§ 4.3 Accessory and Temporary Uses and Structures.
The standards of this section apply to all accessory and temporary uses and structures unless otherwise expressly stated.
A. Purpose. This section regulates uses and structures that are incidental to principal uses and buildings to prevent them from becoming the predominant element of the site. The standards provide for necessary access around structures, help maintain privacy to abutting lots, and maintain open front setbacks.
B. General Standards.
1. Subordinate to Principal Use. Accessory uses and structures must be subordinate to the principal use and structure on the subject lot in terms of area, extent and purpose.
2. Time of Establishment and Removal. Accessory structures must be constructed in conjunction with or after the principal building. They may not be built prior to the construction of the principal structure. No accessory use or structure may continue in use or operation after the principal primary structure or principal to which it is accessory has been removed or ceased operation, unless the accessory use is also listed as a permitted use in the zone district.
3. Compliance with District Standards. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the setback, height, and building coverage standards of the underlying district apply to both principal and accessory structures.
C. Building Coverage.
1. The combined footprint of all detached covered accessory buildings may not exceed 20% of the total area of the lot, unless a larger lot coverage is specifically permitted by another provision of this Ordinance.
2. A detached accessory building may not have a larger building footprint than the building footprint of the principal structure.
D. Location in Required Setbacks.
1. Accessory structures not more than 16 feet in height may be located in required rear setbacks if they do not occupy more than 33% of the actual rear yard area and are located at least three feet from any lot line. Preexisting, detached, conforming accessory structures located in rear yards shall not become nonconforming if the primary structure on the site is expanded causing any portion of the accessory structure to be in the side yard.
2. Trellises that provide entry into a property may be located in required front yard setbacks if they are no more than eight feet tall, eight feet wide, and eight feet deep, are not located in the public right-of-way, do not obscure or block vehicular traffic lines of sight, do not impede or block pedestrian circulation, and do not hinder access to the property by emergency services and equipment. One such trellis is allowed per pedestrian entrance into a property. When required by the Building Official, a building permit shall be obtained prior to the erection of a trellis.
3. Mechanical structures, such as heat pumps, air conditioners, emergency generators, and water pumps are not allowed in required front setbacks, but may be located in rear or side setbacks if located at least three feet from rear and side lot lines.
4. No ornamental or other lawn feature, including but not limited to statues, figurines, decorations, art objects, animal shelters, containers, or other similar items, over 2 1/2 feet in height shall be installed or maintained within 25 feet of any public street, or within any triangular area defined by the following three types of points:
a) Point 1: The point of intersection of intersection of any public street with (i) any other public street, or (ii) any railroad right-of-way with an at-grade crossing, or (iii) any private driveway (other than a driveway for a single- or two-family residential structure);
b) Point 2: A point along the side right-of-way line of the first public street located 25 feet away from the point of intersection; and
c) Point 3: A point along the side line of second public street, or the railroad right-of-way, or the private driveway, located 25 feet away from the point of intersection.
E. Height of Accessory Buildings. Unless otherwise expressly stated, no accessory building in a residential district may exceed 16 feet in height. In a nonresidential district, no accessory building may exceed the height of the principal building on the same lot.
F. Setbacks. Unless otherwise expressly stated, accessory structures may not be located in the front yard. Detached garages and carports can be located in front yards but not in required front yard setbacks.
Development requirements. All accessory structures will meet the following standards, unless otherwise noted.
(1) Front yard. Accessory structures are not permitted in the front yard unless otherwise noted.
(2) Corner side yard. Accessory structures cannot be located closer to the corner-side property line than a principal structure.
(3) Setback. Accessory structures shall be set back three feet from side and rear property lines.
(4) Height. Accessory structures shall not exceed the height of the principal structure.
(5) Lot coverage. Accessory structures count toward a lot's impervious coverage. Placement of an accessory structure cannot make a lot exceed its impervious coverage requirement.