Chapter 84.01 — ACCESSORY STRUCTURES AND USES

This Chapter establishes the regulations and criteria that determine the location of compatible accessory structures and uses within various land use zoning districts. The purpose of this Chapter is also intended to provide for the creation of accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units in accordance with applicable state law. If for any reason any provision in this Chapter is declared invalid, then all other provisions shall remain valid and enforceable.

This Chapter establishes the regulations and criteria that determine the location of compatible accessory structures and uses within various land use zoning districts. The purpose of this Chapter is also intended to provide for the creation of accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units in accordance with applicable state law. If for any reason any provision in this Chapter is declared invalid, then all other provisions shall remain valid and enforceable.

(Ord. 4383, passed - -2020; Am. Ord. 4504, passed - -2026)

(a) Land Use Zoning District Regulations Applicable. Unless otherwise provided, accessory structures and uses shall be subject to the same regulations as the primary structure or use, including projections into setbacks specified in § 83.02.080 (Allowed Projections).

(b) Legally Established Primary Use. An accessory structure or use shall always exist in conjunction with, and never without, a legally established primary structure or primary use that has the same common owner. Where the primary use is a residence, it shall not be enclosed within an accessory structure. Where the primary use has not yet been established, an accessory structure may only be built subject to the issuance of a Temporary Use Permit in compliance with Chapter 84.25 (Temporary Structures and Uses).

(c) Use of Accessory Structure . The use of an accessory structure may be for either a primary or an accessory use allowed by the applicable land use zoning district.

(d) Determination of Accessory Uses. In addition to the accessory uses specifically provided for by this Chapter or elsewhere within this Development Code, each land use shall be deemed to include other accessory uses that are necessarily and customarily associated with and are clearly incidental and subordinate to the primary land use. Whenever the accessory uses are questioned, the Director shall be responsible for determining if a proposed accessory use meets the criteria in this Chapter. Before making a determination, the Director shall give notice to contiguous property owners in compliance with § 85.02.030 (Staff Review with Notice).

(e) Maximum Site Coverage . Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, the combination of accessory and primary structures on a parcel shall not exceed the maximum site coverage allowed by the applicable land use zoning district regulations in Division 2 (Land Use Zoning Districts and Allowed Land Uses).

(f) Location on Same or Contiguous Parcel. Accessory structures or uses, which may or may not entail the use of a structure, shall be located on either:

(1) The same parcel as the primary structure or use; or

(2) A contiguous parcel that is owned by the same owner who owns the parcel that has the primary structure or use, with the exception of:

(A) Guest housing and accessory dwelling units in compliance with § 84.01.050(a), below.

(B) Those properties that touch property lines of a subject parcel when the lines are projected across public or private rights of way, easements, roads, streets, or railroad rights of way.

(C) Utilities shall not be constructed across the property line(s) of two or more contiguous parcels. If the placement of proposed utilities would otherwise cross the property line of two or more contiguous parcels held by the same owner, the property owner shall apply for and receive an approved voluntary lot merger before issuance of a building permit.

(a) Land Use Zoning District Regulations Applicable. Unless otherwise provided, accessory structures and uses shall be subject to the same regulations as the primary structure or use, including projections into setbacks specified in § 83.02.080 (Allowed Projections).

(b) Legally Established Primary Use. An accessory structure or use shall always exist in conjunction with, and never without, a legally established primary structure or primary use that has the same common owner. Where the primary use is a residence, it shall not be enclosed within an accessory structure. Where the primary use has not yet been established, an accessory structure may only be built subject to the issuance of a Temporary Use Permit in compliance with Chapter 84.25 (Temporary Structures and Uses).

(c) Use of Accessory Structure. The use of an accessory structure may be for either a primary or an accessory use allowed by the applicable land use zoning district.

(d) Determination of Accessory Uses. In addition to the accessory uses specifically provided for by this Chapter or elsewhere within this Development Code, each land use shall be deemed to include other accessory uses that are necessarily and customarily associated with and are clearly incidental and subordinate to the primary land use. Whenever the accessory uses are questioned, the Director shall be responsible for determining if a proposed accessory use meets the criteria in this Chapter. Before making a determination, the Director shall give notice to contiguous property owners in compliance with § 85.02.030 (Staff Review with Notice).

(e) Maximum Site Coverage. Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, the combination of accessory and primary structures on a parcel shall not exceed the maximum site coverage allowed by the applicable land use zoning district regulations in Division 2 (Land Use Zoning Districts and Allowed Land Uses).

(f) Location on Same or Contiguous Parcel. Accessory structures or uses, which may or may not entail the use of a structure, shall be located on either:

(1) The same parcel as the primary structure or use; or

(2) A contiguous parcel that is owned by the same owner who owns the parcel that has the primary structure or use, with the exception of:

(A) Guest housing and accessory dwelling units in compliance with § 84.01.050(a), below.

(B) Those properties that touch property lines of a subject parcel when the lines are projected across public or private rights of way, easements, roads, streets, or railroad rights of way.

(C) Utilities shall not be constructed across the property line(s) of two or more contiguous parcels. If the placement of proposed utilities would otherwise cross the property line of two or more contiguous parcels held by the same owner, the property owner shall apply for and receive an approved voluntary lot merger before issuance of a building permit.

(Ord. 4383, passed - -2020; Am. Ord. 4393, passed - -2020; Am. Ord. 4504, passed - -2026)

This Section provides standards for accessory structures and uses that are related to a primary agricultural use.

(a) Animal Keeping. Animal keeping activities are governed by Chapter 84.04 (Animal Keeping) of this Code.

(b) Row Field Tree and Nursery Crop and Animal Product Sales Stand. The retail trade of plant or animal products primarily grown on the subject property shall be allowed when displayed from one stand with a floor area no larger

than 200 square feet on parcels greater than 10,000 square feet in area. Standards for produce stands are provided in Chapter 84.03 (Agritourism Enterprises) of this Code.

(c) Caretaker Housing. The caretaker dwelling unit shall be subject to accessory dwelling unit development standards in § 84.01.060(e).

(d) Seasonal Labor Quarters. Labor quarters for agricultural operations that are limited to three months of the year that encompass the harvest season of the agricultural product may utilize recreational vehicles as temporary labor quarters. A Site Plan Permit shall still be required to ensure proper services are supplied to the temporary laborers. Also, a Special Use Permit shall be required to monitor the use.

This Section provides standards for accessory structures and uses that are related to a primary agricultural use.

(a) Animal Keeping. Animal keeping activities are governed by Chapter 84.04 (Animal Keeping) of this Code.

(b) Row Field Tree and Nursery Crop and Animal Product Sales Stand. The retail trade of plant or animal products primarily grown on the subject property shall be allowed when displayed from one stand with a floor area no larger than 200 square feet on parcels greater than 10,000 square feet in area. Standards for produce stands are provided in Chapter 84.03 (Agritourism Enterprises) of this Code.

(c) Caretaker Housing. The caretaker dwelling unit shall be subject to accessory dwelling unit development standards in Chapter 84.36 (Accessory Dwelling Units).

(d) Seasonal Labor Quarters. Labor quarters for agricultural operations that are limited to three months of the year that encompass the harvest season of the agricultural product may utilize recreational vehicles as temporary labor quarters. A Site Plan Permit shall still be required to ensure proper services are supplied to the temporary laborers. Also, a Special Use Permit shall be required to monitor the use.

(Ord. 4383, passed - -2020; Am. Ord. 4504, passed - -2026)

This Section provides standards for accessory structures and uses that are related to primary commercial and industrial uses.

(a) Exterior Storage . Exterior storage shall comply with Title 3 (Health and Sanitation and Animal Regulations) of the County Code. Screening of exterior storage shall comply with § 83.02.060 (Screening and Buffering).

(b) Caretaker Housing . The caretaker dwelling unit shall be subject to accessory dwelling unit development standards in § 84.01.060(e).

(c) Seasonal Labor Quarters. Labor quarters for commercial or industrial operations that are limited to three months of the year may utilize recreational vehicles as temporary labor quarters. A Site Plan Permit shall still be required to ensure proper services are supplied to the temporary laborers. Also, a Special Use Permit shall be required to monitor the use. Failure to obtain both the Site Plan Permit and the Special Use Permit required under this subsection shall render the placement, use and/or occupancy of recreational vehicles or similar vehicles unlawful and subject to enforcement under Chapter 86.09 of this Code.

This Section provides standards for accessory structures and uses that are related to primary commercial and industrial uses.

(a) Exterior Storage. Exterior storage shall comply with Title 3 (Health and Sanitation and Animal Regulations) of the County Code. Screening of exterior storage shall comply with § 83.02.060 (Screening and Buffering).

(b) Caretaker Housing. The caretaker dwelling unit shall be subject to accessory dwelling unit development standards in Chapter 84.36 (Accessory Dwelling Units).

(c) Seasonal Labor Quarters. Labor quarters for commercial or industrial operations that are limited to three months of the year may utilize recreational vehicles as temporary labor quarters. A Site Plan Permit shall still be required to ensure proper services are supplied to the temporary laborers. Also, a Special Use Permit shall be required

to monitor the use. Failure to obtain both the Site Plan Permit and the Special Use Permit required under this subsection shall render the placement, use and/or occupancy of recreational vehicles or similar vehicles unlawful and subject to enforcement under Chapter 86.09 of this Code.

(Ord. 4383, passed - -2020; Am. Ord. 4504, passed - -2026)

This Section provides standards for Accessory Structures and Uses that are related to residential single-family and multi-family dwelling units (e.g., play yards, pools, storage sheds, etc.) or that are residential in nature (e.g., guest housing, accessory dwelling units, etc.).

(a) Number of Accessory Residential Units. In addition to a single-family or multi-family dwelling unit, unless indicated otherwise, a combination of two of the following additional accessory units may be allowed on parcels less than five acres in size and a combination of three of the following may be allowed on parcels five acres or greater in size:

(1) Accessory Dwelling Unit. An accessory dwelling unit regulated by Chapter 84.36 (Accessory Dwelling Units).

(2) Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit. A junior accessory dwelling unit regulated by Chapter 84.36 (Accessory Dwelling Units).

(3) Guest House. Guest housing shall be located on the same parcel as the primary dwelling unit and shall be separated from it by at least ten feet. Guest housing shall be for use by temporary guests of the occupants of the primary dwelling unit and shall not be rented or otherwise used as a separate dwelling; the guest house may be used as a short-term rental when in compliance with Chapter 84.28 (Short-Term Residential Rentals). Only one guest house shall be allowed provided the accessory structure does not exceed the maximum number of accessory units allowed on the parcel. In the Single Residential (RS) or the Multiple Residential (RM) land use zoning districts on parcels less than two and one-half acres in size, the guest housing unit shall not extend in front of the primary structure. The provisions of § 84.21.030(i) shall apply to a manufactured home used as guest housing.

(b) Parking. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, parking for guest housing shall comply with Chapter 83.11 (Parking and Loading Standards).

(c) Carport and/or Garage. Detached carports or garages shall be limited to 1,200 square feet when located on parcels that are less than 20,000 square feet in size.

(d) Other Residential Accessory Structures and Uses. See § 83.02.080 (Allowed Projections into Setbacks).

(1) Except in the Mountain Region, structures and uses such as cabanas, tennis courts, ramadas, water towers and wells, swimming pools, or storage buildings shall not extend in front of the primary structure where the primary structure faces a street right-of-way.

(2) Accessory dwelling units may be located in front of the primary structure when in compliance with setback standards.

(3) Ground mounted solar may be located in front of the primary structure when in compliance with setback standards, screened and not prominently visible from the street.

(e) Detached Storage Structures. Parcels that are one acre or less in size shall be limited to only one detached storage structure that exceeds 120 square feet and the storage structure shall not exceed 1,000 square feet. Except in the Mountain Region, detached storage structures shall not extend in front of the primary structure where the primary structure faces a right-of-way.

(f) Freight Containers and Similar Storage-Type Structures.

(1) Freight containers, railroad cars, intermodal containers, and other similar storage-type structures shall be allowed as accessory structures in the RS (Single Residential) or RM (Multiple Residential) land use zoning districts

provided that they are compatible with the appearance of the on-site primary structure and the surrounding neighborhood and setting. A Compatibility Determination application shall be approved by the Planning Division of the Land Use Services Department to allow such a structure. Screening such a structure from view from the street or the physical alteration of such a structure, such as painting or otherwise altering the structure, may be considered in the approval of the application. Such railroad car, container or similar storage-type structure shall be placed behind the primary structure and not prominently visible from the street.

(2) Freight containers, railroad cars, intermodal containers, and other similar storage-type structures shall be allowed as accessory structures in the Agriculture (AG) or Rural Living (RL) land use zoning districts provided that they shall be altered, either painted or structurally altered, to appear to be similar to, and compatible with, the appearance of the on-site primary structure and the surrounding neighborhood or to blend in with the surrounding environment. Such railroad car, container or similar storage-type structure shall be allowed provided that the container can be placed behind the primary structure and not prominently visible from the street.

(g) Animal Keeping. Accessory animal keeping shall be conducted as specified in Chapter 84.04 (Animal Keeping). (h) Exterior Storage. Exterior storage shall be fully and solidly screened and kept below the level of the fence or other screening mechanism. Exterior storage shall comply with Title 3 (Health and Sanitation and Animal Regulations) of the County Code. Screening of exterior storage shall comply with § 83.02.060 (Screening and Buffering).

(i) Residential Crop Production. Accessory crop production shall be allowed on parcels of 10,000 square feet or more, with a temporary sales facility for plant or animal products grown on the subject property. The sales facility shall not be larger than 200 square feet in area and shall display produce for sale for no longer than 72 hours in any calendar month. Standards for produce stands are provided in Chapter 84.03 (Agritourism Enterprises). This does not include wholesale or retail nurseries.

(j) Private Office. A private office shall be for the sole use of the dwelling unit occupants within a primary structure and shall have no external advertising or signs.

(k) Compatibility. In the RS (Single Residential) and RM (Multiple Residential) land use zoning districts, the appearance of an accessory structure shall be similar to, and compatible with, the appearance of the primary structure and the surrounding neighborhood and setting.

(l) Storage of Firewood. The storage of firewood shall comply with Chapter 84.09 (Firewood Storage).

(Ord. 4383, passed - -2020; Am. Ord. 4400, passed - -2021; Am. Ord. 4504, passed - -2026)