(A) Applicability. One accessory dwelling is permitted as a subordinate to an existing or planned single-family dwelling unit (primary residence), provided that the provisions below are met.
(B) Accessory uses. Accessory dwellings may be used for home occupations in compliance with § 154-15.08.
(C) Accessory dwellings. Accessory dwellings are subject to the following standards:
(1) Use. Permitted on certain residentially zoned properties which currently have or will have a single-family residence. Only one unit will be permitted for each property; the accessory dwelling may be attached to or detached from the primary residence.
(2) Lot size. Accessory dwellings are permitted on lots that meet the minimum lot size requirement for the zoning district they are located.
(3) Lot coverage. Accessory dwellings are permitted to increase the lot coverage of the applicable zoning district by 5%.
(4) Setback.
(a) Accessory dwellings shall be located behind the midpoint of the primary residence, in addition to complying with the side and rear yard setbacks of the applicable zoning district.
(b) If the accessory dwelling is being accessed from an alley, the rear yard setback may be reduced to five feet.
(5) Unit size.
(a) Each accessory dwelling shall have a minimum size of 100 square feet.
(b) The maximum permitted size of an accessory dwelling shall not exceed 50% of the total square footage of the entire structure of the primary residence to include all covered area.
(6) Height. The maximum allowable building height shall be no higher than the single-family dwelling unit on site. The maximum height of an accessory dwelling unit cannot exceed the height restrictions of the applicable zoning district. Dwelling units which are located above a detached garage (carriage house or garage apartment) shall not exceed a total building height of 25 feet. See illustration at the end of this section.
(7) Parking. Required off-street parking for the principal dwelling unit must be maintained or established.
(8) Owner occupancy. It is required that the property owner reside on the property, whether it be in the principal or accessory dwelling unit. Owner occupancy is intended to help protect the stability and character of a neighborhood. A deed restriction shall be recorded against the property requiring owner occupancy of one of the units on the site.
The property owner shall sign and the City shall record a deed restriction for the accessory dwelling pursuant to the City of Yuma Code.
(9) Design. Accessory dwellings will be required to incorporate the same or similar exterior colors, architectural detailing, and exterior materials, including window style, as the principal residence. The design of all accessory dwellings or carriage houses shall be reviewed by staff upon the submittal of an application. Any accessory dwelling located in a historic district will require approval from the Design and Historic Review Commission. An appeal, heard and decided by the Planning and Zoning Commission, is required when a proposed accessory dwelling unit does not meet these design requirements.
(10) Pre-existing units. An accessory dwelling that existed prior to the adoption of this ordinance, may be legally established and continue to be utilized as a dwelling unit if the following conditions are met:
(a) The property owner must file an application for the accessory dwelling. The Zoning Administrator may waive certain requirements, if said requirements are unfeasible to achieve in bringing a pre-existing unit into compliance.
(b) Prior to the establishment of a conforming pre-existing dwelling unit, the property owner shall allow inspection of the unit by the City of Yuma in order to ensure the minimum requirements relating to fire, life safety, and public health are met.
(c) A pre-existing unit shall remain non-conforming until an application has been applied for and approved legalizing the existing accessory dwelling.
(d) The property owner shall obtain a deed restriction for the accessory dwelling pursuant to the City of Yuma Code.
(D) Accessory dwelling examples.
Accessory Dwelling (Alley Access)
Accessory Dwelling (Garage Apartment w/ Alley Access)
Accessory Dwelling (Modern Suburban Subdivision)
(Ord. O2017-013, passed 5-3-2017; Ord. O2023-035, passed 11-15-2023)