(A) It shall be unlawful to install, construct, erect, alter, revise, reconstruct or move any outdoor accessory storage building which exceeds 200 square feet of enclosed area on a residentially zoned lot without first obtaining a building permit.
(B) The application for a building permit for an accessory building or structure shall be made upon a form provided by the city and shall include:
(1) Drawings, plans and specifications in sufficient detail so that the city's Building Inspector may review the same for compliance with all applicable building codes;
(2) Illustration of the method of anchoring the building to the ground which must be approved by the Building Inspector; and
(3) Other information as the city may require to ensure compliance with these regulations.
(C) No accessory building or structure other than a fence or a temporary construction office shall be permitted on any lot in an R district prior to the time of construction of the principal building to which it is accessory, except a residential garage, which prior to construction of the residence can be used only for storage purposes pertaining to and until completion of the main structure.
(D) Setbacks.
(1) All accessory buildings or structures, except those related to a farming operation in an Agricultural district, shall be located in the side or rear yard. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in an R district, an accessory detached garage may be in the front yard in accordance with the applicable front yard setback set forth in this chapter. An accessory building or structure that is 144 square feet or less shall be no closer than five feet to any side or rear lot line. An accessory building or structure that is greater than 144 square feet in area shall be no closer than 10 feet to any rear lot line and in accordance with the side lot line setback for the applicable district as provided elsewhere in this chapter. If the accessory building or structure, regardless of size, is adjacent to a public street right-of-way, then it shall be no closer than 20 feet to a side lot line.
(2) Accessory buildings and structures related to a farming operation and on a farm, may be located anywhere on the lot except that a building for housing more than two animal units shall not be less than 50 feet from a lot line and all buildings shall otherwise conform to yard regulations for the district in which it is located.
(E) Any accessory building or structure not attached to a dwelling unit shall be set back a minimum of six feet from the dwelling unit. If the dwelling unit has an attached garage, the accessory building or structure may be placed directly adjacent to the garage provided it maintains the six-foot setback from the dwelling unit and any other applicable setbacks. A detached accessory building or structure may be placed closer than six feet to a dwelling unit if appropriate fire protection of the exterior wall(s) and roof is provided.
(F) All accessory buildings or structures shall be maintained and kept so as not be an eyesore or a nuisance. Any building which is not so maintained shall be removed by the property owner or upon due notice. The building may be removed by the city at the property owner's expense.
(G) An accessory building or structure shall not exceed 16 feet in height and 750 square feet in area.
(H) A portable or permanent accessory building or structure shall not be located in a public utility easement, except when approved by the city and/or any public utility holding the easement. Where any question arises as to the location or design of the accessory building, the Building Inspector may refer the matter to the City Council for final determination.
(I) All accessory building and structure exterior surfaces shall be constructed and maintained with protective covering or treatment as to protect the surfaces from the weather elements and decay. Exterior wood surfaces shall be protected and maintained with either exterior paint or stain or other protective covering or treatment such as siding. All roofs shall be maintained and properly protected with singles, tin roofing or other products deemed acceptable under the Minnesota State Building Code to provide the building weather-resistant and water tight. For all accessory buildings constructed by conventional methods, the exterior wall surfaces and roof shall have protective covering as is otherwise required for residential homes under the Minnesota State Building Code.
(‘81 Code, § A1-8) (Ord. 291, passed 4-21-83; Am. Ord. 318, passed 5-10-84; Am. Ord. 630, passed 8-21-97; Am. Ord. 1057, passed 3-28-19) Penalty, see § 155.999