HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-mail Attachment - 17_070_010_Accessory_StructuresCITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
March 2019 Title 17 – ZONING REGULATIONS
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Chapter 17.70. Site Development and General Development Standards
Sections:
17.70.010 – Accessory Structures
17.70.020 – Reserved
17.70.030 – Creek Setbacks
17.70.040 – Density
17.70.050 – Edge Conditions
17.70.060 – FAR Measurement and Exceptions
17.70.070 – Fences, Walls, and Hedges
17.70.080 – Height Measurement and Exceptions
17.70.090 – Hillside Development Standards
17.70.100 – Lighting and Night Sky Preservation
17.70.110 – Lot Area
17.70.120 – Lot Coverage
17.70.130 – Mixed-Use Development
17.70.140 – Public Art Requirements for Private Development
17.70.150 – Rooftop Uses
17.70.160 – Satellite Dish Antenna
17.70.170 – Setbacks
17.70.180 – Showers, Lockers, and Changing Rooms
17.70.190 – Pools and Pool Equipment – Location
17.70.200 – Trash Enclosure Standards
17.70.210 – Vision Clearance Triangle At Intersection
17.70.220 – Water-Efficient Landscape Standards
17.70.010 – Accessory Structures
A.Purpose.
1.Regulations on accessory structures are established to provide a distinction between nonhabitable accessory
structures (e.g., garage, storage shed, shop building) and accessory living spaces (e.g., secondary dwelling
units, guest quarters, office, pool house, etc.). These regulations establish standards which prevent the
conversion of accessory structures into unpermitted living space to ensure that such s tructures are not used
as separate dwelling units.
2.Unpermitted conversion of accessory structures is detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare of the
community.
B.Applicability.
1.Application. This Section shall apply to:
a.New Structures. All new structures, as defined in the Building Code, located on the same site as the
primary structure or use to which it is accessory, including, but not limited to, garages, carports, porte-
cocheres, sheds, workshops, gazebos, greenhouses, cabanas, trellises, play structures, aviaries,
covered patios, etc.
b.Decks and Patios. Decks and patios that are 30 inches above the ground elevation, excluding
aboveground pools.
2.Exclusion. This Section shall not apply to legally established dwellings, accessory dwelling units as defined
in Section 17.156.004 (A Definitions), and guest quarters as defined in Section 17.158.018 (G Definitions).
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
March 2019 Title 17 – ZONING REGULATIONS
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Accessory structures that include habitable space, as defined by the California Building Code, shall be
regulated by Section 17.86.020 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Guest Quarters).
C.Development Standards.
1.General Development Standards. Accessory structures shall conform to all applicable Zoning Regulations
such as height, yards, parking, building coverage, etc.
2.Incidental Use. The use of an accessory structure is incidental, and subordinate to the use of the principle
structure, or to the principle land use of the site.
3.Form. Accessory structures may consist of detached structures or additions to primary structures.
4.No Bathing Facilities. No bathing facilities (e.g., shower, bathtub) may be installed. Plans submitted for a
building permit may not include spaces within a bathroom designed for the later addition of bathing facilities.
5.Limit on Total Number in Residential Zones. In residential zones, no more than three accessory structures
shall be permitted per lot, only one of which may include a habitable accessory structure such as an accessory
dwelling unit or guest quarters.
D.Process Requirements.
1.Building Permit. Development of an accessory structure shall require approval of a building permit from the
City’s Building Division.
2.Design Review. Plans submitted for a building permit shall be reviewed for consistency with the City’s
Community Design Guidelines and general development requirements of the Zoning Regulations.
3.Owners Agreement with the City. Prior to the issuance of construction permits, a covenant agreement shall
be recorded that discloses the structure’s approved floor plan and status as an “accessory structure” which
cannot contain living space, including bathing facilities or a kitchen. This agreement shall be recorded in the
office of the County Recorder to provide constructive notice to all future owners of the property. The covenant
agreement also may contain authorization for annual inspections, and to allow the City upon reasonable time
and notice to inspect the premises for compliance with the agreement and to verify continued compliance with
requirements of this Section and Health and Safety Codes.
17.70.030 – Creek Setbacks
A.Purpose. Creek setbacks are intended to:
1.Protect scenic resources, water quality, and natural creekside habitat, including opportunities for wildlife
habitation, rest, and movement;
2.Further the restoration of damaged or degraded habitat, especially where a continuous riparian habitat
corridor can be established;
3.Allow for natural changes that may occur within the creek corridor;
4.Help avoid damage to development from erosion and flooding; and
5.Enable implementation of adopted City plans.
B.Waterways Subject to Setbacks. Creek setback requirements shall apply to all creeks as defined in the General
Plan Open Space Element and shown on that element’s creek map, and only to those creeks.
C.Measurement of Creek Setbacks. Creek setbacks shall be measured from the existing top of bank (or the future
top of bank resulting from a creek alteration reflected in a plan approved by the City), or from the edge of the