Sec. 26-70. - Purpose and applicability. — West Covina Zoning Code

(a)

The following development standards shall apply to all detached accessory structures, not including accessory dwelling units governed by the requirements of article IV, division 2. The purpose of this division is to protect the public health, safety and welfare by maintaining safe distances between structures, establish 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.

(b)

The development standards contained in this division shall apply to accessory structures on private property and shall be in addition to other applicable development standards contained in the Development Code. In the event of a conflict between the provisions set forth in this division and any other provisions of this Development Code, the stricter regulation shall control. This division regulates detached accessory structures that are larger than one hundred twenty (120) square feet in size and/or taller than seven (7) feet in height. 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, pool houses, accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units that conform to the requirements of this chapter are permitted.

(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24)

Sec. 26-71. - Permit requirements and exemptions.

(a)

Certain accessory structures located in single-family zones referenced within this section (division 2 accessory structures) and within section 26-46 as requiring an administrative permit, and all accessory

structures located in multi-family, mixed-use, commercial and industrial zones shall require an administrative permit, pursuant to the procedures and findings outlined in article VI, division 6.

(b)

The following structures located in the single-family and multi-family zones are exempt from planning entitlements provided they comply with the requirements listed below and standards set forth in section 2672. Exempt accessory structures may require building permits to maintain conformance with the California Building Code adopted by the City.

(1)

Accessory structures that are less than one hundred twenty (120) square feet in size and no portion of the structure is seven (7) feet or greater in height, provided that no more than two (2) of such structures are located within the same lot or site.

(2)

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 one hundred twenty (120) square feet in size and no portion of the feature is six (6) feet in height or greater.

(3)

Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units pursuant to article IV, division 2 (accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units).

(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24; Ord. No. 2525, § 19, 3-18-25)

Sec. 26-72. - Development standards.

(a)

The development standards listed in table 3-1 are intended to supplement the requirements in the applicable zone for types of accessory structures. In the event of a conflict between these requirements and the requirements of the underlying zone, the requirements of this section shall apply. The following requirements shall apply to all accessory structures, both exempt and non-exempt under section 26-71.

(b)

Minimum setback distances for accessory structures from property lines and between all structures shall include all portions of the structure(s).

(c)

Accessory structures may be constructed in conjunction with or subsequent to the construction of the primary structure(s) on the site.

Table 3-1 Development Standards for Accessory Structures

Type of Accessory Structure	Minimum Setback Requirements	Minimum Setback Requirements			Maximum Height
	Front	Rear	Side	Street Side
Pools and spas	Not Permitted*	5 feet	5 feet	Not permitted	n/a
Pool/spa equipment	Not Permitted*	5 feet	5 feet	Not permitted	5ft
Detached accessory structures with open or solid roofng.	Not Permitted	4 feet	4 feet	Not permitted	16 ft
Temporary, portable shade structures	Not Permitted	4 feet	4 feet	Not permitted	10 ft.
Decks/elevated structures greater than 30 inches in height and/or greater than 30 square feet in area	Not Permitted	1.5 times standard building setback of the underlying zone	1.5 times standard building setback of the underlying zone	1.5 times standard building setback of the underlying zone	8 ft
Attached patios, chimneys and freplaces, and similar structures	Same as required for primary structure
* May be permitted through an administrative permit process per section 26-68 (R-A/R-1 zones only)

(d)

Accessory buildings in R-A and R-1 zones.

(1)

Accessory buildings, or the sum of accessory buildings, except accessory dwelling units, shall be a maximum of one thousand (1,000) square feet. Accessory buildings which causes the total square footage of accessory buildings to exceed greater than one thousand (1,000) square feet (except accessory dwelling units) may be granted subject to the approval of an administrative permit pursuant to the procedures and findings outlined in article VI, division 6. Required garages are exempt from the administrative permit requirements. Individual accessory buildings with an area greater than the primary dwelling unit shall not be

allowed. The area for individual accessory buildings shall be limited to seventy (70) percent of the floor area of the primary dwelling unit.

(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24; Ord. No. 2525, § 20, 3-18-25)