Chapter 17.19 — ACCESSORY USES AND STRUCTURES

The purpose of these provisions is to provide the regulations that apply to accessory uses and structures. These provisions are intended to ensure the compatibility of accessory uses and structures with the primary permitted use.

• A. The standards in this chapter apply to accessory uses within all zones as defined in Part 7 (Definitions).

• B. In the event of any inconsistency between regulations in this chapter and those outside of this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall govern.

• A. Relation. An accessory use or structure shall be clearly incidental and subordinate to a permitted primary use or structure to which it is related.

• B. Timing. An accessory use or structure shall be constructed or otherwise established at the same time as or after the primary use or structure.

• C. Attached Structures. An accessory structure attached to a primary structure shall be considered a part of the primary structure and shall comply with all standards and regulations applicable to the primary structure.

• D. Habitation. Other than approved second dwelling units governed by Chapter 17.37 (Secondary Dwelling Units), and guest houses, as defined in Part 7 (Definitions), accessory structures such as, but not limited to, garages and storage sheds, shall not be used for human habitation.

• E. Safety. For fire safety purposes, accessory structures shall comply with all minimum setbacks between buildings as required by the Building Code.

• F. Compatibility. An accessory structure shall be compatible with and conform to the design standards of the primary structure.

• A. Non-habitable accessory structures shall not exceed 200 square feet.

• B. The aggregate area of all non-habitable accessory structures on a property shall not exceed 10 percent of the lot size or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less.

• C. There shall be a minimum separation of 7 feet between principal and accessory buildings. The minimum distance between two or more accessory buildings shall be 6 feet.

• D. Non-habitable accessory structures shall not be located within a front yard setback and shall be a minimum of 3 feet from the side or rear property line if there are no openings facing the

property line and 5 feet from the side or rear property line if there are openings facing the property line.

• E. The height of accessory structures shall not exceed 15 feet or one story.

• F. Metal storage containers designed to carry freight are prohibited.

• G. Outdoor vending machines are prohibited.

• H. Accessory uses that are not enclosed by an accessory structure such as, but not limited to, outdoor storage shall be enclosed and screened from view with walls or fences that may be up to eight feet in height.

• I. Accessory uses and structures shall not generate additional pedestrian or vehicular traffic, parking needs, or adverse environmental impacts on the respective site or its immediate surroundings.

• A. An accessory structure shall be architecturally compatible with the primary structure. Metal storage containers designed to carry freight are prohibited.

• B. Excluding detached garages/carports, spas and swimming pools, accessory structures shall not exceed 10 percent of the lot size or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less.

• C. With the exception of a decorative entry feature, accessory structures shall not be located in the front yard or within any portion of the yard that projects between the residence and the front property line.

• D. There shall be a minimum separation of 7 feet between principal and accessory buildings. The minimum distance between two or more accessory buildings shall be 6 feet.

• E. Accessory structures shall be located a minimum of 3 feet from the side or rear property line if there are no openings facing the property line and 5 feet from the side or rear property line if there are openings facing the property line.

• F. Swimming pools and spas and associated equipment shall be located a minimum of 5 feet from the side and rear property line, and shall not be permitted in the front yard.

• G. The aggregate area of all accessory structures on a property shall not exceed 10 percent of the lot size or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less.

• H. The height of accessory structures shall not exceed 15 feet, with the exception of play equipment that is located in the side or rear yard.

• I. Accessory structures shall be limited to one story only and shall not have a second floor.

• J. Unenclosed outdoor storage shall be located in an area that is screened from view and shall be limited to a maximum of 100 square feet.

• K. Guest houses shall not have a kitchen. A small wet bar is permitted with a counter surface area less than 10 square feet (including sink), small sink (not to exceed 15 inches by 15 inches), and refrigerator that is less than 5 cubic feet in volume.

Where residential and nonresidential uses are situated in the same building or in nearby buildings on the same site, accessory structures shall adhere to the requirements applicable to their associated use pursuant to Sections 17.19.040 (Accessory Uses and Structures in Non-Residential Zones) and 17.19.050 (Accessory Uses and Structures in Residential Zones) above.

• A. Accessory structures shall complement the scale, setback, roof form, design, and materials of the primary building and surrounding secondary structures.

• B. Accessory structures, particularly garages, should face onto and be accessible only from alleys. Where no alleys exist, accessory structures should be located to the rear of the property behind the primary structure, with access through the side yard.

• C. Materials used for accessory structures should reflect the utilitarian function of the building and the materials used on surrounding structures.

• D. Ramps or other accessibility-related installations of an accessory structure should be unobstructive and located on the rear or side of the accessory structure.