inspections. You sign, we do the rest.

Permit requiredAny detached garage or carport building greater than 120 square feet.
ADUsAccessory dwelling units are only allowed inside the West Central Independence Overlay District, detached only, between 300 and 1,000 square feet. Not available citywide.
Historic areasNear the Square and in the historic districts, exterior design may draw extra review. We design to fit.

Source: City of Independence, Building Inspections Division. Verified September 2026. Rules change; we confirm current requirements for your address before the quote is final.

Where we build in Independence

Independence neighborhoods we work in include:

  • Fairmount
  • Heart of Independence
  • Truman Historic District
  • Around the Independence Square
  • East Independence toward Blue Springs
  • South Independence toward Raytown

Questions from Independence homeowners

Do I need a permit for a shed or garage in Independence?

The city requires a permit for any detached garage or carport over 120 square feet, and we treat sheds the same way. We prepare the drawings and file the permit with the Building Inspections Division.

Can I build an ADU in Independence?

Only if your property is inside the West Central Independence Overlay District, where detached ADUs between 300 and 1,000 square feet are allowed. ADUs are not permitted citywide as of September 2026. Send us your address and we will check before anyone spends money on plans.

Can you replace my old single-car garage?

Yes. That is the most common Independence project we do. We remove the old structure, pour a proper footing, and build a garage sized for today's vehicles and storage, matched to the house.

How far is Independence from your shop?

About 12 miles, or 20 minutes, from Lee's Summit. Configure a model for a ballpark price and request a site visit from the cart.

Ready to build something that lasts?

Tell us what you want to build. We will review your property, walk through the options, and put together a clear quote. No obligation.