When I got serious about the new studio/garage I checked out permits and such with City Hall.  I was informed I could not build the new structure directly on my property line along the alley where the old garage stood.  The overhang of the roof could reach the edge of the alley but not the wall of the new structure.  I was trying to squeeze out more square footage, not less, so I knew I would have to push the footprint into the yard.  That meant the dogwood trees could not stay where they were.