Accessory Buildings (other than Garages)

How large of an accessory building can I build?

Permitted accessory building size is determined based upon two factors:

1. Ground floor four-season living area.
2. Lot size.

Ground Floor Four-Season Living Area Factor:

Your accessory building(s) on-site cannot be larger than:

The ground floor four-season living area of your house +120 square feet

Lot Size Factor:

• If your lot is 15,000 square feet or smaller:

  • The square footage of your combined total area of accessory building(s) can be a maximum of 1,120 square feet

• If your lot is larger than 15,000 square feet:

  • Additional accessory building floor area above 1,120 square feet is allocated based upon the size of the property up to a maximum of 2,000 total square feet or ground floor area, whichever is less. Contact City staff to confirm permitted accessory building area.

Note: The floor area of any attached garage(s) counts towards your overall accessory building area allowance.

How many accessory buildings can I have?

You may have a maximum of two detached accessory buildings on your property.

Exceptions:

• 1 pool equipment storage building up to 50 square feet
• 2 temporary growing season extenders up to 50 square feet

Where can I place an accessory building on my property?

The placement of accessory buildings must adhere to setback requirements in City Code. 

*A setback governs where you can build a structure in relation to property lines.

Accessory building setbacks by zoning district:

• Front Yard (These are minimum front yard setback requirements. Prevailing front yard setbacks may apply. 
  • R-1 and RS-1:  30 feet
  • R-1A: 75 feet
• Side or Rear Yard (Accessory buildings connected to sanitary sewer or water service require a 10-foot side or rear yard setback.)
  • R-1 and RS-1:  5 feet
  • R-1A: 5 feet
• Side Yards along streets
  • 20 feet
• Rear Yards along streets
  • R-1 and RS-1: 30 feet
  • R-1A: 75 feet

How tall can I build my accessory building?

Maximum height for accessory structures (excluding garages) in single-family residential zoning districts is 15 feet.

Height diagram showing a maximum structure height of 15 feet.

Accessory building exterior materials and finish must match or compliment the exterior finish of the principal structure.