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1. What is the definition of an accessory building?

Section 202 of the Zoning Ordinance defines an accessory building as: “A building or manufactured/mobile home which is subordinate to and the use of which is incidental to that of the principal building or use on the same lot."

2. What determines if a building is an accessory?

The first criteria is that a lot must have a permitted primary use established (usually a dwelling unit). Next, the proposed accessory building must be clearly incidental to the established primary use (e.g. detached garage, home workshop, etc.).

3. Where should an accessory building be located on a property?

On any lot, an accessory building can be located at any location that the primary building can be located. In addition to the regular location standards, detached accessory buildings are permitted to be constructed/placed at a minimum 3 foot setback in any location other than the required front yard. Accessory buildings cannot occupy more than 30 percent of the required rear yard or side yard. Finally, if the detached accessory building is a garage entering an alley, it must be a minimum of 10 feet from the alley line.

4. How do I get electricity during construction of my home/business?

At the time a building permit is being obtained, construction power must be requested. If construction surpasses the rough topout state, construction power will not be issued. Temporary construction power may be secured for a residence at the time of permit application for the residence by mentioning to the building safety counter person that temporary construction power is needed.

Once the building permit for the residence is issued, should the applicant need construction power, a “field change” may be issued by the building inspector. In either case, the applicant will receive instruction on setting up a temporary construction service and will be given the appropriate forms to fill out and sign. Temporary construction power for a business is left up to the discretion of the building inspector, since he or she will be more familiar with the project.