(A) General. No accessory structure may be permitted on any parcel without a principal structure. Accessory structures may not be located within any public easement areas. No accessory structures may be located in the required front yard (the area between the principal structure and the public right-of-way). Corner lots have front yard areas abutting both public rights-of-way.
(B) Site plan review and permit requirements.
(1) An administrative site plan review is required for the construction, erection, or placement of all detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet in area. Any party intending to construct, erect, or place such a structure on any property must present a sketch plan of the property, including location of the principal structure and proposed location of the accessory structure, to the City Clerk. The City Clerk or designee shall promptly verify whether the proposed accessory structure meets the requirements of this chapter, or whether additional review or permitting is required. No site plan may be approved and no structure may be constructed unless in conformity with the requirements of this chapter.
(2) A building permit application and approval is required for all detached accessory structures exceeding 200 square feet in area. A sketch plan, including the location of the principal structure and proposed location of the accessory structure, shall be attached to the application. The Building Official shall review and approve the permit application before construction and shall inspect the construction according to established procedures.
(C) Size limitations.
(1) Detached accessory structures shall not exceed an aggregate total of 200 square feet; except, when no attached or detached accessory structure exists on the property, or when only a single car attached or detached accessory structure exists on property within the Downtown Overlay District, the aggregate total of detached accessory structures shall not exceed 1,000 square feet. No detached accessory structure shall exceed 20 feet in height or contain more than one story.
(2) If an attached accessory structure is being removed or converted to living space in order to construct a new accessory structure, a building permit is required. Any conversion of an accessory structure to living space shall include the removal of overhead doors, the replacement of siding to match the principal structure, interior improvements that are compatible with the principal structure, and the realignment of the existing driveway when necessary and appropriate to serve a new accessory structure and when such realignment is necessary aesthetically to be compatible with the conversion of accessory space to living space.
(D) Setback requirements No accessory structure may be located in the required front yard in any zoning district. Accessory structures with permanent foundations must meet the setback requirements of the principal structure. Accessory structures built directly on the ground or without any permanent foundation shall meet the following minimum setback requirements:
Residential Districts | Side yard: 5 feet |
Rear yard: 10 feet | |
Non-residential Districts | Side/Rear yard: 1/2 the principal structure setback |
(E) Design considerations. All detached accessory structures in excess of 150 square feet shall be compatible with the principal structure in appearance, architectural style and building materials. A determination shall be made during the site plan review process whether a new or realigned driveway to the accessory structure is necessary and appropriate.
(Ord. 150, passed 2-22-2000; Ord. passed 3- -2007; Ord. 150-V, passed 7-18-2016)