Chapter 18.164
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE STANDARDS
Sections:
18.164.020 Parks and recreation and agricultural.
18.164.030 Estate residential.
18.164.070 Manufactured home residential.
18.164.100 Neighborhood commercial.
18.164.110 Downtown commercial.
18.164.120 General commercial.
18.164.010 General.
This accessory structure standards section applies to the following zoning districts: PR, AG, AC, ER, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, TR, LR, MH, UV, IS, NC, DC, C1, C2, HC, I1, I2, I3, HI.
The intent of the accessory structure standards is to permit accessory structures that meet the needs of property owners while ensuring neighborliness and aesthetic quality. These accessory structure standards also protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents within the zoning jurisdiction of the city. The following standards apply:
(A) Cross-Reference. Some structures are regulated independent of the accessory structure standards. The following types of structures are regulated in other sections:
(1) Accessory Dwelling. See AMC 18.160.030, Accessory dwelling standards.
(2) Fences and Walls. See AMC 18.160.140 through 18.160.190, Fence and wall standards.
(3) Signs. See Chapter 18.180 AMC, Sign Standards.
(4) Storage Tanks. See AMC 18.160.400 through 18.160.420, Storage tank standards.
(5) Swimming Pools. Swimming pools shall meet the regulations within this chapter and the Indiana Administrative Code (675 IAC 20, Swimming Pool Code).
(6) Telecommunication Facilities. See AMC 18.160.440 and 18.160.450, Telecommunication facility standards.
(7) Trash Receptacles. See AMC 18.160.510, Trash receptacle standards.
(B) Applicability.
(1) Minimum Front Yard Setback. The minimum front yard setback shall be as indicated in the applicable chapter in Division II of this title, Zoning Districts.
(2) Minimum Side Yard Setback. The minimum side yard setback shall be as indicated in the applicable chapter in Division II of this title, Zoning Districts.
(3) Minimum Rear Yard Setback. The minimum rear yard setback shall be as indicated in the applicable chapter in Division II of this title, Zoning Districts.
(4) Maximum Structure Height. The maximum structure height shall be as indicated in the applicable chapter in Division II of this title, Zoning Districts.
(C) Permits. An improvement location permit shall be required prior to installation or construction of an accessory structure greater than 200 square feet in area unless specifically noted otherwise. In circumstances where a permit is not required, the accessory structure shall still meet all applicable accessory structure standards.
(D) Types.
(1) Prohibited Accessory Structures.
(a) A mobile home, manufactured home, recreational vehicle, semi-tractor trailer, boat, motor vehicle, or trailer; in part, in whole, or of the like, shall not be permitted as an accessory structure.
(b) Portable on-demand storage (PODS) units shall not be permitted as a permanent accessory structure. See AMC 18.160.460 through 18.160.500, Temporary use and structure standards.
(E) Maintenance. All accessory structures shall be properly maintained and kept in good condition. [Ord. 1746-2023; Ord. 1286-2008. UDO § 5.04.]
18.164.020 Parks and recreation and agricultural.
This accessory structure standards section applies to the following zoning districts: PR, AG, AC. The following standards apply:
(A) Types.
(1) Storage-Based. Storage-based accessory structures shall be permitted. Storage-based accessory structures shall include barns, boat houses, carports, detached garages, greenhouses, mini-barns, pole structures, pool houses, sheds, and other structures used primarily for storage purposes.
(2) Recreation-Based. Recreation-based accessory structures shall be permitted. Recreation-based accessory structures shall include decks, gazebos, hot tubs, ground-mounted satellite dishes, sport courts, swimming pools, and other structures used primarily for recreational purposes.
(B) Relationship.
(1) Use. An accessory structure shall relate to the primary use of the lot or the zoning district’s permitted uses.
(2) Timing. An accessory structure may be installed or built on a lot prior to the construction of the primary structure or without the existence of the primary structure.
(C) Quantity. No more than 10 accessory structures shall be permitted on a lot. There is no limit on recreation-based accessory structures.
(D) Location. Storage-based and recreation-based accessory structures shall only be allowed in side yards and rear yards with the following exceptions:
(1) Basketball Goals. A basketball goal along a driveway or mounted on the garage shall not be considered a sport court. However, a basketball goal shall meet the front yard setback requirement.
(2) Detached Garage. A detached garage may be placed forward of a primary structure, but only if it is side loading and to the side of the primary structure’s façade. [Ord. 1746-2023; Ord. 1302-2009 §§ 1, 2; Ord. 1286-2008. UDO § 5.05.]
18.164.030 Estate residential.
This accessory structure standards section applies to the following zoning districts: ER. The following standards apply:
(A) Types.
(1) Storage-Based. Storage-based accessory structures shall be permitted. Storage-based accessory structures shall include barns, boat houses, carports, detached garages, greenhouses, mini-barns, pole structures, pool houses, sheds, and other structures used primarily for storage purposes.
(2) Recreation-Based. Recreation-based accessory structures shall be permitted. Recreation-based accessory structures shall include decks, gazebos, hot tubs, ground-mounted satellite dishes, sport courts, swimming pools, and other structures used primarily for recreational purposes.
(B) Relationship.
(1) Use. An accessory structure shall relate to the primary use of the lot.
(2) Timing. An accessory structure shall not be installed or built on a lot prior to the construction of the primary structure.
(C) Quantity and Size.
(1) Maximum Number. No more than three storage-based accessory structures shall be permitted on a lot. There is no limit on recreation-based accessory structures.
(2) Maximum Size. The cumulative square footage of all storage-based accessory structures shall not exceed two times the area of the footprint of the primary structure.
(D) Materials. The exterior finish and façade of all storage-based accessory structures greater than 200 square feet in area shall match, closely resemble, or significantly complement the materials and colors used on the primary structure.
(E) Location. Storage-based and recreation-based accessory structures shall only be allowed in side yard and rear yards with the following exceptions:
(1) Basketball Goals. A basketball goal along a driveway or mounted on the garage shall not be considered a sport court. However, a basketball goal shall meet the front yard setback requirement.
(2) Detached Garage. A detached garage may be placed forward of a primary structure, but only if it is side loading, less than 700 square feet of space, and to the side of the primary structure’s façade. [Ord. 1746-2023; Ord. 1302-2009 §§ 3, 4; Ord. 1286-2008. UDO § 5.06.]
18.164.040 Residential.
This accessory structure standards section applies to the following zoning districts: R1, R2, R3, R4, TR. The following standards apply:
(A) Types.
(1) Storage-Based. Storage-based accessory structures shall be permitted. Storage-based accessory structures shall include barns, carports, detached garages, greenhouses, mini-barns, pole structures, pool houses, sheds, and other structures used primarily for storage purposes.
(2) Recreation-Based. Recreation-based accessory structures shall be permitted. Recreation-based accessory structures shall include decks, gazebos, hot tubs, ground-mounted satellite dishes, sport courts, swimming pools, and other structures used primarily for recreational purposes.
(B) Relationship.
(1) Use. An accessory structure shall relate to the primary use of the lot.
(2) Timing. An accessory structure shall not be installed or built on a lot prior to the construction of the primary structure.
(C) Quantity and Size.
(1) Maximum Number. No more than two storage-based accessory structures shall be permitted on a lot. There is no limit on recreation-based accessory structures.
(2) Maximum Size. The cumulative square footage of all storage-based accessory structures shall not exceed 100 percent of the area of the footprint of the primary structure.
(D) Materials. The exterior finish and façade of all storage-based accessory structures greater than 200 square feet in area shall match, closely resemble, or significantly complement the materials and colors used on the primary structure.
(E) Location. Storage-based and recreation-based accessory structures shall only be allowed in side and rear yards with the following exceptions:
(1) Basketball Goals. A basketball goal along a driveway or mounted on the garage shall not be considered a sport court. However, a basketball goal shall meet the front yard setback requirement. [Ord. 1746-2023; Ord. 1302-2009 §§ 5, 6; Ord. 1286-2008. UDO § 5.07.]
18.164.050 Lake residential.
This accessory structure standards section applies to the following zoning districts: LR. The following standards apply:
(A) Types.
(1) Storage-Based. Storage-based accessory structures shall be permitted. Storage-based accessory structures shall include barns, boat houses, carports, detached garages, greenhouses, mini-barns, pole structures, pool houses, sheds, and other structures used primarily for storage purposes.
(2) Recreation-Based. Recreation-based accessory structures shall be permitted. Recreation-based accessory structures shall include decks, docks, gazebos, hot tubs, ground-mounted satellite dishes, piers, sport courts, swimming pools, and other structures used primarily for recreational purposes.
(B) Relationship.
(1) Use.
(a) Single Lot. In cases where an accessory structure is located on the same lot as the primary structure, the accessory structure shall relate to the primary use of the lot.
(b) Multiple Lots. In cases where a lake front through lot includes an adjacent lot separated only by a right-of-way or access easement, the accessory structure shall relate to the primary use of the lot to which it is legally associated.
(2) Timing.
(a) Single Lot. Accessory structure shall not be installed or built on a lot prior to the construction of the primary structure.
(b) Multiple Lots. An accessory structure shall not be installed or built on a lot prior to the construction of the primary structure to which the accessory structure is associated, even if that primary structure is on a separate lot.
(C) Quantity and Size.
(1) Maximum Number.
(a) Single Lot. In cases where an accessory structure is located on the same lot as the primary structure, no more than two storage-based accessory structures shall be permitted on a lot. There is no limit on recreation-based accessory structures.
(b) Multiple Lots. In cases where a lake front through lot includes an adjacent lot separated only by a right-of-way or access easement, no more than two storage-based accessory structures shall be permitted on the lot where the primary structure is located, and no more than two storage-based accessory structures shall be permitted on the lot where the primary structure is not located. There is no limit on recreation-based accessory structures.
(2) Maximum Size.
(a) Single Lot. In cases where an accessory structure is located on the same lot as the primary structure, the cumulative square footage of all storage-based accessory structures on a lot shall not exceed 100 percent of the area of the footprint of the primary structure.
(b) Multiple Lots. In cases where a lake front through lot includes an adjacent lot separated only by a right-of-way or access easement, the cumulative square footage of the storage-based accessory structures on the lot where the primary structure is located shall not exceed 100 percent of the area of the footprint of the primary structure and the cumulative square footage of the storage-based accessory structures on the lot where the primary structure is not located shall not exceed 100 percent of the area of the footprint of the primary structure or the maximum lot coverage ratio, whichever is less.
(D) Materials. The exterior finish and façade of all storage-based accessory structures greater than 200 square feet in area shall match, closely resemble, or significantly complement the materials and colors used on the primary structure.
(E) Location. Storage-based accessory structures shall only be allowed in street yards and side yards. Recreation-based accessory structures shall be allowed in lake yards, street yards, and side yards. [Ord. 1746-2023; Ord. 1302-2009 §§ 7, 8; Ord. 1286-2008. UDO § 5.08.]
18.164.060 Multiple-family.
This accessory structure standards section applies to the following zoning districts: R5. The following standards apply:
(A) Types.
(1) Support-Based. Support-based accessory structures shall be permitted. Support-based accessory structures may include a management office, sales office, maintenance facility, indoor fitness room, indoor or outdoor sport courts, indoor or outdoor swimming pool, indoor or outdoor play equipment, enclosed vending, laundry, and other structures customarily incidental to the development. All support-based accessory structures shall be subordinate to the residential component of the development; be located, designed, and intended to serve only the needs of the development and its residents; and shall present no visible evidence of its nonresidential nature to areas outside the development.
(2) Storage-Based. Except for garages and carports, storage-based accessory structures specific to each dwelling unit shall not be permitted.
(B) Relationship.
(1) Use. An accessory structure shall relate to the primary use of the land and be solely used in connection with the primary use.
(2) Timing.
(a) Support-Based. A support-based accessory structure may be installed or built on a lot prior to the construction of a primary structure.
(b) Storage-Based. A storage-based accessory structure shall not be installed or built on a lot prior to the construction of a primary structure.
(C) Quantity. No more than four support-based accessory structures shall be permitted for any development. There is no limit on storage-based accessory structures.
(D) Materials. The exterior finish and façade of all accessory structures greater than 200 square feet in area shall match, closely resemble, or significantly complement the materials and colors used on the primary structure.
(E) Location. Support-based and storage-based accessory structures are not restricted to any specific yards. [Ord. 1746-2023; Ord. 1302-2009 §§ 9, 10; Ord. 1286-2008. UDO § 5.09.]
18.164.070 Manufactured home residential.
This accessory structure standards section applies to the following zoning districts: MH. The following standards apply:
(A) Types.
(1) Support-Based. Support-based accessory structures shall be permitted. Support-based accessory structures shall include a management office, sales office, maintenance facility, indoor fitness room, indoor and outdoor sport courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, indoor and outdoor play equipment, enclosed vending, laundry, emergency storm shelter, and other structures customarily incidental to the development. All support-based accessory structures shall be subordinate to the residential component of the development; be located, designed, and intended to serve only the needs of the development and its residents; and present no visible evidence of their nonresidential nature to areas outside the development.
(2) Storage-Based. Storage-based accessory structures in the form of detached garages, carports, and sheds shall be permitted for dwelling sites.
(3) Recreation-Based. Recreation-based accessory structures in the form of decks and ground-mounted satellite dishes shall be permitted for dwelling sites.
(B) Relationship.
(1) Use. An accessory structure shall relate to the primary use of the land and be solely used in connection with the primary use.
(2) Timing.
(a) Support-Based. A support-based accessory structure may be installed or built on a lot prior to the construction of a primary structure.
(b) Storage-Based and Recreation-Based. Storage-based accessory structures and recreational-based accessory structures shall not be installed or built on a dwelling site prior to the construction or installation of a dwelling unit.
(C) Quantity and Size.
(1) Maximum Number per Development. No more than four support-based accessory structures shall be permitted for any development. There is no limit on recreation-based accessory structures.
(2) Maximum Number per Dwelling Site. Each dwelling site shall be permitted one shed in addition to a carport or garage. No additional storage-based accessory structures shall be permitted on a dwelling site.
(3) Maximum Size. The total area of storage-based accessory structures on a dwelling site shall not exceed 25 percent of the dwelling site area or 600 square feet, whichever is less.
(D) Materials. The exterior finish and façade of all accessory structures greater than 200 square feet in area shall match, closely resemble, or significantly complement the materials and colors used on the primary structure with which it is associated.
(E) Location. Storage-based and recreation-based accessory structures shall only be allowed in side yards and rear yards with the following exception:
(1) Basketball Goals. A basketball goal along a driveway or mounted on the garage shall not be considered a sport court. However, a basketball goal shall meet the front yard setback requirement. [Ord. 1746-2023; Ord. 1302-2009 §§ 11, 12; Ord. 1286-2008. UDO § 5.10.]
18.164.080 University.
This accessory structure standards section applies to the following zoning districts: UV. The following standards apply:
(A) Types.
(1) Support-Based. Support-based accessory structures shall be permitted. Support-based accessory structures shall include a maintenance facility, mechanical structure, standalone restroom facility, storage building, enclosed vending, kiosk, or other structure used in support of the primary structure.
(2) Recreation-Based. Recreation-based accessory structures shall be permitted. Recreation-based accessory structures shall include a deck, fountain, pavilion, picnic shelter, public art display, sport court, terrace, play equipment, or other structures that add a recreational element to the primary use of the land.
(B) Relationship.
(1) Use. An accessory structure shall relate to the primary use of the land and be solely used in connection with the specific primary use.
(2) Timing. An accessory structure may be installed or built on a lot prior to the construction of a primary structure.
(C) Quantity. No more than eight support-based accessory structures shall be permitted on a lot. There is no limit on recreation-based accessory structures.
(D) Materials. The exterior finish and façade of all accessory structures shall match, closely resemble, or significantly complement the character of the district.
(E) Location. Support-based and recreation-based accessory structures shall only be allowed in side yards and rear yards. [Ord. 1746-2023; Ord. 1302-2009 §§ 13, 14; Ord. 1286-2008. UDO § 5.11.]
18.164.090 Institutional.
This accessory structure standards section applies to the following zoning districts: IS. The following standards apply:
(A) Types.
(1) Support-Based. Support-based accessory structures shall be permitted. A support-based accessory structure shall include a maintenance facility, mechanical structure, freestanding canopy, standalone restroom facilities, storage building, enclosed vending, kiosk, or structures used in support of the primary structure.
(2) Recreation-Based. Recreation-based accessory structures shall be permitted. A recreation-based accessory structure shall include a deck, fountains, pavilion, picnic shelter, public art display, sport courts, terrace, playground equipment or other structures that add a recreational element to the primary use of the land.
(B) Relationship.
(1) Use. An accessory structure shall relate to the primary use of the land and be solely used in connection with the specific primary use.
(2) Timing. An accessory structure shall not be installed or built on a lot prior to the construction of a primary structure.
(C) Quantity and Size. Up to eight support-based accessory structures shall be permitted on a lot. There is no limit on recreation-based accessory structures.
(D) Materials. The exterior finish and façade of all accessory structures shall match, closely resemble, or significantly complement the character of the district.
(E) Location. Support-based and recreation-based accessory structures shall only be allowed in side yards and rear yards. [Ord. 1746-2023; Ord. 1302-2009 §§ 15, 16; Ord. 1286-2008. UDO § 5.12.]
18.164.100 Neighborhood commercial.
This accessory structure standards section applies to the following zoning districts: NC. The following standards apply:
(A) Types.
(1) Support-Based. Support-based accessory structures shall be permitted. Support-based accessory structures shall include a storage building, refrigeration or freezer unit, freestanding canopy, mechanical structure, or other structure used in support of the primary structure.
(2) Recreation-Based. Recreation-based accessory structures shall be permitted. A recreation-based accessory structure shall include a deck, terrace, play equipment, or other structures that add a recreational element to the primary structure that is consistent with the intent of the district.
(B) Relationship.
(1) Use. An accessory structure shall relate to the primary use of the land and be solely used in connection with the specific primary use.
(2) Timing. An accessory structure shall not be installed or built on a lot prior to the construction of the primary structure.
(C) Quantity and Size.
(1) Maximum Number. No more than two support-based accessory structures shall be permitted on a lot. There is no limit on recreation-based accessory structures.
(2) Maximum Size. The cumulative square footage of all storage-based accessory structures shall not exceed 800 square feet in area or 10 percent of the area of the footprint of the primary structure, whichever is greater.
(D) Materials. The exterior finish and façade of all accessory structures greater than 200 square feet in area shall match, closely resemble, or significantly complement the materials and colors used on the primary structure.
(E) Location. Support-based and recreation-based accessory structures shall only be allowed in side yards and rear yards. [Ord. 1746-2023; Ord. 1302-2009 §§ 17, 18; Ord. 1286-2008. UDO § 5.13.]
18.164.110 Downtown commercial.
This accessory structure standards section applies to the following zoning districts: DC. The following standards apply:
(A) Types.
(1) Support-Based. Support-based accessory structures shall be permitted for nonresidential uses. Support-based accessory structures shall include a storage building, refrigeration or freezer unit, mechanical structure, or other structure used in support of the primary structure.
(2) Recreation-Based. Recreation-based accessory structures shall be permitted for nonresidential uses. Recreation-based accessory structures shall include a deck, fountain, pavilion, public art display, terrace, or other structures that add a recreational element to the primary structure that is consistent with the intent of the district.
(3) Prohibited. Accessory structures for residential uses shall not be permitted.
(B) Relationship.
(1) Use. An accessory structure shall relate to the primary use of the land and be solely used in connection with the specific primary use.
(2) Timing. An accessory structure shall not be installed or built on a lot prior to the construction of the primary structure.
(C) Quantity and Size.
(1) Maximum Number. One support-based accessory structure shall be permitted on a lot. There is no limit on recreation-based accessory structures.
(2) Maximum Size. A support-based accessory structure shall not exceed 500 square feet in area or five percent of the area of the footprint of the primary structure, whichever is larger.
(D) Materials. The exterior finish and façade of any accessory structure shall match, closely resemble, or significantly complement the materials and color used on the primary structures.
(E) Location. Support-based and recreation-based accessory structures shall only be allowed in side yards and rear yards. [Ord. 1746-2023; Ord. 1302-2009 §§ 19, 20; Ord. 1286-2008. UDO § 5.14.]
18.164.120 General commercial.
This accessory structure standards section applies to the following zoning districts: C1, C2, HC. The following standards apply:
(A) Types.
(1) Support-Based. Support-based accessory structures shall be permitted. Support-based accessory structures shall include a maintenance facility, mechanical structure, freestanding canopy, storage building, refrigeration or freezer unit, or other structures used in support of the primary structure.
(2) Recreation-Based. Recreation-based accessory structures shall be permitted. Recreation-based accessory structures shall include a deck, fountain, pavilion, picnic shelter, public art display, sport court, terrace, play equipment, or other structures that add a recreational element to the primary use of the land.
(B) Relationship.
(1) Use. An accessory structure shall relate to the primary use of the land and be solely used in connection with the specific primary use.
(2) Timing. An accessory structure shall not be permitted prior to the construction of a primary structure.
(C) Quantity. No more than four support-based accessory structures shall be permitted on a lot. There is no limit on recreation-based accessory structures.
(D) Materials. The exterior finish and façade of all accessory structures over 200 square feet in area shall match, closely resemble, or significantly complement the materials and color used on the primary structures.
(E) Location. Support-based and recreation-based accessory structures shall only be allowed in side yards and rear yards. [Ord. 1746-2023; Ord. 1302-2009 §§ 21, 22; Ord. 1286-2008. UDO § 5.15.]
18.164.130 Industrial.
This accessory structure standards section applies to the following zoning districts: I1, I2, I3, HI. The following standards apply:
(A) Types.
(1) Support-Based. Support-based accessory structures shall be permitted. Support-based accessory structures shall include a cooling tower, maintenance facility, mechanical structure, storage building, water tower, or other structures used in support of the primary structure.
(2) Recreation-Based. Recreation-based accessory structures shall be permitted. Recreation-based accessory structures shall include a deck, fountain, pavilion, picnic shelter, public art display, sport court, terrace, play equipment, or other structures that add a recreational element to the primary use of the land.
(B) Relationship.
(1) Use. An accessory structure shall relate to the primary use of the land and be solely used in connection with the specific primary use.
(2) Timing. An accessory structure shall not be installed or built on a lot prior to the construction of the primary structures.
(C) Quantity. No more than eight accessory structures shall be permitted on a lot. There is no limit on recreation-based accessory structures.
(D) Materials. The exterior finish and façade of all accessory structures over 200 square feet in area shall match, closely resemble, or significantly complement the materials used on the primary structures.
(E) Location. Support-based and recreation-based accessory structures shall only be allowed in side yards and rear yards. [Ord. 1746-2023; Ord. 1302-2009 §§ 23, 24; Ord. 1286-2008. UDO § 5.16.]