Chapter 21.60 — ACCESSORY STRUCTURES — La Mirada Zoning Code

21.60.010 Purpose and applicability . ¶

(a) This chapter establishes standards for the construction and maintenance of detached accessory structures to ensure that such structures do not create public safety or nuisance issues, do not create adverse aesthetic effects, and do not adversely affect surrounding properties.

(b) The provisions of this chapter apply to those structures which require a building permit and/or extend two feet or more above a standard six-foot-high privacy fence.

(Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

21.60.020 Permit requirements . ¶

Except for an exempt structure, as defined in Section 21.60.030, an accessory structure shall require zoning clearance approval pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 21.96 to ensure compliance with applicable regulations of this chapter and title.

(Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

21.60.030 Exemptions . ¶

The following accessory structures shall be exempt from the requirements of this chapter but are subject to compliance with all other provisions of this title:

(1) Enclosed and/or solid-roofed structures that contain less than one hundred twenty square feet of enclosed floor area and where no portion of the structure is equal to or greater than eight feet in height. Such structures shall not be located in a required front yard.

(2) Play equipment that covers an area no greater than one hundred twenty square feet and with no portion of the structure equal to or greater than eight feet in height. Play equipment shall not be located in the required front yard. (3) Decks and patios that are less than thirty inches above natural grade, are not over any basement or story below, and are unenclosed except for a safety railing with a maximum height of forty-two inches.

(4) Pools and fish ponds that cover an area no greater than one hundred twenty square feet (including related equipment), contain less than two thousand gallons of water, and are less than three feet in depth.

(5) Mechanical and HVAC equipment (including pool equipment) in residential side and rear yards, provided that a minimum three-foot clearance is maintained for pedestrian access from the rear door(s) of the residence to the street. (Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

21.60.040 Development standards . ¶

(a) Table 21.60.040 sets forth development standards for accessory structures. These standards supplement the standards for the applicable zoning district. If an accessory structure is attached to the main building, such structure shall comply with the development standards for the main building.

(b) To maintain necessary fire clearance, all combustible accessory structures shall be set back a minimum of three feet from side and rear property lines, with a minimum six-foot separation between structures. For the purpose of compliance with minimum structural fire breaks, minimum setback distances for accessory structures from property

lines and between accessory structures shall include all portions of the structure(s) (e.g., overhangs, projections, railings).

Table 21.60.040

lines and between accessory structures shall include all portions of the structure(s) (e.g., overhangs, projections, railings).	lines and between accessory structures shall include all portions of the structure(s) (e.g., overhangs, projections, railings).	lines and between accessory structures shall include all portions of the structure(s) (e.g., overhangs, projections, railings).	lines and between accessory structures shall include all portions of the structure(s) (e.g., overhangs, projections, railings).	lines and between accessory structures shall include all portions of the structure(s) (e.g., overhangs, projections, railings).	lines and between accessory structures shall include all portions of the structure(s) (e.g., overhangs, projections, railings).	lines and between accessory structures shall include all portions of the structure(s) (e.g., overhangs, projections, railings).
Table 21.60.040
	Development Standards for Accessory Structures
Accessory Structure	Minimum Setback Distance From Property Line				Minimum Distance	Maximum Height
	Front1	Street Side1	Interior Side	Rear	Between Structures

	Table 21.60.040 Development Standards for Accessory Structures
Accessory Structure	Minimum Setback Distance From Property Line				Minimum Distance	Maximum Height
	Front1	Street Side1	Interior Side	Rear	Between Structures
Enclosed and/or solid- roofed structure2	3	5 ft.4	5 ft.	5 ft.5	6 ft.	15 ft.
Landscape features	6	3 ft.6	3 ft.	3 ft.	6 ft.	15 ft.
Play equipment	3	3 ft.	3 ft.	3 ft.	6 ft.7	15 ft.
Deck/patio	3 ft.	3 ft.	3 ft.	3 ft.	6 ft.7	N/A
Pool/spa, including any filter, heater, or similar equipment	3	5 ft.	5 ft.	5 ft.	5 ft.8	N/A

Notes:

If a permanent structure is located within a utility easement community development director authorization is required prior to issuance of a building permit.
Accessory structures which are enclosed and solid-roofed shall be included in the calculation of maximum lot

coverage.

The minimum setback distance shall be consistent with the minimum setback distance for the main structure in the applicable zoning district. Structures are not permitted in the required front yard area.
If located within the street-side yard of a corner lot abutting a key lot, the setback distance from the street shall be equal to the minimum front yard setback for the key lot.
Detached garage structures with access from an adjacent alley shall be located a minimum of 25 feet from the opposite side of the alley.
Minor structures that are part of a landscape plan may be located in the required front yard area if otherwise in compliance with the minimum landscape requirements of this title.
The minimum distance between structures is required if one or both structures are combustible.
In accordance with uniform code requirements adopted by the city, pools shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any sliding glass door opening.

(Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

21.60.050 Canopy structures .

(a) Reasons for Regulating Canopy Structures. The use of temporary canopies, carports, and similar, portable and pre-manufactured structures has proliferated throughout the city. Such structures are inherently lightweight and unstable, rendering them capable of causing injury or damage during high winds. These structures are often placed in required setback areas or areas required to be unobstructed. Furthermore, these structures are often allowed to deteriorate and become unsightly, thereby detracting from the overall appearance of residential properties within the city. For these reasons, the city has deemed it appropriate to regulate the placement and use of canopy structures.

(b) Use and Maintenance of Portable Canopy or Tarp. No portable canopy or tarp shall be placed, maintained, installed, or located in or upon any parcel used for residential purposes, in any residential district of the city, except within an "approved area". For purposes of this section, "approved area" means and includes an area that is enclosed by a solid fence or other permanent structure on all sides, that is not less than six feet high, and not located within any required setback or other area of a parcel required to be unobstructed. Each portable canopy or tarp permitted by this section shall be securely anchored to the ground or other structure, in conformance with the building code of the city, so as to prevent movement during high winds.

id fence or other permanent structure on all sides, that is not less than six feet high, and not located within any required setback or other area of a parcel required to be unobstructed. Each portable canopy or tarp permitted by this section shall be securely anchored to the ground or other structure, in conformance with the building code of the city, so as to prevent movement during high winds.

(c) Penalty for Violation of Provisions. Violation of this section constitutes a misdemeanor and is punishable as provided in Chapter 1.08 of this Code. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, partnership or corporation to violate any provision, or to fail to comply with any of the requirements of this section. Any person, firm, partnership, or corporation violating any provision of this section, or failing to comply with any of its requirements, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each such person, firm, partnership or corporation shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or any portion thereof during which any violation of this section is committed, continued, or permitted by such person, firm, partnership or corporation, and shall be deemed punishable as provided in this section. (Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).