18.42.180 Personal Accessory Buildings, Special Exception

The planning commission may consider, as a Special Exception, personal use accessory buildings located on parcels of property without a main building or use. Such consideration shall require a public hearing as required for a conditional use and be subject to the following criteria: A. Such facilities may be located only on parcels ½ acre or larger. B. Any such facility may only be used for unoccupied personal use of the owner of the parcel. C. No such facility may be used for commercial purposes. If the use is changed to commercial use it must be specifically zoned and approved for such use by the city, following appropriate approval processes, prior to any such change. D. All such facilities must receive approval for the site layout and building design from the planning commission. Consideration of the City’s General Plan shall be included as well as Design Requirements. The commission will require such setbacks, building treatments and other factors deemed necessary to mitigate any impacts of such approval. E. Setback standards are subject to planning commission approval and must at least exceed the minimum requirements of the zone for main buildings while maintaining separation from any adjacent uses. Such standards must include evaluation of potential future use of the property and the general area in which located. Consideration of the City’s General Plan shall be included as well as Design Requirements. F. The size of such facilities shall meet the following: 1. The height, at the crown of the roof, shall not exceed 25 feet. 2. The maximum size shall not exceed 900 square feet. The commission may, in limited circumstances, allow a maximum size of up to 1500 square feet, subject to a demonstration by the property owner that such size would not cause undue impact to adjacent uses, not inhibit future uses of the property, and is consistent with other buildings and uses in the general area. The commission may require additional setbacks, building treatments and other factors to mitigate any impacts of such approval. G. Outside storage is not permitted on parcels with such facilities, with the exception of items that are kept in compliance with the city nuisance regulations including control of grasses and weeds and parking on appropriate areas and surfaces. H. Failure to abide by the terms of approval or any zoning or nuisance requirements of the city may result in revocation of the special exception and could require the removal of the building. Future changes in use of the property shall conform to the requirements established by the city and approvals at that time. Such approvals are not guaranteed to include the use of the personal accessory building as part of such new use. (Ord.2010-19, dated 9/28/10; Prior ordinances referenced Signs Lighting - Ord. 87-17.03 (part), 1987: prior code §34-14-17)