Chapter 18.24 — Accessory Structures

Sections:

• 18.24.010 – Purpose and Applicability

• 18.24.020 – Permit Requirements

• 18.24.030 – Standards for Accessory Structures

• A. Purpose . This chapter establishes standards for the development and use of accessory structures customarily incidental to an allowed primary use. The development standards are intended to ensure that accessory structures do not adversely impact either adjacent parcels or the surrounding neighborhood or uses, and are developed in a manner that protects the integrity of the zone.

• B. Applicability . The provisions of this chapter apply to all accessory structures.

• A. Permits. The construction and/or relocation of detached accessory structures require a building permit to ensure compliance with the Development Code, unless specifically exempted.

• B. Exemptions for Residential Zones . Storage sheds and other similar accessory structures that comply with the following regulations are required to receive a Zoning Clearance.

  1. The footprint of the structure is not more than 120 square feet and is less than 15 feet in total height;

  2. The structure does not occupy more than 25 percent of the rear setback area;

  3. The structure is located at least three feet from all property lines and at least three feet from any adjacent structures;

  4. The structure does not exceed the site coverage limitations for the zone in which it is located;

  5. The structure is constructed of materials that are visually appealing, painted or stained (unless natural wood will weather attractively), and if the structure has a pitched roof, the roof does not produce glare;

  6. The structure is built to the specifications of the California Building Code as well as any other applicable codes in force;

  7. If the structure is proposed on a corner parcel, it shall not encroach upon the exterior side setback; and

  8. The structure is not proposed in any setback other than the rear setback, unless approved by the Director.

East Palo Alto Development Code, Title 18

13

August 2018

Chapter 18.24 --

Accessory Structures

A. Residential Zones, Nonexempt Structures .

1. Structures greater than 120 square feet . A one-story detached accessory structure with a footprint greater than 120 square feet may be constructed after approval of a Zoning Clearance and obtaining building permits, if all of the following requirements are met.

   • a. The structure does not occupy more than 25 percent of the front or rear yard.

   • b. At least 750 square feet of useable rear yard area is maintained.

   • c. The structure has a height no greater than 15 feet.

   • d. The structure is located as follows:

     • a. At least six feet from the rear property line;

     • b. In the rear half of the lot.

     • c. At least three feet from side property lines; and

     • d. At least six feet from any adjacent structures.

   • e. The structure has a projected roof area of less than 1,000 square feet;

   • f. The structure does not exceed the site coverage limitations for the zone in which it is located;

   • g. The structure is constructed of a material that is visually appealing, painted or stained, fully enclosed, and with a hip or other approved roof that does not produce glare, and of a compatible exterior appearance with the principal structure on the premises;

   • h. The applicant has submitted plans to the Building Official and has received a building permit to proceed with construction; and

   • i. If the structure is proposed on a corner parcel, the structure does not encroach upon the exterior side setback.

2. Additional location requirements . Detached accessory structures in residential zones shall conform to all of the following additional location regulations within the parcel:

   • a. Accessory structures shall not be allowed in the front first half of a lot.

   • b. On an interior parcel abutting upon one street, a detached accessory structure shall not be erected or altered so as to encroach upon the front setback of the parcel;

   • c. On an interior parcel abutting upon two or more streets, a detached accessory structure shall not be erected or altered so as to encroach upon the one-fourth of the parcel nearest either street;

East Palo Alto Development Code, Title 18

August 2018 14

Chapter 18.24

Article 3 – Regulations Applicable to All Zones

  - d. On any corner parcel, a detached accessory structure shall not be erected or altered so as to be closer to any street side property line than a distance equal to the width of a side setback required for the parcel; 

  - e. No natural gas-fueled or electrical heating or air conditioning apparatus, pump, plumbing, or other mechanical equipment shall be installed within any accessory structure (with the exception of a single wash basin and/or plumbing required for a washing machine), unless otherwise approved by the Director. 

• B. Nonresidential Zones, Development Standards . All of the following regulations apply to all accessory structures in nonresidential and mixed use zones:

1. Incidental to the primary structure or use . The accessory structure shall serve occupants and/or patrons of the primary structure or use and shall not alter the character of the site or use;

   2. Height . The height is limited to one story no greater than 15 feet in height;

   3. Setbacks . All accessory structures shall meet the setback requirements for the zone in which they are located;

   4. Site coverage . The total square footage of all accessory structures on a parcel, including any exempt structures, counts toward the calculation of total site coverage for the zone in which they are located; and

   5. Architectural consistency . All accessory structures shall be consistent in exterior appearance with the primary structure through the use of similar/matching exterior paint colors, material types, roof materials, and architectural style, as determined by the Director.

• C. Exemptions . Ancillary structured parking serving a building complex. The development standards applicable to ancillary structured parking shall be the same standards applied to the building complex, not the standards set forth in this chapter for accessory structures generally.

East Palo Alto Development Code, Title 18

15 August 2018

Chapter 18.26

Article 3 – Regulations Applicable to All Zones