Chapter 18.62
ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
Sections:
18.62.030 Permit requirements and exemptions.
18.62.040 Accessory structure development standards.
18.62.010 Purpose.
This section establishes development standards for accessory structures. The purpose of this section 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. 738 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2013).
18.62.020 Applicability.
The requirements contained in this chapter shall apply as follows:
A. Accessory structures on private property shall be in addition to any other development standards contained elsewhere within the zoning code.
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, secondary dwelling units are not considered accessory structures; secondary dwelling units are governed by the requirements of Chapter 18.66 (Second Units). (Ord. 738 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2013).
18.62.030 Permit requirements and exemptions.
In the event that a building permit is required, zoning plan check is required. Certain structures may require site plan and architectural review, variance, or other permits or entitlements as specified in Division II (Procedures). (Ord. 738 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2013).
18.62.040 Accessory structure development standards.
A. Development Standards for All Accessory Structures. Accessory structures shall not contain full indoor cooking facilities (combination of a sink, cooking apparatus, and refrigeration appliance), should not contain a full bath (half bath is permitted) and should not be designed for full-time living or rental purposes. Guesthouses and pool houses that conform to the requirements of this chapter are permitted.
B. Setback Measurement. Minimum setback distances for accessory structures from property lines and between accessory structures shall be measured to any portion of the structure(s), inclusive of any overhangs, projections, railings, etc.
1. Construction Phasing. Accessory structures may be constructed only in conjunction with or after construction of the primary building(s) on the site.
2. Ingress/Egress into Backyard. A minimum three-foot ingress/egress pathway into a backyard shall be maintained for fire access.
3. Maximum Residential Lot Coverage. Maximum aggregate lot coverage by primary and accessory structures is not to exceed sixty percent of the lot.
4. Maintenance. All on-site accessory structures shall be kept in a serviceable, well-maintained, and presentable manner which makes a positive contribution to the surrounding area.
5. 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 surrounding development within the zone.
C. Development Standards by Type of Accessory Structure. Table 18.62.040-1 (Development Standards for Residential Accessory Structures) establishes development standards based on the type of accessory structure as defined in this title. See also Figure 18.62.040-1.
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Development Standard |
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Accessory Structure |
Minimum Setback Distance (from Property Line1) |
Minimum Distance Between Structures |
Maximum Height |
Other |
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Front |
Street Side |
Interior Side |
Rear or Alley |
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|
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Closed-Roof Structure (including but not limited to sheds, pool houses, gazebos, etc.) |
Same as primary structure |
15 ft |
3 ft; increase to 5 ft for High Density Residential |
3 ft rear 5 ft alley |
10 ft |
12 ft (one story)2 |
Located on rear half of lot |
|
Open Attached Structures |
Same as primary structure |
10 ft |
5 ft |
10 ft |
10 ft |
12 ft |
|
|
Enclosed Attached Structures |
Same as primary structure |
Same as primary structure |
Same as primary structure |
Same as primary structure |
10 ft |
Same as attached structure |
|
|
Open-Roof Structure |
Same as primary structure |
15 ft |
3 ft |
3 ft |
10 ft |
12 ft |
|
|
Pool/Spa3, 4, 5 |
Same as primary structure |
3 ft |
3 ft |
5 ft |
5 ft |
5 ft |
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|
Deck (detached) |
No minimum |
No minimum |
No minimum |
No minimum |
No minimum |
2 ft |
|
|
Play Equipment |
Same as primary structure |
15 ft |
5 ft |
5 ft |
10 ft |
12 ft |
|
|
Carports6 |
Same as primary structure |
Not permitted on street side of corner lot |
5 ft |
5 ft |
10 ft |
12 ft |
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1. No accessory structure shall be permitted within an established easement.
2. Conditional use permit required for height between twelve feet and sixteen feet.
3. Single-family residences must comply with the requirements of the building code and the California State Swimming Pool Safety Act. The draining of pool water is required to go directly into the sewer system. On-site draining (above ground) is a violation of various local, state and federal laws.
4. Setback measured to edge of water for built-in pools (where the surface of the water is at grade) and the edge of the structure for aboveground pools. All mechanical equipment must be behind the setback.
5. For aboveground pools, a solid six-foot-tall fence is required between the subject property and any adjacent residential backyards.
6. Temporary carports are prohibited. If used, carport shall be constructed out of durable materials, match the architecture of the primary structure, and be built on a permanent foundation.
D. 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. In no case shall swimming pool accessory mechanical equipment be permitted within five feet of any property line.
3. The pool area or the entire property on which it is located shall be so 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. Supplemental lighting shall be so installed 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 unless the top edge of the spa or hot tub is at grade. The setback distance for at-grade spas and hot tubs is measured in the same fashion as swimming pools. Structures, including pool equipment, pool diving boards, water slides, and other above-ground appurtenances, shall be located behind the setback line.
5. Related landscape features (waterfalls, rock, trellis, etc.) that exceed height limit of the pool shall be placed behind the setback line.
Figure 18.62.040-1 Standards for Accessory Structures
(Ord. 848, 2020; Ord. 738 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2013).