Chapter 17.624 — RESIDENTIAL ACCESSORY STRUCTURE AND USE REGULATIONS

The purposes of this chapter are to provide for adequate yard areas, access, and space between buildings and to prevent inadequate driveways that result in cars being parked across sidewalk areas. The provisions of this chapter apply to the uses and structures listed in this section, when incidental to a single-unit, duplex, or multi-unit dwelling located on the same lot.

• A. Attached accessory structures.

1. Garages.

2. Carports.

3. Covered patios or decks.

4. Uncovered decks.

• B. Detached accessory structures.

1. Garages.

2. Carports.

3. Covered patios and covered unenclosed structures.

4. Uncovered decks.

5. Covered decks.

6. Enclosed structures.

• C. Other accessory structures and uses.

1. Uncovered parking pads.

2. Uncovered patios.

3. Swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs (in-ground or above-ground).

4. Trellises.

5. Children's swing set and play structures.

6. Mechanical equipment, such as heat pumps, air conditioners, and mechanical equipment related to swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs. (Ord. 2024-0051 § 26; Ord. 2013-0020 § 1; Ord. 2013-0007 § 1)

As used in this chapter,

"Arbor" means a free-standing structure usually made up of two to four posts connected by lattice work or beams, with a flat or arched roof. Arbors are used to add shade or decor to walkways and paths, or to mark the entry point into a yard or property.

"Attached accessory structure" means an accessory structure that is attached to the main building or use of the land. "Carport" means any covered structure or portion of a building or structure other than an attached or detached garage, used to shelter motor vehicles.

"Deck" means a raised platform, usually made of wood. A deck may have a railing, bench, planter, storage area, or other feature. A deck may be attached or detached to the main building; a deck may be covered or uncovered; and a deck may be enclosed or unenclosed.

"Detached accessory structure" means an accessory structure that is not attached to the main building or use of the land.

"Garage" means any covered, enclosed structure or portion of a building or structure used to shelter motor vehicles.

"Gazebo" means a freestanding roofed structure, usually open on the sides or latticed between the supports. See

"covered unenclosed structure" under section 17.624.050 of this chapter for requirements.

"Parking pad" means a level, surfaced area upon which motor vehicles are stored.

"Pergola" means a free-standing structure usually consisting of four posts with parallel colonnades supporting an open roof of girders and cross rafters. Pergolas are used to add shade or decor and typically placed over a patio. See "covered patio" under section 17.624.050 for requirements.

"Trellis" means a frame of latticework placed vertically on posts and generally used as a support for climbing vines or plants. A trellis may be free-standing or attached to a fence or wall. (Ord. 2024-0051 § 27; Ord. 2013-0020 § 1; Ord. 2013-0007 § 1)

• A. An accessory structure shall not be used as a dwelling or separate living quarters.

• B. A detached accessory structure may contain laundry and sanitary facilities consisting of a water heater, sink,

toilet, or shower, and may also contain necessary heating facilities, but shall not contain a kitchen.

C. A detached accessory structure or use shall be located on the same lot as the primary building, structure, or use to which it relates. (Ord. 2013-0020 § 1; Ord. 2013-0007 § 1)

The chart below identifies the footnote of this section that sets forth the regulations for each type of attached accessory structure. Identify the proposed type of accessory structure in the first column and read across the chart to find the regulations for that type of accessory structure. For example, the minimum setback requirements for an attached garage are set forth in footnote 1 of this section. "N/A" means not applicable.

Footnotes:

1. Height, setbacks, and lot coverage. The height, setback, and lot coverage standards of the zone in which the attached accessory structure is located apply to the structure.

2. Maximum lot coverage of required rear yard for attached garages and carports.

a. Single-unit and duplex dwellings on reversed corner lot. Attached garages and carports may project into the required rear-yard area of a reversed corner lot, provided that the structure does not extend beyond the front setback line of the lots to the rear, nor nearer than five feet to the side of the key lot to the rear.

b. Single-unit and duplex on corner lot. Attached garages and carports may project into the required rear-yard area, provided that the structure does not extend nearer than five feet to the rear lot line and does not project into the required setback from the landside toe of a levee.

c. Multi-unit dwellings. Attached garages and carports may not project into the required rear-yard setback of the zone in which the accessory structure is located.

3. Driveways for single-unit and duplex dwellings. Driveways shall conform to the requirements of chapter 17.508. The driveway is permitted to have a landscape strip down the center. The landscape strip is not permitted in the vehicle parking pad.

4. Minimum dimensions of attached garages and carports.

a. Single-unit and duplex dwellings. The minimum interior dimensions for an attached garage or attached carport are 10 feet wide and 20 feet deep. The width may be reduced to 8 feet if the existing interior side-yard setback between the existing residence and the property line is 8 feet.

b. Multi-unit dwellings. Minimum interior dimensions of an attached garage are 8 feet wide by 18 feet deep. Minimum dimensions of an attached carport are 10 feet wide and 20 feet deep. The width may be reduced to 8 feet if the existing interior side-yard setback between the existing residence and the property line is 8 feet.

5. Maximum lot coverage of required rear-yard for attached covered patios and covered and uncovered decks.

a. Single-unit and duplex dwellings on reversed corner lot. Attached covered patios and covered and uncovered decks may project into the required rear-yard setback area, provided that the structure does not extend beyond the front setback line of the lots to the rear, or nearer than five feet to the side of a key lot to the rear.

b. Single-unit or duplex dwellings on corner lot. Attached covered patios and covered and uncovered decks may project into the required rear-yard area, provided the structure does not extend nearer than five feet to the rear lot line. c. Single-unit or duplex dwellings on interior lot. Attached covered patios and covered and uncovered decks may project a maximum of 33% into the required rear-yard area, provided the structure does not extend nearer than five feet to the rear lot line.

d. Multi-unit dwellings. Attached covered patios and covered and uncovered decks may not project into the required rear-yard setback of the zone in which the accessory structure is located.

e. Setback from levee. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs a through d above, attached covered patios and covered and uncovered decks shall not project into the required setback from the landside toe of a levee.

6. Other standards for attached covered patios and covered decks.

a. Attached covered patios and covered decks may be partially enclosed. The area of the longer wall and one additional wall must be 65% open. The openings may be enclosed with insect screening or removable translucent or transparent material.

b. Attached covered patios and covered decks shall be used only for recreational outdoor living purposes and not as carports, garages, storage rooms, or habitable rooms. They may be attached to a detached accessory structure and act as a breezeway or covered walkway between an accessory structure and the main residential structure. (Ord. 2025-0007 § 34; Ord. 2024-0017 § 63; Ord. 2019-0006 § 15; Ord. 2017-0061 § 84; Ord. 2013-0020 § 1; Ord. 2013-0007 § 1)

The chart below identifies the footnote in this section that sets forth the regulations for each type of detached accessory structure. Identify the proposed type of accessory structure in the first column and read across the chart to find the regulations for that type of accessory structure. For example, the minimum setback requirements for a detached garage are set forth in footnote 1 in this section. "N/A" means not applicable.

Footnotes:

1. Minimum setbacks for detached accessory structure.

• a. A detached accessory structure is not permitted in the required front or street side setback.

• b. When located nearer than 60 feet to the front property line, a detached accessory structure is subject to the same minimum front-yard and side-yard setbacks required for the main building.

c. When located more than 60 feet from the front property line, the detached accessory structure may be located in the rear-yard or interior side-yard setback area, provided that the detached accessory structure shall not project into the required setback from the landside toe of a levee.

2. Maximum lot coverage. Except as provided in footnote 3 below, a detached accessory structure is subject to the maximum lot coverage standards of the zone in which the structure is located.

3. Maximum lot coverage of required rear-yard.

• a. Except as provided in subparagraph b below, no more than 33% of the surface area of the required rear-yard setback may be covered by detached accessory structures.

b. In the R-1 and R-2 zones, not more than 33% or 350 square feet, whichever is greater, of the surface area of the required rear-yard setback may be covered by detached accessory structures.

c. Swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs, including equipment placed at ground level, or on a concrete pad at ground level; detached uncovered patios; and detached uncovered decks less than 30 inches in height, measured from ground to top of deck, are not counted in the lot coverage computation.

4. Minimum distance from main building. The minimum distance between a detached accessory structure and the main building is 4 feet.

5. Maximum height of a detached accessory structure.

• a. The maximum overall height of a detached accessory structure is 18 feet to the highest point on the roof.

Dormers are permitted as a decorative feature or to admit daylight to the structure, if they meet the following criteria:

• i. No part of the dormer shall be located on the same plane as the wall below; and

• ii. The combined width of all dormers on a single roof plane shall not exceed one-fourth of the width of the roof plane where the dormers are located.

• b. The maximum wall height of a detached accessory structure is 10 feet. The wall height is the vertical

dimension measured from the average elevation of the finished lot grade at the front of the building to the plate line, where the roof meets the wall.

c. Any variation or waiver of the criteria in this footnote 5 may be approved through director-level site plan and design review under chapter 17.808.

6. Driveways and maneuvering requirements for single-unit and duplex dwellings. Driveways for single-unit and duplex dwellings shall conform to the requirements of chapter 17.508. The driveway is permitted to have a landscape strip down the center. The landscape strip is not permitted in the vehicle parking pad.

7. Minimum dimensions of detached garages and carports.

• a. Single-unit or duplex dwellings. The minimum interior dimensions of a detached garage or attached carport are

• 10 feet wide and 20 feet deep. The width may be reduced to 8 feet if the existing interior side-yard setback between the existing residence and the property line is 8 feet.

• b. Multi-unit dwellings. The minimum interior dimensions of a detached garage are eight feet wide by 18 feet deep. The minimum dimensions of a detached carport are 10 feet wide and 20 feet deep. The width may be reduced to

• 8 feet if the existing interior side-yard setback between the existing residence and the property line is 8 feet.

8. Minimum distance from the main building for detached covered patios, covered decks, and other covered, unenclosed structures. No minimum distance is required between detached covered patios, covered decks, and other covered, unenclosed structures and the main building.

9. Minimum setbacks for detached uncovered decks.

a. No minimum setbacks are required for detached uncovered decks less than 30 inches in height, measured from the ground to the top of the deck.

• b. The following minimum setbacks are required for detached uncovered decks of 30 or more inches in height, measured from the ground to the top of the deck:

• i. The deck is not permitted in the required front-yard setback;

• ii. When located nearer than 60 feet to the front property line, the deck is subject to the same minimum frontyard and side-yard setbacks required for the main building; and

• iii. When located more than 60 feet from the front property line, the deck shall maintain a minimum five-foot interior side-yard, street side-yard, and rear-yard setback.

10. Maximum lot coverage for detached uncovered decks.

• a. A detached uncovered deck less than 30 inches in height, measured from the ground to the top of the deck, is not subject to the maximum lot coverage standard.

b. A detached uncovered deck of 30 or more inches in height, measured from the ground to the top of the deck, is subject to the maximum lot coverage standard of the zone in which the deck is located.

11. Minimum distance from main building for uncovered decks.

• a. No minimum distance is required between an uncovered deck under 30 inches in height, measured from the ground to the top of the deck, and the main building.

• b. The distance between an uncovered deck of 30 or more inches in height, measured from the ground to the top of the deck, and the main building shall be either 6 inches or less or 4 feet or more.

12. The maximum height for an uncovered deck is five feet.

13. Other standards for detached covered and uncovered decks.

• a. Railings, benches, planters, and the like, with a maximum of 3 feet in height, may be constructed and attached to the deck and are not counted as part of the deck height.

• b. Trellises, walls, and similar structures attached to the deck are counted as part of the deck height.

14. Examples of detached enclosed accessory structures include: storage sheds, workshops, recreation rooms, and non-commercial greenhouses.

(Ord. 2025-0007 § 35; Ord. 2024-0051 § 28; Ord. 2021-0024 § 35; Ord. 2019-0006 § 16; Ord. 2017-0061 § 85; Ord. 2013-0020 § 1; Ord. 2013-0007 § 1)

17.624.060 Other accessory structures.

The following chart identifies the footnote in this section that sets forth the regulations for each type of other accessory structure or use. Identify the proposed type of accessory structure or use in the first column and read across the chart to find the regulations for that type of accessory structure or use. For example, the minimum setback requirements for an uncovered parking pad are set forth in footnote 1 of this section. "N/A" means not applicable.

Footnotes:

1. Maximum paving permitted in required setback areas. See section 17.612.010.

2. Minimum dimensions. Minimum interior dimensions for the parking pad are 10 feet wide by 20 feet deep. This width may be reduced to 8 feet if the existing interior side-yard setback between the existing residence and the property line is 8 feet. Access to the parking pad must be paved. Driveways shall conform to the requirements of chapter 17.508. The driveway is permitted to have a landscape strip down the center. The landscape strip is not permitted in the vehicle parking pad.

3. Maximum paving. See section 17.612.010.

4. The following requirements apply to a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub:

• a. A swimming pool, spa, or hot tub is not permitted in the required front setback.

b. When located nearer than 60 feet from the front property line, a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub is subject to the same minimum front-yard, interior side-yard, and street side-yard setbacks required for the main residential structure.

c. When located more than 60 feet from the front property line, a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub is subject to a 3 foot interior side-yard and rear-yard setback, and a minimum 5 foot street side-yard setback.

d. A swimming pool, spa, or hot tub is not counted in lot coverage computation. If equipment is placed on an accessory structure (such as a deck), the structure must comply with the regulations of this chapter.

e. The minimum distance between a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub; the main residential structure; and any accessory structures must meet building code requirements.

f. If the swimming pool, spa, or hot tub is enclosed, covered, or on a raised deck, the applicable accessory structure requirements apply.

g. Mechanical equipment associated with a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub shall meet the requirements of footnote 7.

h. Setback from levee. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph c above, a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub may not project into the required setback from the landside toe of a levee.

5. Arbors.

• a. An arbor may not exceed 10 feet in height, 6 feet in width, and 24 inches in depth.

• b. An arbor may be placed anywhere on the lot.

• c. A maximum of two arbors are allowed on the property line or over a path leading to the primary building or structure, within the front-yard.

• d. Except as provided in footnote 5.c above, there is no limit to the number of arbors allowed on a parcel.

6. Trellises.

• a. A trellis may not exceed 10 feet in height and 24 inches in width.

• b. If a trellis is used as a fence, or as an integral part of a fence, it must meet the requirements of chapter 17.620, including maximum height.

• c. A trellis may be placed anywhere on the lot.

7. Play structures. Portable or movable play structures that do not require a building permit are exempt from accessory structure regulations. Play structures that require a building permit shall follow the attached or detached accessory structure regulations found in this chapter.

8. Mechanical equipment. Mechanical equipment, including heaters and air conditioners, shall not be located within the required front yard, interior side yard, or street side yard unless the equipment is screened or landscaped and complies with all noise standards and ordinances. Mechanical equipment is not counted in lot coverage computations.

• (Ord. 2024-0051 § 29; Ord. 2019-0006 § 17; Ord. 2013-0020 § 1; Ord. 2013-0007 § 1)