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1. What is an accessory building?

In a single-family residential district, an accessory building is a subordinate building exceeding one hundred twenty (120) square feet of floor area, attached to or detached from the main building, without separate bath or kitchen facilities, not used for commercial purposes and not rented. Accessory structures/buildings include but are not limited to:

• Arbors
• Cabanas
• Gazebos
• Outdoor kitchens and/or recreational fire enclosures
• Patio covers
• Structures/sheds, or the like
• Trellis

In other districts, an accessory building is a subordinate building, the use of which is incidental to and used only in conjunction with the main building.

2. Where can I build an accessory building?

• All attached accessory structures/buildings and building additions must maintain the setback requirements of the main building.
• Detached accessory buildings shall be located in the area defined as the rear yard.
• Detached accessory structures/buildings shall have a side yard of not less than five feet.
• When adjacent to a side street, the side yard shall not be less than ten feet.

3. Is there a minimum separation requirement between the main structure and an accessory building?

Yes, detached structures are required to have a minimum separation requirement of 15 feet from the main building.

4. What is the minimum side and rear yard setback requirement for detached accessory buildings?

In addition to the 15 feet separation requirement from the main building, detached accessory structures/buildings located in the rear portion of a lot shall not be located closer than 15 feet to the main building nor any nearer than five feet to any side or rear lot line.

5. Can an accessory building be constructed in a utility easement?

No, an accessory building may not be built within a utility easement.

6. Can a concrete patio/flatwork extend into the rear yard setback requirement?

Yes, construction that does not exceed 30 inches above the average elevation of the graded rear yard is allowed to extend into the rear yard requirement.

7. Is accessory building construction required to comply with the City's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance if the Homeowner's Association / Property Owner's Association approved the construction?

Yes, construction must comply with all applicable City ordinance and regulations. In all cases, the more restrictive requirement will prevail. In addition, no ordinance or regulation adopted by the City shall lessen the requirement set forth by the Homeowner’s Association (HOA) or Property Owner’s Association (POA).

8. Are any of these frequently asked questions available in a document?

Yes. Access the Accessory Building and Outbuilding Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).