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Accessory Structures in Residential areas

An accessory structure is a detached structure that is secondary to the main building on the site. It’s subordinate and incidental, which means it’s functionally part of the main house.  This does not include structures that are functionally part of the main building, enclosed by a roof or wall.

Examples include:

  • Storage shed
  • Home offices (except for home occupations)
  • Detached garages
  • Gazebos
  • Animal enclosures
  • Playhouses
  • Equipment enclosures (such as pool pumps, wells)


If your structure is a dwelling unit, like a granny or inlaw unit, you’ll need to apply for an Accessory dwelling unit building permit.

Placement and lot coverage

Detached accessory structures can be located on any part of the lot where the main house is allowed.

The combined footprint of all accessory structures together with the footprint of the main dwelling cannot exceed the maximum lot coverage allowed in the zoning district.

Setbacks

A setback is a specific distance from the property line and the house. These distances are based on the zoning of your property. If you know your zoning, you can find the setback requirements in the Summary of Development Regulations [PDF].

Front yard

Accessory structures are not allowed in the front yard setback area.

Back yard

If your structure is in the rear yard setback area, you must comply with these conditions:

  • There is a solid fence or wall that people cannot see through.
  • The structure is 9 feet tall or less.
  • There is a clear passageway of 5 feet between the structure and your house.
  • There is a clear passageway of 3 feet between the structure (including any roof overhang) and any adjacent fence, wall, or property line.
  • The total roof area of all accessory structures within the required yard is not more than 230 square feet or 20% of the required yard, whichever is less.

Side yard

If your structure is in the side yard setback area, you must comply with these conditions:

  • There is a solid fence or wall that people cannot see through.
  • The structure is 6 feet tall or less, or the height of the existing adjacent fence, whichever is less.
  • There is a clear passageway of 3 feet between the structure and your house or the structure and the adjacent fence.
  • The total roof area of accessory structures is not more than 120 square feet within each required side yard.

Learn more about setbacks.

Permits

You do not need a permit for your accessory structure if it is 120 square feet or less. You will need to get building permits if you are doing any plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work. You also still need to comply with the setback requirements and use fire-resistive materials.

If your accessory structure is over 120 square feet, you will need to get a building permit.

Vacant property

Accessory structures cannot be built on vacant property unless approved by the Planning Commission. To get approval, you’ll need to get a conditional use permit.

Forms and documents

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