This chapter establishes development standards for accessory structures. The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by maintaining safe distances between structures, establishing 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.
(Ord. 2015-002 § 3 (Exh. 1)(part), 2015)
The requirements contained in this chapter shall apply as follows:
A. 
Accessory structures on private property. Additional provisions and development standards contained elsewhere within the zoning code also apply.
B. 
In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this chapter and any other provisions of this title, the stricter regulation shall control.
C. 
This chapter regulates detached accessory structures only. Accessory structures that are attached (carports, garages, patio covers, porches) are considered part of the primary structure, and related provisions apply.
D. 
For the purposes of this chapter, accessory dwelling units are not considered accessory structures and are separately defined and regulated pursuant to Section 17.60.070, Accessory dwelling units, and this chapter.
(Ord. 2015-002 § 3 (Exh. 1)(part), 2015; Ord. 2017-002 § 4, 2017)
Structures larger than one hundred twenty square feet require a building permit. Plan check and zoning clearance is always required. Certain structures may require design review (minor or major), or other permits or entitlements as specified in Division II, Land Use Entitlements and Procedures.
(Ord. 2015-002 § 3 (Exh. 1)(part), 2015)
A. 
Development standards for all accessory structures. Accessory structures containing full indoor cooking facilities (combination of a sink, cooking apparatus, and refrigeration appliance) and a full bath are considered accessory dwelling units and additionally shall follow Section 17.60.070. Pool houses that conform to the requirements of this chapter are permitted.
1. 
Setback. Except as otherwise provided in this section, accessory buildings and structures shall not be located in any required setback space.
2. 
Setback measurement. Minimum setback distances for accessory structures from property lines and between accessory structures shall be measured to the vertical wall plane. For encroachments into setbacks with overhangs, projections, etc., see Chapter 17.46, Figure 17.46-E.
3. 
Location. Accessory structures shall not be located in the front yard of a single-or two-family residential use.
4. 
Construction phasing. Accessory structures may be constructed in conjunction with or after construction of the primary building(s) on the site.
5. 
Primary use. An accessory structure shall only be allowed for a residential use when there is an existing or concurrently proposed primary use of the parcel as a residence.
6. 
Ingress/egress into backyard. A minimum three-foot ingress/egress pathway into a backyard shall be maintained for fire access.
7. 
Parcel coverage. All accessory buildings and structures shall be included in the maximum parcel coverage calculation.
8. 
Maximum residential lot coverage. Maximum aggregate lot coverage by primary and accessory structures is not to exceed forty-five percent of the net lot area.
9. 
Floor area. The total floor area of all accessory buildings shall not exceed fifty percent of the floor area of the main building, except as provided by an approved use permit.
10. 
Maintenance. All on-site accessory structures shall be kept in a serviceable, well-maintained, and presentable manner that makes a positive contribution to the surrounding area.
11. 
Compatibility. Accessory buildings located in established neighborhoods shall be of compatible size, scale, and appearance, so as to be in harmony with the character and quality of the primary building and surrounding development within the zone.
B. 
Development standards by type of accessory structure. Table 17.42-A establishes development standards based on the type of accessory structure as defined in this title. See also Figure 17.42-A.
Table 17.42-A—Development Standards for Residential Accessory Structures
Minimum Setback Distance (from Property Line)1
Minimum Distance between Structures
Maximum Height
Other
Residential Accessory Structure
Front/Street Side
Interior Side
Rear
Closed-Roof Structure (including but not limited to sheds, pool houses, detached garages, accessory dwelling units, gazebos, etc.)
Same as primary structure
3 feet; increase to 5 feet for high-density residential
3 feet rear; 5 feet alley
6 feet
12 feet (one story)2
Located on rear half of lot
Open-Roof Structure
Same as primary structure
3 feet
3 feet
6 feet
12 feet
Located on rear half of lot
Pool/Spa3, 4, 5, 6
Same as primary structure
5 feet8
5 feet8
6 feet
2 feet
Located on rear half of lot
Deck (detached)
No minimum
No minimum
No minimum
No minimum
2 feet
 
Carports7
Same as primary structure
5 feet
5 feet
6 feet
12 feet
Located on rear half of lot and meets setbacks (see Section 17.54.020(E))
Notes:
1.
No accessory structure shall be permitted within an established easement unless a waiver is granted from holder of easement, which is recorded as an easement amendment on the properties.
2.
Conditional use permit required for height between twelve feet and sixteen feet. Accessory dwelling units shall meet the requirements of Section 17.60.070.
3.
Single-family residences must comply with the Pool Safety Act (Health and Safety Code Sections 115920 through 115929).
4.
Setback measured to edge of water.
5.
All mechanical equipment must be behind the setback.
6.
Noise ordinance applicable to equipment (Chapter 17.50).
7.
No temporary carports permitted. See Section 17.54.020 for additional carport requirements.
8.
Measured at edge of water.
C. 
Additional development standards for swimming pools.
1. 
There shall be provided a minimum three-foot unobstructed clearance along at least seventy-five percent of the perimeter of all swimming pools constructed in this zoning district in order to provide adequate access to the pool for safety purposes. The three-foot unobstructed clearance area shall have no minimum setback requirement from a property line.
2. 
The pool area or the entire property on which it is located shall be walled or fenced and equipped with self-closing and self-latching gates or doors so as to prevent uncontrolled access by children from the street or adjacent properties.
3. 
If installed, supplemental lighting shall be installed so as to prevent annoying glare on adjacent properties.
4. 
For below-ground swimming pools, the setback distance is measured from the property line to the edge of the pool water. For aboveground pools, spas, and hot tubs, the setback distance is measured from the property line to the edge of the spa or hot tub structure. Structures, including pool equipment, pool diving boards, water slides, and other aboveground appurtenances, shall be located behind the setback line.
5. 
Related landscape features (waterfalls, rock, trellis, etc.) that exceed the height limit of the pool shall be placed behind the setback line.
Figure 17.42-A—Standards for Accessory Structures
(Ord. 2015-002 § 3 (Exh. 1)(part), 2015; Ord. 2017-002 §§ 5, 6, 2017; Ord. 2020-002 §§ 12, 13, 2020; Ord. 2020-011 § 6, 2020)