301.16: ACCESSORY DWELLING — Porterville Municipal Code

The following standards shall apply to detached accessory dwelling units, attached accessory dwelling units, conversion accessory dwelling units, and junior accessory dwelling units.

A. Development Standards

Foundation. A permanent foundation shall be required for all accessory dwelling units.
Passageway. No passageway shall be required in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit.
Access. Every accessory dwelling unit shall have direct exterior access independent of the exterior access of the primary

dwelling.

Design. Accessory dwelling units shall be compatible with the architectural style of the primary dwelling. No bare metal, unpainted

or unfinished structures are allowed. To determine architectural compatibility, the accessory dwelling unit structure must possess at least three of the following traits in common with the primary dwelling on-site:

a. Wall covering materials.

b. Wall color.

c. Roofing material.

d. Roofing pitch.

e. Structural eaves.

f. Mass and scale of structure relative to structural height.

g. Window characteristics (window shape, operational style, grids, sills, trim).

Manufactured Homes. A manufactured home may be used as an accessory dwelling unit provided it meets the standards for new

detached accessory dwelling units in this Section.

Fire Sprinklers. Fire sprinklers shall not be required in an accessory dwelling unit if sprinklers are not required for the primary

dwelling(s). The construction of an accessory dwelling unit shall not trigger a requirement for fire sprinklers to be installed in an existing single-family or multifamily dwelling.

Utility Connection. All accessory dwelling units shall be connected to public utilities or their equivalent, including water, electric,

and sewer services, a. No separate connection between the accessory dwelling unit and the utility shall be required for units created within a single-family dwelling, unless the accessory dwelling unit is being constructed in connection with a new single-family dwelling.

Garage conversion. When a garage or other accessory structure providing off-street parking is converted to an accessory

dwelling unit, the City shall not mandate removal of the existing driveway and related approach.

B. Occupancy and Conveyance Requirements

Long-Term Rentals Only. Rental of the accessory dwelling unit created pursuant to this section shall be for a term longer than

thirty (30) days.

Sale and Conveyance. An accessory dwelling unit may be sold or conveyed separately from the primary residence to a qualified

buyer if all the requirements of Government Code section 66431 are met.

C. Detached Accessory Dwelling Units

Location. Detached accessory dwelling units must be accompanied by a proposed or existing single-family or multifamily dwelling. An existing dwelling on-site may be classified as the detached accessory dwelling unit upon construction and occupation of a proposed dwelling on-site. Detached accessory dwelling units may be located in an existing accessory structure.
1. Maximum Number of Detached Accessory Dwelling Units
a. When accompanied by a proposed or existing single-family dwelling, the maximum number of detached accessory dwelling units shall be one. The detached accessory dwelling unit may be in addition to an existing or proposed attached accessory dwelling unit and an existing or proposed junior accessory dwelling unit.

b. When accompanied by a proposed multi-family dwelling, the maximum number of detached accessory dwelling units shall be two (2) per lot.

c. When accompanied by an existing multi-family dwelling, the maximum number of detached accessory dwelling units shall be eight (8) per lot.

d. In no case shall the total number of primary dwelling and accessory dwelling units exceed four on any given lot zoned for single-family residential uses.
1. Floor Area
a. The minimum floor area shall be 150 square feet, or the equivalent of an efficiency unit, whichever is greater.

b. When accompanied by an existing or proposed single-family dwelling, the maximum floor area shall be no more than 1,200 square feet.

c. When an existing accessory structure is converted to a detached accessory dwelling unit, the maximum square feet may exceed 1,200 square feet to an amount equal to the square footage of the existing accessory structure to be converted.
1. Minimum Setbacks. The minimum side, street side, and rear yard setback shall be four (4) feet, except when converting or replacing an existing accessory structure that is less than four (4) feet from the side, street side, or rear yard. Detached accessory dwelling units are not required to be detached from each other but must be detached from the multifamily dwelling.
2. Maximum Height. The maximum height of detached accessory dwelling units shall be as follows:
a. For one-story detached accessory dwelling units, the maximum height shall be sixteen (16) feet. Where the detached accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half (1/2) mile walking distance of a major transit stop or a high-quality transit corridor, as defined in Section 21155 of the California Public Resources Code, or with an existing or proposed multifamily dwelling of more than one- story, the maximum height shall be eighteen (18) feet.

b. For two-story detached accessory dwelling units, the maximum height shall be twenty-five (25) feet.

c. Height Exceptions.

(1) An additional two (2) feet in height shall be allowed to accommodate a roof pitch on an accessory dwelling unit that is aligned

with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit.

(2) When an existing accessory structure is converted to a detached accessory dwelling unit, the maximum height may exceed the limits of Section 9.195.050, subsection (E)(1) to an amount equal to the height of the existing accessory structure to be converted.

Parking. One (1) parking space shall be required for use by the detached accessory dwelling unit in addition to the minimum

parking required for the primary single-family or multifamily dwelling(s). The surface of the parking space shall be improved and may be

covered or uncovered. No parking shall be required in any of the following circumstances:

a. The detached accessory dwelling unit is located within one- half (1/2) mile walking distance of public transit.

b. The detached accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.

c. The detached accessory dwelling unit is converting an existing accessory structure.

d. On-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the detached accessory dwelling unit.

e. There is a car share vehicle located within one block of the detached accessory dwelling unit.

Occupancy. If permitted after January 1, 2025, owner-occupancy shall be required in the primary dwelling or the newly created

detached accessory dwelling unit. Owner-occupancy shall not be required if the owner is another governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization.

Development Standards. Detached accessory dwelling units shall comply with all applicable base zone district development

standards, including lot coverage, floor area ratio, open space, front setbacks, and minimum lot size, unless application of any one or more of these standards precludes construction of at least an 800 square foot detached accessory dwelling unit.

D. Attached Accessory Dwelling Units

Location. Attached accessory dwelling units must be accompanied by a proposed or existing single-family or multifamily dwelling.
Maximum Number of Detached Accessory Dwelling Units

a. When accompanied by a proposed or existing single-family dwelling, the maximum number of attached accessory dwelling

units shall be one (1). The attached accessory dwelling unit may be in addition to an existing or proposed detached accessory dwelling unit and an existing or proposed junior accessory dwelling unit.

b. In no case shall the total number of primary dwelling and accessory dwelling units exceed four (4) on any given lot zoned for

single-family residential uses.

Floor Area.

a. The minimum floor area shall be 150 square feet, or the equivalent of an efficiency unit, whichever is greater.

b. The maximum floor area shall be fifty percent (50%) of the primary dwelling unit floor area, or 1,200 square feet, whichever is

greater.

Minimum Setbacks. The minimum side, street side, and rear yard setback shall be four (4) feet, except when converting or

replacing an existing accessory structure that is less than four (4) feet from the side, street side, or rear yard.

Maximum Height. The maximum height of attached accessory dwelling units shall be two stories and twenty-five (25) feet or the maximum height specified by the base zone district, whichever is lower.
1. Parking. No parking shall be required for the attached accessory dwelling unit.
2. Occupancy. If permitted after January 1, 2025, owner-occupancy shall be required in either the remaining portion of the primary dwelling or the newly created attached accessory dwelling unit. Owner-occupancy shall not be required if the owner is another governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization.
3. Development Standards. Attached accessory dwelling units shall comply with all applicable base zone district development standards, including lot coverage, floor area ratio, open space, front setbacks, and minimum lot size, unless application of any one or more of these standards precludes construction of at least an 800 square foot attached accessory dwelling unit.

E. Conversion Accessory Dwelling Units

Location. Conversion accessory dwelling units are permitted within the portions of existing multifamily dwelling structures that are

not used as livable space, including, but not limited to, storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, if each unit complies with state building standards for dwellings.

Maximum Number of Conversion Accessory Dwelling Units. The maximum number of conversion accessory dwelling units

allowed shall be no more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the number of existing or proposed multifamily units. However, in no case shall less than one conversion accessory dwelling unit be allowed.

Floor Area.

a. The minimum floor area shall be 150 square feet, or the equivalent of an efficiency unit, whichever is greater.

b. The maximum floor area shall be fifty percent (50%) of the primary dwelling unit floor area, or 1,200 square feet, whichever is

greater.

Minimum Setbacks. The minimum side, street side, and rear yard setback shall be four (4) feet, except when converting or

replacing an existing accessory structure that is less than four (4) feet from the side, street side, or rear yard.

Parking. No additional parking shall be required.

F. Junior Accessory Dwelling Units.

Location. Junior accessory dwelling units must be accompanied by a proposed or existing single-family dwelling on a lot zoned for

single-family use. A junior accessory dwelling unit must be located within the walls of the primary single-family dwelling, including but not limited to, an attached garage.

Maximum Number of Junior Accessory Dwelling Units

a. When accompanied by a proposed or existing single-family dwelling, the maximum number of junior accessory dwelling units

shall be one. The junior accessory dwelling unit may be in addition to an existing or proposed detached accessory dwelling unit and an existing or proposed attached accessory dwelling unit.

b. In no case shall the total number of primary dwelling and accessory dwelling units exceed four on any given lot zoned for single-family residential uses.

Floor Area

a. The minimum floor area shall be 150 square feet, or the equivalent of an efficiency unit, whichever is greater.

b. The maximum floor area shall be 500 square feet.

Parking. No parking shall be required for the junior accessory dwelling unit.
Exterior Access. Access shall be provided to the junior accessory dwelling unit independent from the primary dwelling.
Sanitation Facilities. Sanitation facilities may be separate or shared with the primary dwelling. If shared with the primary dwelling,

the junior accessory dwelling unit shall provide an interior entry to the living area of the primary dwelling, separate from the exterior access required to the junior accessory dwelling unit.

Kitchen Features. An efficiency kitchen shall be provided, including the following minimum features:

a. A cooktop, refrigerator, and compact sink. A removable hot plate may be considered a cooktop for purposes of this requirement.

Appliances shall require no more than a 120-volt electrical connection.

b. Food preparation counter space of a minimum twenty-four (24) inches in width and a minimum of one (1) food storage cabinet

of a minimum twenty-four (24) inches in width.

Occupancy. Owner-occupancy shall be required in either the remaining portion of the primary dwelling or the newly created junior

accessory dwelling unit. Owner-occupancy shall not be required if the owner is another governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization.

Deed Restriction. A deed restriction shall be recorded on the property which shall run with the land, and a copy of which shall be

provided to the planning department. The deed restriction shall include both of the following:

a. A prohibition on the sale of the junior accessory dwelling unit separate from the sale of the single-family dwelling, including a

statement that the deed restriction may be enforced against future purchasers.

b. A restriction on the size and attributes of the junior accessory dwelling unit that conforms with this section.

(Ord. 1909, 1-21-2025)