An issue that crept into the zoning arena this summer was that of accessory structure height. There were some parties that wanted to build larger structures with roofs that matched that of the home but the rules provided for a lower height than what was allowed. There were a few issues that needed to be addressed to deal with this issue.
The first dealt with the code not having a definition for accessory structure height. There was a definition for building height but all references to accessory structure height did not deal with that definition. On the surface building height for accessory structures was held to 15 feet at the highest point of the structure. Another approach was needed.
Using the building height, as the standard, was considered but the definition was almost impossible to understand. After one Planning Commission member drew a picture of what it stated, the light bulb came on, but definitions shouldn’t be that complicated. A new definition was needed that was less complicated and a picture in the code would be helpful.
With current forms of building and larger accessory structures, steeper roofs for accessory structures were requested to match that the principle structure. The code didn’t provide for this so with a new definition some additional height could be accomplished. The definition basically used the average of the roof portion of the building to determine building height, rather than the peak. This still didn’t meet needs however.
The sticking point was there are some areas that have one story principle structures with flatter roofs. Allowing a taller accessory building in these areas would look out of place. A solution was found to allow up to a 20 foot tall accessory structure but if the principle structure was less than 15 feet tall the maximum accessory structure height could be only 15 feet.
Although this took some time and effort to work through I believe we found a satisfactory solution to the needs of homeowners who wish to building an accessory structure that more closely meets their needs.
