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Municipalities require multiple sets of plans so they can handout a copy to every department and inspector. They usually require a digital copy (more $$$) also to keep on file.
Garage apartments need not be limited to the upper floor.
You could after inspection, choose to use the lower floor not as a garage but as actual living space.
Just keep the doors shut...
As it has been said many times before.
There is more than one way to skin a cat...
One just need to think outside the box.
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