Chapter 19.40 — ACCESSORY STRUCTURES

Note: Prior code history: Prior zoning code § 19.40.042; Ords. 2623-99, 2643-00, 2649-00 and 2731-03.

The purpose of this chapter is to regulate and establish standards for accessory structures within R-0, R-1, R-1.5, R-1.7/PD, R-2 residential zoning districts, and DSP Blocks 8 through 12 and Block 17. Accessory structures in other zon-ing districts are subject to development and permitting requirements for those zoning districts. (Ord. 2907-09 § 7)

• (a) Measurement of Area. The area (square footage) of an accessory structure is determined by measuring the floor area exclusive of eaves, overhangs or other projections.

• (b) Calculation of Height. The height of an accessory structure shall be determined by measuring the vertical distance from the average finished grade within five feet of the accessory structure, or within five feet of the main building, whichever is less, to the highest point of the accessory building.

• (c) Appearance. All accessory structures greater than one hundred twenty square feet shall be compatible in exterior appearance with the principal structure on the premises. Permanent accessory structures are not permitted to be constructed of temporary materials such as tarps, plastic, or aluminum poles. The director of community development is authorized to require modifications to the exterior of such an accessory structure as necessary to achieve a compatible appearance.

• (d) Total Lot Coverage and Required Rear Yard Coverage. Detached habitable spaces, detached required parking, and utility buildings are counted toward permitted lot coverage and rear yard coverage (as required in Sections 19.32.020 and 19.48.050). These structures shall not cause lot coverage or rear yard coverage to be exceeded unless otherwise approved by a use permit.

• (e) Maximum Height. No accessory structure may exceed fifteen feet in height unless otherwise approved with a use permit.

• (f) Maximum Allowable Square Footage. Any single accessory structure or the total area of all accessory structures on a property shall not exceed four hundred fifty square feet unless otherwise approved by a use permit. In no event shall the total area of all accessory structures exceed eight hundred square feet. Legal accessory units as regulated in Chapter 19.68 shall be exempt from the maximum allowable square footage for accessory structures.

• (Ord. 2907-09 § 7; Ord. 3105-16 § 7; Ord. 3154-20 § 5)

Accessory structures greater than four hundred fifty square feet are subject to approval of a use

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City of Sunnyvale, CA § 19.40.030

ZONING

§ 19.40.040

permit. Permit requirements for accessory structures four hundred fifty square feet or less are described in Table 19.40.030.

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Table 19.40.030
Permit Requirements for Accessory Structures Less Than Four Hundred Fifty Square Feet
Location
All Other Areas Including Side
Structure Type Front or Reducible Front Yard1 and Rear Yards
Open Garden Feature
8 ft. or less in height No planning permit required No planning permit required
Greater than 8 ft. in height up to MPP with notice MPP with notice
15 ft.
Open Outdoor Equipment, Utility
Buildings and Detached Habitable
Spaces
8 ft. or less in height Prohibited No planning permit required
Greater than 8 ft. in height up to Prohibited MPP with notice
15 ft.
Detached Required Parking
Up to 15 ft. in height MPP with notice MPP with notice
Greater than 15 ft. in height Use permit Use permit
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Notes:

1 Includes any areas where the structure is visible between any face of the building and the street.

(Ord. 2907-09 § 7)

Accessory structures greater than four hundred fifty square feet must meet zoning district setbacks. Minimum setback requirements for accessory structures four hundred fifty square feet or less are described in Table 19.40.040.

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Table 19.40.040
Minimum Setback Requirements for Accessory Structures Less Than Four Hundred Fifty Square Feet
Required Setback
Front Yard and
Structure Type Reducible Front Yard Side Rear Yard
Open Garden Feature
Up to 8 ft. in height and up to 120 sq. 0 ft. 0 ft. 0 ft.
ft.
Up to 8 ft. in height and more than 120 20 ft. Zoning setback 10 ft.
sq. ft.
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Table 19.40.040
Minimum Setback Requirements for Accessory Structures Less Than Four Hundred Fifty Square Feet
Required Setback
Front Yard and
Structure Type Reducible Front Yard Side Rear Yard
Open Garden Feature
Up to 8 ft. in height and up to 120 sq. 0 ft. 0 ft. 0 ft.
ft.
Up to 8 ft. in height and more than 120 20 ft. Zoning setback 10 ft.
sq. ft.
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City of Sunnyvale, CA

SUNNYVALE CODE

§ 19.40.040

§ 19.40.040

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Table 19.40.040
Minimum Setback Requirements for Accessory Structures Less Than Four Hundred Fifty Square Feet
Required Setback
Front Yard and
Structure Type Reducible Front Yard Side Rear Yard
Greater than 8 ft. in height up to 15 ft. 20 ft. Zoning setback 10 ft.
Open Outdoor Equipment, Utility
Buildings and Detached Habitable Spaces
Up to 8 ft. in height and up to 120 sq. N/A 0 ft. 0 ft.
ft.
Up to 8 ft. in height and more than 120 N/A Zoning setback 10 ft.
sq. ft.
Greater than 8 ft. in height up to 15 ft. N/A Zoning setback 10 ft.
Detached Required Parking Garages
Up to 15 ft. in height 20 ft. Zoning setback 10 ft.
Greater than 15 ft. in height 20 ft. Zoning setback 10 ft.
Temporary Utility Tents up to 15 ft. in 20 ft. Zoning setback 10 ft.
height.
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(Ord. 2907-09 § 7)

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City of Sunnyvale, CA