(A) Applicability. Accessory buildings or structures and uses shall be incidental to the principal residential use. They must be detached from the principal building, occupy less floor area, cover less lot area, and have a use that is secondary to the primary structure(s) and use(s) on the property. Accessory buildings or structures include storage sheds, workshops, outdoor barbeques, outdoor fireplaces, background composting site subject to the performance standards noted in § 154-15.18(A) and any other structures as determined by the Zoning Administrator. Buildings, structures, and uses may all function as "accessory," subject to the provisions below.
(B) Accessory uses. Accessory buildings or structures may be used for home occupations in compliance with § 154-15.08.
(C) Accessory buildings or structures.
(1) Accessory buildings or structures that exceed 200 square feet in area or eight feet in height are permitted in residential districts, subject to the following standards:
(a) Use. Accessory buildings or structures shall not be used as a dwelling, except where permitted by Zoning District. Plumbing is permitted in accessory buildings for a washing machine only.
(b) Setback.
1. Accessory buildings or structures shall be located behind the midpoint of the principal building. The leading edge of such buildings, including overhangs, shall be setback at least three feet from side and rear property lines. An additional one foot setback is required for every additional foot in height above eight feet. This provision is applicable within certain identified zoning districts regardless of setback illustrations on plats if the setbacks illustrated on the plat are the same as the standard setbacks for that zoning district. If the setbacks illustrated on the plat are larger than the standard setbacks for that zoning district, then the platted setbacks take precedence.
2. Accessory buildings in the Agriculture (AG) district shall comply with the setback standards required in the district.
3. Accessory buildings or structures shall comply with the street setback standards required in the applicable zoning district.
4. On a through lot, accessory buildings or structures shall not be located closer to the rear property line than the distance required for the front yard building setback.
5. Accessory buildings or structures shall comply with all applicable building and fire codes.
(c) Height. The maximum allowable building height shall be 25 feet or the height of the principal building, whichever is less. On lots with elevation changes, accessory structures shall not be permitted on lot areas where the accessory structure will be higher than the principal structure roofline. See Illustration 15-1.
(d) Area. Accessory buildings or structures shall comply with lot coverage regulations for the applicable zoning district.
(e) Compatibility. Accessory buildings or structures shall be designed with a logical hierarchy of masses with regard to height, size, and volume; and use construction materials and colors that are contextually appropriate and compatible with the principal building and surrounding neighborhood. An accessory building or structure shall not exceed 50% of the total square footage of the primary residence.
(2) Accessory buildings or structures that are between 121 square feet and 200 square feet in area, and less than eight feet in height are permitted in residential districts, subject to the following standards:
(a) Use. Accessory buildings or structures shall not be used as a dwelling, except where permitted by Zoning District. Plumbing is permitted for a washing machine only.
(b) Setback.
1. Accessory buildings or structures shall not be located in the required front yard building setback. The leading edge of such buildings, including overhangs, shall be setback at least three feet from side and rear property lines. This provision is applicable within certain identified zoning districts regardless of setback illustrations on plats.
2. Accessory buildings or structures shall comply with the street setback standards required in the applicable zoning district.
3. On a through lot, accessory buildings or structures shall not be located closer to the rear property line than the distance required for the front yard building setback.
(c) Height. The maximum allowable building height shall be less than eight (8) feet or the height of the principal building, whichever is less. On lots with elevation changes, accessory structures shall not be permitted on lot areas where the structure will be higher than the principal structure roofline.
(d) Area. Accessory buildings or structures shall comply with lot coverage regulations for the applicable zoning district.
(3) Accessory buildings or structures that are 120 square feet or less in area and less than eight feet in height are permitted in residential districts, subject to the following standards:
(a) Use. Accessory buildings or structures shall not be used as a dwelling, except where permitted by Zoning District. Plumbing is permitted for a washing machine only.
(b) Setback.
1. Accessory buildings or structures shall not be located in the required front yard building setback. The leading edge of such buildings, including overhangs, can be set along the side and rear property lines. This provision is applicable within certain identified zoning districts regardless of setback illustrations on plats. A four foot separation between the accessory structure and any other structures shall be provided in order to maintain fire and emergency access.
2. Accessory buildings or structures shall comply with the street setback standards required in the applicable zoning district.
3. On a through lot, accessory buildings or structures shall not be located closer to the rear property line than the distance required for the front yard building setback.
(c) Height. The maximum allowable building height shall be less than eight feet or the height of the principal building, whichever is less. On lots with elevation changes, accessory structures shall not be permitted on lot areas where the structure will be higher than the principal structure roofline.
(d) Area. Accessory buildings or structures shall comply with lot coverage regulations for the applicable zoning district.
(D) Appeals. An applicant may appeal a decision of the Zoning Administrator regarding the compatibility requirement to the Hearing Officer in accordance with § 154-03.02(C).
Table 15-1- Basic Guidelines for Accessory Buildings and Structures | |||
Height
| Area
| Accessory Structure Setback | |
More than 8 feet | OR | More than 200 square feet | 3 feet + 1 foot for each foot over 8 feet in height |
8 feet or less | AND | 121 - 200 square feet | 3 feet |
8 feet or less | AND | 0 - 120 square feet | 0 feet |
Structures larger than 200 square feet or 10 feet in wall height require a building permit. Electrical requires separate permits. Additional building requirements may apply. | |||
(Ord. O2014-29, passed 10-1-2014; Ord. O2017-035, passed 9-20-2017; Ord. O2019-001, passed 1-16-2019; Ord. O2020-024, passed 11-4-2020)