How much does a permit for an accessory structure cost?
An accessory structure building permit is subject to the following fees:
• $0.15 per square foot
• $50 Electrical Fee (if separate electrical service is requested)
• $60 Plumbing Fee (if applicable)
• $30 Final Inspection Fee
What are the zoning setback requirements for a new accessory structure?*
Agriculture District Setbacks
• Front yard: 50 feet
• Side yard†: 15 feet
• Rear yard: 15 feet
• From existing structures: 5 feet
“R-1” Through ”R-4” Single-Family Residential District Setbacks
• Front yard: May not be located in front yard setback area
• Side yard†: 5 feet
• Rear yard: 7.5 feet • From existing structures: 5 feet
*Any structure used for housing horses must be at least 100 feet from the nearest existing principal building on an adjacent lot or 50 feet from the nearest side lot line, whichever is greater.
†Any yard area abutting a public or private roadway is treated as a “front yard” and must adhere to the “front yard” setback requirement. In Single-Family ResidentialDistricts, an accessory structure may not be located in the required front yard setback area or in that portion of a side yard adjacent with the front yard requirements of contiguous lots.
May an accessory structure be located in the front yard?
Accessory buildings may not be located in the front yard, except on an Agricultural zoned tract of land two (2) acres or larger in size. In this case, an accessory building can be built in front of the home, or a new home may be located behind an existing accessory building. Please note that accessory buildings located in front of the home in Agriculture Districts must still meet the 50 foot setback from public and private roadways.
How large may I build an accessory structure?
In all Single-Family Residential Districts, the maximum floor area of the accessory structure shall be no greater than two (2) times the first-level floor area of the primary structure and must adhere to the maximum lot coverage standard. There is no size limit for accessory structures located in Agriculture Districts.
What is the maximum height an accessory building may be?
Building height is measured from the base elevation at the front of the structure to the peak roof height.
• 25 feet for Agriculture and Conservation Districts.
• 20 feet for Single-Family Residential Districts.
I am having a shed delivered and installed. Do I need a permit?
Any structure 200 square feet or larger in size requires a building permit and must comply with the general development regulations of the Zoning Ordinance. If the structure is under 200 square feet, then no permit is necessary, but you are still required to meet the accessory building setback requirements.
Do I need a building permit for an accessory structure that will be smaller than 200 square feet?
No, a building permit is not required when the accessory structure is smaller than 200 square feet. However, setback requirements must be met.
May I construct a metal accessory structure?
Metal accessory structures are permitted in all Districts. Please note that standing-seam or other professionally-installed metal roofs are permitted in all Agriculture and Single-Family Residential Districts. Accessory buildings under 200 square feet do not require a building permit and may be constructed of metal.
May I construct a carport?
Yes, carports are permitted and are subject to the same setback and building height requirements as all accessory structures. Metal carports are permitted in Agriculture Districts and “R-1” Single- Family Residential Districts. Metal carports are prohibited in all other Single- Family Residential Districts.
May I construct living quarters in an accessory structure?
No, by definition, this would constitute multi-family housing.
May I construct a full bathroom in an accessory structure?
Yes, however, the Building Inspector must approve the plans before the application is accepted. The property owner will also be required to sign an affidavit stating that the accessory structure will not be used for living quarters or commercial purposes.
May I run a separate electrical service to an accessory structure?
Yes, however, the Building Inspector must approve the plans before the application is accepted.
May I build my accessory structure before the dwelling?
In all zoning districts, a building permit may be issued for an accessory structure on a tract of ground with no dwelling but only when the applicant concurrently submits a building permit application for a dwelling on that same tract.
If my property is zoned Agriculture, may I build an accessory structure on my tract with no intentions of building a dwelling?
Yes, but only when the primary use of the property and the building is Agricultural; the applicant must demonstrate this by submitting a completed Agricultural Exemption form upon permit application.