A.
Building permit required. No owner shall, within the Village of Orfordville, build, construct, use or place any type of an accessory building, including prefabricated accessory buildings, until a building permit shall have first been obtained from the Zoning Administrator. Application for an accessory building permit shall be made in writing to the Zoning Administrator. With such application, there shall be submitted a fee pursuant to the Village Building Code[1] and a complete set of plans and specifications, including a plot plan or drawing accurately showing the location of the proposed accessory building with respect to adjoining alleys, lot lines and buildings. If such application meets all requirements of this section, the application shall be approved.
B.
Principal structure to be present. An accessory building or structure in any zoning district shall not be established prior to the principal building or structure being present or under construction. Any accessory building or structure shall conform to the applicable regulations of the district in which it is located, except as specifically otherwise provided.
C.
Placement restrictions. An accessory building, use or structure may be established subject to the following regulations:
(1)
Percentage of required rear yard occupied. The combined square footage of an accessory building and detached garage cannot exceed 30% of the rear yard or 936 square feet overall.
[Amended 7-25-2016]
(2)
Height of accessory buildings in required rear yards. No detached accessory building located in a required rear yard shall exceed 15 feet in height.
(3)
Temporary storage buildings. Temporary buildings for storage of building materials and equipment and for construction purposes are allowed when on the same or adjoining lot as the principal use for a period not to exceed the duration of such construction.
(4)
Temporary offices. Temporary real estate offices for purposes of conducting sale of property in the tract are allowed where such temporary office is located for a period not to exceed two years from the date of start of construction or one year after the initial occupancy of an improvement, whichever is lesser.
D.
Use restrictions in residential districts. Accessory uses or structures in residential districts shall not involve the conduct of any business, trade or industry, except for home occupations as defined herein, and shall not be occupied as a dwelling unit. Accessory buildings shall not be used for residential purposes.
G.
Landscaping uses. Accessory vegetation used for landscaping and decorating may be placed in any required yard area. Permitted vegetation includes trees, shrubs and flowers and gardens. Under no circumstances may a tent be used as a dwelling or an accessory structure.
H.
Garages in embankments in front yards. Where the mean natural grade of a front yard is more than eight feet above the curb level, a private garage may be erected within the front yard, provided that:
I.
Outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting installations shall not be permitted closer than three feet to an abutting property line and, where not specifically otherwise regulated, shall not exceed 15 feet in height and shall be adequately shielded or hooded so that no excessive glare or illumination is cast upon the adjoining properties.
J.
Lawn accessories. Walks, drives, paved terraces and purely decorative garden accessories such as pools, fountains, statuary, sundials, flagpoles, etc., shall be permitted in setback areas but not closer than three feet to an abutting property line other than a street line.
K.
Retaining walls. Retaining walls may be permitted anywhere on the lot; provided, however, that no individual wall shall exceed six feet in height, and a terrace of at least three feet in width shall be provided between any series of such walls.
L.
Terrace area restrictions. In addition to the definitions and restrictions contained in Chapter 277, Streets and Sidewalks, § 277-8, and Chapter 293, Trees and Shrubs, § 293-2, of this Code, no person shall place any accessory structure or use, including landscaping ornaments, stones and basketball backboard/hoops, in the terrace area.