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.

Accessory building setbacks by zoning district:

• Front Yard (These are minimum front yard setback requirements. Prevailing front yard setbacks may apply. See column to the right for more information.)
  • 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 or rear yard adjoining a street
  • R-1 and RS-1: 30 feet
  • R-1A: 75 feet

What's a setback?

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

Prevailing Setbacks

Front yard prevailing setbacks only apply when two neighboring properties were built on or before October 7, 1974. If this applies to your property, please see Section 21.301.02(d)(3) of the City Code.

How tall can I build my accessory building?

Maximum height for accessory structures (excluding garages) in single-family residential zoning districts is 15 feet.
Overall height of an accessory structure may not exceed the height of the principal dwelling of the property.

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.