17.70.030 Accessory buildings and other structures on residential lots.
A. Accessory Building Standards. All accessory buildings shall not be located in the front yard. Accessory buildings located in the rear yard shall be located at least five feet from any on-site dwelling structure and at least 15 feet from any dwelling structure on an adjacent lot.
1. Any accessory building attached to the main building shall be made structurally a part of the main building and shall comply in all respects with the requirements of all ordinances applicable to the main building. If an accessory building is attached to the main building, it is no longer an accessory building. It is a portion of the main building and all setbacks for the structure must be maintained.
2. Accessory buildings in any zone shall occupy no more than 20 percent of the lot area less the area of the footprint of the main building and shall be separated by not less than five feet. If there is more than one accessory building on a lot, the combined area of all accessory buildings shall occupy no more than 20 percent of the lot less the area of the footprint of the main building.
3. Accessory buildings on a lot of 20,000 square feet or less shall have a roofline equal to or less than the residential dwelling on the same lot.
4. Accessory buildings that are more than 1,200 square feet or occupy more than 15 percent of the lot area and are located on lots that are less than 15,000 square feet shall require a conditional use permit.
5. All accessory buildings that are more than 1,500 square feet no matter the size of the lot shall require a conditional use permit.
6. The following setbacks from property lines shall apply for all accessory buildings. See subsection (A)(7) of this section for minimum setbacks of accessory buildings located in the side yard.
Wall Height (Feet) | 0 to 12 | 12+ to 16 | 16+ to 19 | 19+ to 22 | 22+ to 25 | 25+ to 28 | 28+ to 30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Minimum setback (feet) | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
a. Wall heights for accessory buildings are measured from the ground level to the highest point of the wall including the gables as shown in Figure 17.70.030-1.
Figure 17.70.030-1.
7. An accessory building may protrude into the side yard of the residential dwelling but shall require a conditional use permit and must also fulfill the following commitments:
a. The accessory building shall maintain the side yard setback of the residential dwelling.
b. Exterior Material and Design.
i. Accessory buildings that are less than 200 square feet and are located 10 feet behind the defined front yard depth (see Figure 17.70.030-2) are exempt from design standards as outlined in WPCC 17.70.020(B).
ii. Accessory buildings that are less than 200 square feet and are located closer than 10 feet to the defined front yard depth (see Figure 17.70.030-2) must follow the design standards as listed in WPCC 17.70.020(B).
iii. All accessory buildings that are greater than 200 square feet and located in any portion of the side yard must adhere to building material standards, as it pertains to the front facade, outlined in WPCC 17.70.020(B).
Figure 17.70.030-2.
8. Living space in any accessory building may be permitted as regulated in WPCC 17.70.060.
9. Accessory buildings on a vacant lot shall not be allowed except in agricultural zones.
B. Other Structures. Additional structures such as pergolas, green houses, awnings, carport, tents, arbors, and trellises occur to provide outdoor spaces for relaxation and storage. The following apply to each structure type:
1. Temporary carports, tents or similar items are often made out of metal, canvas, or other fabric material with pole support structures. All temporary enclosures of this nature shall:
a. Be securely tethered to the ground at all times.
b. Not be allowed in the front yard setback or between the front facade and the street.
c. Can be located in a side yard but not closer than ten feet to the defined front yard, and must adhere to the setbacks as required for accessory buildings.
d. Be repaired, replaced or removed immediately if they fall into disrepair.
e. Not direct water onto neighboring properties.
2. Carports, shed roof, or similar structures which are attached to a residence are additions to the principal structure and must meet all required side, front, and rear setbacks established by the zone. Additions require a building permit.
3. Shipping containers, semitrailers, boxcars, portable on-demand storage (PODS) or similar structures are not allowed in any residential zones other than for the temporary purposes of moving, construction and remodeling.
4. Swimming Pools or Tanks, Private. No swimming pool or tank shall be allowed in any R zone except as an accessory use and unless it complies with the following conditions and requirements:
a. The pool or tank is intended and is to be used solely for the enjoyment of the occupants and guests of the principal use of the property on which it is located.
b. It may not be located closer than five feet to any property line.
c. The swimming pool or tank shall be walled or fenced to at least six feet in height, to prevent uncontrolled access. [Ord. 12-21-2021A § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 08-17-2021B § 2 (Exh. A)].