(a) 
Definition.
An accessory building is defined as any structure, either attached or detached from the main dwelling or commercial building, the use of which is incidental to that of the main structure and located on the same lot. Accessory structures include, but are not limited to, detached garages and carports, patio covers, arbors, gazebos, cabanas, outdoor kitchens, recreational fire-pits, sheds, ground mounted solar panels/devices, and other enclosures. Agricultural accessory buildings include barns, stables, coops, or any enclosure designed to accommodate farming or ranching supplies, livestock, or fowl. Fences are not included in this definition of "accessory structure."
(b) 
Permit required.
An accessory structure that is less than or equal to 120 square feet (approximately 10' X 12') in size shall not be required to obtain a building permit, but shall meet all height and setback requirements of this article. An accessory structure that is greater than 120 square feet in size OR any size structure that is attached to the main building shall be required to have a building permit, be inspected by the City, and meet the requirements of this article. Any installation that involves trade related construction (M.E.P.) requires a building permit.
(c) 
General provisions.
(1) 
Attached structures.
Any enclosed structure that is attached to the principal building shall be considered an addition and shall comply with all the requirements for the principal structure, unless otherwise provided herein.
(2) 
Detached structures.
Detached structures shall comply with the requirements set out in this article and may not be located in the front yard or between the primary structure and any street.
(3) 
Residential fences.
The smooth side of residential wooden fences must face outward with the posts on the inside.
(4) 
Easements.
Accessory buildings shall not be located within or over an easement or right-of-way, unless approved in writing by the holder of the easement.
(5) 
Not allowed in front yard.
Accessory structures shall not be located in the front yard area. This excludes temporary uses such as basketball hoops, bike, or skateboard ramps, or other moveable recreational devices. However, any such device shall be located entirely within the boundaries of the private property and shall not be placed in the right-of-way, the street, the sidewalk, or the parkway (defined as the grassy area between the sidewalk and the curb).
(6) 
Utility lines.
All associated service and utility lines shall be buried.
(7) 
Commercial operations.
Accessory structures shall abide by the land uses allowed in the base zoning district. Commercial uses are not allowed in accessory structures and must occupy permanent structures.
(8) 
Approval.
Building permits are approved by Building Services.
(d) 
General development standards for accessory buildings.
ARTICLE III, TABLE 3
Standards for Accessory Buildings
MAXIMUM NUMBER, TYPE, AND SQUARE FOOTAGE PER LOT SIZE in RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
Less than one acre
1-3 acres
Greater than 3 acres
Max number of accessory structures
3
5
No limit
Max square footage of all accessory structures
600 or 25% of house square footage, whichever is greater
8,000
25,000
(e) 
Architectural standards for accessory buildings.
(1) 
Permanent and/or engineered foundations may be required per the adopted International Code.
(2) 
Accessory structures less than 600 square feet shall be constructed of any material allowed and regulated in the International Building Code adopted by the City, and as amended.
(3) 
Accessory structures that are 600 square feet or greater shall generally match the exteriors of the main structure in terms of building materials, percentages of materials, and color.
(4) 
Detached garages 250 square feet or greater shall generally match the exteriors of the main structure in terms of building materials, percentages of materials, and color.
(5) 
All accessory structures shall be muted shades of color that are subtle, neutral, or earthen tones.
(6) 
Greenhouses may be constructed of glass, opaque plastic, and other all-weather material as listed in the adopted International Building Code;
(7) 
Residential lots platted prior to 2018 are exempt from architectural standards applying to accessory structures, as are green houses, barns, and other valid agricultural use.
(f) 
Setback and siting regulations for accessory structures.
(1) 
No accessory structures shall be located in front yards and may not be located between the primary structure and the street.
(2) 
Accessory structures that are attached to the primary building shall observe the following setbacks:
(A) 
Side yard setbacks shall abide by the setback of the governing zoning district.
(B) 
Rear yard setback shall be five (5) feet.
(3) 
Detached accessory structures in residential zoning districts shall observe the following setbacks:
(A) 
Typical setback shall be three (3) feet from all property lines.
(B) 
Side yard at corner setback shall be fifteen (15) feet from the property line.
(C) 
When a structure exceeds 250 square feet, a five (5) foot setback from all property lines applies.
(g) 
General development standards for accessory buildings.
Article 14.03, Table 3 Standards for Accessory Buildings
Maximum Number, Type, and Square Footage per Lot Size in Residential Districts
Less than one acre
One acre or greater, but less than 3 acres
Three acres or greater
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19; Ordinance 2026-004 adopted 1/13/2026)
These regulations supersede any general regulations listed in Section 14.03.201. However, if a standard is not specifically mentioned in the regulations, below, then the regulations stated in Section 14.03.201 apply. Building permits for the accessory structures listed below are approved by the Building Official.
(1) 
Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations.
(A) 
An ADU is defined as a subordinate building/structure intended for habitation. ADUs shall not be permitted without a main building or primary use in existence and are subject to zoning district regulations.
(B) 
ADUs are prohibited in all zoning districts other than the AG, Agricultural zoning district, SF-E, Single-Family Estate zoning district, or Downtown Code zoning district.
(C) 
An ADU may not be sold separately from sale of the entire property, including the primary residential structure;
(D) 
Utility services shall be metered by the same meter as that which serves the main structure on the premises;
(E) 
ADUs shall abide by the same setback and height as accessory structures.
(F) 
ADUs shall abide by section 14.04.107, Design Standards for Residential Structures.
(G) 
The total conditioned square footage of an ADU shall not exceed the square footage of the primary dwelling. An ADU may be attached to or separate from the main dwelling;
(H) 
Only one ADU shall be allowed on any lot, and the ADU shall be clearly incidental to the primary residential structure.
(I) 
The exterior facades of an ADU shall be consistent with the exteriors of the main structure in terms of building materials, percentages of materials, and color.
(2) 
Commercial accessory structure regulations.
(A) 
All structures located in non-residential, commercial, office, retail, industrial, and multi-family zoning districts, and structures associated with such land uses, are considered permanent, commercial buildings and shall obtain all necessary permits and inspections and abide by all applicable codes and masonry regulations.
(B) 
Modular storage units, portable on demand storage containers, donation bins, kiosks or stands, cargo containers, and drop-off bins/trailers are considered accessory structures, if permanent. Temporary structures shall be visually mitigated by being placed outside of setbacks, generally behind the primary structure, outside of required parking and fire lanes, and only in association with seasonal needs or grand openings. The overall number of containers shall be limited to two (2) per lot, unless the scope of the commercial activity requires additional containers to be considered by staff.
(C) 
Accessory structures with pervious roofs, such as decorative pergolas or arbors, may be constructed with fire-treated and rot-resistant wooden or comparable material.
(D) 
Structures attempting to satisfy shade structure requirements shall utilize a solid, standing seam metal roof.
(E) 
Columns shall be encased in masonry that matches the primary building.
(3) 
Patios and flatwork regulations (concrete or pavers).
(A) 
(1)=(A)[??] All patios, grading, and other residential flatwork require a building permit. Depending upon the scope of the work, a drainage plan may also be required.
(B) 
All new parking, drives, and approaches shall be constructed with concrete to the City's engineering design criteria;
(C) 
Any foundation or slab greater than 200 square feet shall be drawn to City standards and may require an engineer's seal;
(D) 
Flatwork shall be set back a minimum of three (3) feet from any property line. Flatwork for AC units, trashcans, walkways, pool equipment, or similar installations may be reduced to two (2) feet from the side property line;
(E) 
Flatwork is not allowed in the front yard area, unless the flatwork is for a driveway for a front-loading garage or a lead walk serving the house. This shall not be interpreted to allow for enlarged driveways, whose width should match the width of the enclosed garage and not be expanded into the side yard setback. J-swing garages shall also be accommodated;
(F) 
Nothing within this section allows the creation of a drainage hazard or issue, and all flatwork shall be sloped or graded to drain according to original civil design; and
(G) 
Paving is limited to twenty percent (20%) of total lot coverage, including the driveway but not including any patio, walkway, pool deck, sports courts or other paved feature.
(4) 
Swimming pools, spas, and hot tub regulations.
(A) 
Shall not be located in the front yard area;
(B) 
Any in-ground installation shall be a minimum five (5) feet from any property line, retaining wall, and buildings. Anything closer than five (5) feet will require an engineered plan or meet the requirements of the International Pool and Spa Code as adopted with amendments.
(C) 
Associated decking or flatwork shall be a minimum three (3) feet from any property line.
(5) 
Temporary building regulations.
(A) 
Churches, cities, and public schools, regardless of the zoning district, may have a maximum of five (5) portable or modular buildings at any given time that are secondary to the primary facilities.
(B) 
Portable or modular buildings utilized by churches, cities, and public schools are exempt from the Architectural Standards listed in this Article.
(C) 
The siting of temporary buildings shall be selected to minimize visibility from the public right-of-way.
(D) 
Skirting for the temporary building is required, as is concrete pedestrian access, in addition to any required ramps.
(E) 
A stabilizing foundation in compliance with the approved building code shall be provided or appropriate tie-down systems, as approved by the Fire Department.
(F) 
All buildings shall be perpetually maintained and repaired in a safe, reasonably attractive condition by the property owner in a manner that protects against the elements, is structurally safe, and corrects any visual ills or other problems.
(Ordinance 2019-42 adopted 10/8/19; Ordinance 2026-004 adopted 1/13/2026)