Chapter 17.42 — ACCESSORY STRUCTURES

This chapter establishes development standards for detached accessory structures. The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by maintaining safe distances between structures, establishing architectural compatibility between primary structures and certain types of accessory structures, and minimizing potential impacts associated with lot coverage, privacy, and maintenance of light and air space. (Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)

The requirements contained in this chapter shall apply to accessory structures on private property and shall be in addition to any other development standards contained elsewhere within the zoning code. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this chapter and any other provisions of this title, the stricter regulation shall control. This chapter regulates detached accessory structures that are larger than 120 square feet in size and/or taller than six feet in height. For the purposes of this title, accessory dwelling units are not considered accessory structures; accessory dwelling units are governed by the requirements of chapter 17.100 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units) and are exempt from the requirements of this chapter. Accessory structures shall not contain indoor cooking facilities (combination of a sink, cooking apparatus, and refrigeration appliance) and should not be designed for full time living or rental purposes. Guesthouses and pool houses that conform to the requirements of this chapter are permitted. (Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)

• A. Permit requirements. Except as otherwise exempt in section 17.42.030(C) (Exemption structures), accessory structures located in single-family and multi-family zones require plan check as described in section 17.16.030 (Plan check/zoning clearance). When located in multi-family, mixed-use, and nonresidential zones, non-exempt accessory structures require minor design review as described in section 17.16.130 (Minor design review).

• B. Streetscape setbacks. Along arterial roadways and boulevards a 35 and 45 foot setback is required, respectively. These setbacks shall apply to all structures that require a building permit except as noted below.

• C. Exempt structures. The following accessory structures are exempt from planning entitlements provided they comply with listed requirements. Exempt accessory structures may require building permits in keeping with the California Building Code adopted by the city and placed in accordance with Table 17.42.040-1 (Development Standards for Accessory Structures).

  1. All accessory structures that are less than 120 square feet in size with no portion of the structure equal to or greater than six feet in height.

  2. Water features. A detached structure typically used for decorative or landscape design purposes such as a fountain, water wall, bird bath and similar features that are less than 120 square feet in size with no portion of the feature equal to or greater than six feet in height.

  3. Play equipment. Structures and surfaces used for recreational purposes including play structures, tree houses, jungle gyms, and non-illuminated sports courts such as tennis and basketball courts.

  4. Deck/patio. A detached porch or platform that is generally constructed with wood, concrete or stone that is above the grade or located over a basement or story below.

  5. Pool/spa. Any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing. Swimming pool includes in-ground and above-ground structures and includes, but is not limited to, hot tubs, spas, portable spas, and non-portable wading pools.

  6. Pool accessories. Any structure for entertainment or relaxation value, including, but not limited to, diving boards, slides, and grottos.

  7. Outdoor entertaining features. Structures used for entertainment and outdoor cooking such as built-in barbecues and fire pits.

  8. Temporary, portable shade structures. Shelters used for the storage of vehicles, recreational vehicles, trailers, boats, self-propelled equipment and bulky items designed to be portable and/or collapsible constructed of canvas, vinyl, aluminum, wood, or similar materials.

• (Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022; Ord. No. 1015 § 3, 2023)

• A. The development standards listed in Table 17.42.040-1 (Development Standards for Accessory Structures) are intended to supplement the requirements in the applicable zone for types of accessory structures as defined in article IX (Glossary) of this title. Figure 17.42.040-1 shows minimum setback measurements for a typical detached accessory structure. In the event of a conflict between these requirements and the underlying zone regulations, the requirements of this section shall apply. The following requirements shall apply to all accessory structures, both exempt and nonexempt under section 17.42.030 (Permit requirements and exemptions).

• B. Setback measurement. Minimum setback distances for accessory structures from property lines and between all structures shall include all portions of the structure(s). See Figure 17.42.040-1 (Setback Measurements for Accessory Structures).

• C. Construction phasing. Accessory structures may be constructed in conjunction with or subsequent to (but not in advance of) construction of the primary building(s) on the site.

• D. Building coverage. Accessory structures shall not occupy more than 30 percent of the rear yard setback area. Solid roof accessory structures are further subject to the lot coverage requirements of the zone in which it is located.

• E. Guesthouses. Guesthouses shall no contain more than two bedrooms and have a maximum size of 640 square feet.

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FIGURE 17.42.040-1 SETBACK MEASUREMENTS FOR
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ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
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(click here to view the full table)

Table Notes:

• (1) No minimum setback required. Accessory buildings may be attached to and have a common wall with the main building or, when located as required by this chapter, may be connected to the main building by a breezeway.

• (2) Accessory buildings not exceeding six feet in height at the highest point may be built to the side and/or rear property line, provided that the accessory structure meets minimum building code requirements for distance between the accessory structure and the primary building.

• (3) The five-foot side yard setback requirement for solid and open roof structures applies when the structure is located within the rear yard setback area. Otherwise, the same side yard setbacks as the primary structure apply (see Figure 17.42.040-2).

• (4) For reverse corner lots, the street side yard setback shall be the same as the front yard setback for the adjacent key lot.

• (5) Accessory structures with solid roofs that are less than six feet tall and 120 square feet in area can be located in the street side yard.

• (6) Trellis-type and open-roof structures are exempt from lot coverage calculations.

• (7) Measurement from water's edge. Related equipment shall be set back a minimum of five feet from all side and rear property lines.

• (8) Accessory structure shall not exceed the overall lot coverage limitation for the property (see chapter 17.36 ).

• (9) If less than six feet in height, no minimum setback is required. If taller than six feet, not allowed in street side yard area.

• (10) Decks over three feet in height shall be counted toward lot coverage. (11) Structures shall not be located closer to the street than the main residence.

Table Notes:

(12) When located in front of the primary residence outside the front setback, building shall not occupy more than 50% of the lot width.

FIGURE 17.42.040-2 SPECIAL SETBACKS FOR ACCESSORY STRUCTURES IN REAR YARDS

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(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022; Ord. No. 1015 § 3, 2023; Ord. No. 1017 § 6, 2023)