Earlier editions: 2026-09
Development Code›Article 3 — REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL ZONES
Duarte Municipal Code Ch. 19.34 Accessory Structures
Duarte Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Duarte
Cite as: Duarte Municipal Code Chapter 19.34 · Text as of 2026-10-04
19.34.010 - Purpose and applicability.¶
This Chapter establishes standards for the development and use of all accessory structures that are necessarily or customarily incidental to an allowed primary use. The development standards are intended to ensure that accessory structures located in any zone do not adversely impact either adjacent parcels or the surrounding neighborhood, and are developed in a manner which protects the integrity of the zone.
Any permitted accessory structure that does not require a Building Permit must meet the requirements of this Code for use, placement on the parcel, height, and size.
19.34.020 - Permit requirements.¶
The construction and/or relocation of an accessory structure shall require a Building Permit to ensure compliance with the regulations described in this Chapter and may require Site Plan and Design Review pursuant to Chapter 19.122 (Site Plan and Design Review).
_____
19.34.030 - Development standards.¶
A. Height. The maximum allowed height of an accessory structure shall be limited as follows:
TABLE 3-2.1 ACCESSORY BUILDING HEIGHTS
| Zone Category/ |
Maximum Height of Accessory Structure |
|---|---|
| R1 Residential Zones | |
| R-1D | 12 ft |
| All Other R1 Zones | |
| Detached Garage | 18 ft |
| All other accessory structures | 15 ft |
| All Other Residential Zones | 15 ft |
| Commercial, Industrial, Hospital, and Special Purpose Zones | 20 ft; Additional height may be approved in conjunction with Site Plan and Design Review, a Minor Use Permit, a Conditional Use Permit, or other discretionary permit |
| Specific Plans and Planned Development Permits | As defined through the approved Specific Plan or Planned Development Permit |
B. Setbacks. The minimum required yard setbacks for an accessory structure shall be limited as follows in Table 3.2.2 (Accessory Building Setbacks) and as provided in Figure 3-6 (Accessory Structure Development Standards):
TABLE 3-2.2 ACCESSORY BUILDING SETBACKS
| Zone Category/ Building Type | Front Yard | Side Yard - Interior Lot | Side Yard - Corner Lot | Rear Yard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1D Zone | Not allowed | 8 feet | 10 feet | 8 feet |
| All Other Residential Zones | ||||
| Less than 500 sf and located at least 75 feet from front property line | Not allowed | 3 feet | 10 feet | 3 feet |
| 500 sf or larger and/ |
Not allowed | Same as primary structure | Same as primary structure | Same as primary structure |
| All Residential Zones | ||||
| Detached garage that takes direct vehicular access from front yard | ||||
| Less than 500 sf and located at least 75 feet from front property line | 20 feet minimum | 3 feet | 10 feet | 3 feet |
| 500 sf or larger and/ |
20 feet minimum | Same as primary structure | Same as primary structure | Same as primary structure |
| Detached garage that takes access from an alley | N/A | 3 feet | 10 feet | 20 feet as measured from centerline of alley |
| Carports and Trash Enclosures | Not allowed | As determined by Building Official | As determined by Building Official | As determined by Building Official |
| Nonresidential Zones | ||||
| Abutting a residential zoned property | Not allowed | Same as primary structure | Same as primary structure | Same as primary structure |
| Abutting a nonresidential zoned property | Not allowed | As determined by Building Official | As determined by Building Official | As determined by Building Official |
| Specific Plans and Planned Development Permits | As defined through the approved Specific Plan or Planned Development Permit | As defined through the approved Specific Plan or Planned Development Permit | As defined through the approved Specific Plan or Planned Development Permit | As defined through the approved Specific Plan or Planned Development Permit |
C. Contribution toward lot coverage. The total square footage of all accessory structures on a lot shall contribute toward the calculation of total lot coverage for each specific zone.
Figure 3-6. Accessory Structure Development Standards [Figure: Figure 3-6. Accessory Structure Development Standards]
_____
D. Projections. Projection of accessory structures into required setback areas shall be allowed pursuant to the provisions of Section 19.32.020 (Permitted Projections into Required Setback Areas).
E. Architectural consistency. All accessory structures on a permanent foundation shall be consistent in exterior appearance with the primary structure through the use of similar/matching exterior paint colors, material types, and architectural styles.
19.34.040 - Canopy structures.¶
A. Type permitted and allowed locations—Residential zones. The following canopies and canopy structures, as defined in Article 9 (Definitions), are allowed in al residential zones.
Permanent canopy structures. Canopies and canopy structures shall be permitted only within rear yard areas. Such structures shall have a projected canopy area of no greater than 200 square feet, a height no greater than eight feet, and a length on any one side of no greater than 20 feet. Such canopies and canopy structures shall be screened from view from a public right-of-way and adjacent properties by fencing or shrubs at least six feet in height.
Shade umbrellas. Shade umbrellas with a maximum diameter of 10 feet are allowed in all yard areas.
Decorative canopies. Decorative canopies and awnings constructed as a component or feature of an overall architectural design are allowed as architectural projections, subject to the provisions of Section 19.32.020 (Permitted Projections into Required Setback Areas).
Temporary tents and canopies. Temporary tents and canopies, of any size, may be erected in any location on a parcel or lot for a period of up to two consecutive days. Such tent and/or canopy may not be re-erected until a minimum 90-day period has elapsed. Any longer period of time shall required issuance of a Temporary Use Permit pursuant to Chapter 19.124 (Temporary Use Permits).
B. Type permitted and allowed locations—All other zones. The following canopies and canopy structures, as defined in Article 9 (Definitions), are allowed in all nonresidential zones. Print content and logos on canopy or tent structures that may be construed (as determined by the Director) as a sign or advertising shall not be permitted except as otherwise permitted through an approved sign or temporary/special use permit.
Permanent canopy structures. Canopies and canopy structures shall be permitted only within side and rear yard areas, except no permanent canopy shall be located within the street side yard on a corner lot. Such structures shall have a projected canopy area of no greater than 400 square feet, a height no greater than 12 feet, and a length on any one side of no greater than 20 feet.
Shade umbrellas. Shade umbrellas with a maximum diameter of 10 feet are allowed in all yard areas.
Decorative canopies. Decorative canopies and awnings constructed as a component or feature of an overall architectural design are allowed as architectural projections, subject to the provisions of Section 19.32.020 (Permitted Projections into Required Setback Areas).
Temporary tents and canopies. Temporary tents and canopies, of any size, may be erected in any location on a parcel or lot for a period of up to three consecutive days. Such tent and/or canopy may not be re-erected until a minimum 90-day period has elapsed. Any longer period of time shall required issuance of a Temporary Use Permit pursuant to Chapter 19.124 (Temporary Use Permits).
19.34.050 - Solid waste and recyclable materials storage areas.¶
Design and construction of solid waste storage areas shall be subject to the approval of the Director and shall be:
Enclosed on three sides by a solid screening wall or fence with a minimum height of five feet, designed to be architecturally compatible with the surrounding structures.
Provided with an approved operable door or gate on the fourth side, properly secured to prevent access by unauthorized persons and minimize scavenging, while allowing authorized persons access for disposal and collection of materials.
Provided with a covering or roof for security (to prevent scavenging and/or dumping). The roof should provide adequate clearance to allow complete access to the waste bins, but should not exceed eight feet in height. Open areas between the solid wall and the roof should also be secured.
Provided with a concrete pad within the fenced or walled areas and a concrete apron that facilitates the handling of the individual bins or containers.
Designed to accommodate individual bins or containers that protect contents from adverse environmental conditions that might render recyclable materials unmarketable.
Explained in plain English
Duarte guides that cite this page.
Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.
Ask AI about this code