Summary
This brochure provides a summary of the standards and permit requirements for accessory structures, both habitable and nonhabitable. An accessory structure is one that is not connected by a roof or wall assembly to a primary dwelling or structure. For information on Accessory Dwelling Units, see the brochures by that name.
Accessory Structures – Size, Height, Location, Number
| |
Non-habitable |
Habitable |
| Size |
Within the USL/RSL: 640 square feet
Outside the USL/RSL: 1,000 square feet
Permit to exceed size: Administrative Site
Development Permit (Public Notice) |
Within the USL/RSL: 640 square feet
Outside the USL/RSL: 1,000 square feet
Permit to exceed size: Administrative Site Development Permit (Public Notice) |
| Height |
Within the urban and rural services lines (USL/RSL): Detached garage: 16’
Attached garage: Zone district standard (usually 28’)
All other accessory structures: 13’
Outside the USL/RSL:
Zone district height standard
Permit to exceed height: Variance (Public Hearing) |
Within the USL/RSL:
13’
Outside the USL/RSL:
Zone district height standard
Permit to exceed height: Variance (Public Hearing) |
| Number of Accessory Structures, based on fixtures installed; permits required |
Utility sink, non-enclosed shower: Unlimited
Toilet, lavatory sink:
Parcel less than 10 acres: One
Parcel more than 10 acres: Two (whether both are nonhabitable or one is nonhabitable and one habitable)
Indoor Shower: Pool cabana only |
Utility sink, non-enclosed shower:
One: Building permit only
Two: Public hearing, Zoning Administrator
Three or more: Public hearing, Planning Commission
Lavatory or shower (pick one), plus toilet:
Parcel less than 10 acres: One HAS
Parcel more than 10 acres: Two (ZA, Pub. Hearing) |
| Bedroom fees |
Not charged |
First: Not charged
Second, third, etc.: Charged |
|
Small shed up to 120 sq.ft., 10’ high
|
No building permit required for structure
Permit required for plumbing or electrical |
Building permit required |
| Locational |
Min. separation: 3’ from any other structure |
Min. separation: 3’ from any other structure
Max separation: 100 feet from the main residence.
If slope greater than 30% or separate driveway access, administrative site development permit required unless otherwise permitted by CDI Director |
| Parking |
No parking requirement |
First structure: No parking requirement
Second, third, etc.: Parking requirement the same as for added bedrooms |
| Insulation, sheetrock, paneling |
Allowed |
Insulation and sheetrock required |
| Built-in heating / cooling |
Not allowed |
Heating: Required
Cooling: Allowed |
| Washer / dryer / water heater |
Allowed |
Allowed |
| Electrical service |
100 A / 220 V single phase unless Administrative Use Permit obtained |
100 A / 220 V single phase unless Administrative Use Permit obtained |
| Separate electric meter |
Not allowed unless Administrative Use Permit obtained |
Not allowed unless Administrative Use Permit obtained |
| Rent as sleeping room |
Not allowed |
Allowed if access to kitchen in primary dwelling |
| Kitchen |
Not allowed |
Not allowed |
Definitions of Accessory Structures
Habitable accessory structure: a detached structure with built-in heating, located on the site of a primary dwelling unit or primary nonresidential use.
Non-habitable accessory structure: a detached structure, with no built-in heating or cooling, located on the site of a primary dwelling unit or primary nonresidential use.
Greenhouses
Greenhouses of up to 1,000 square feet are permitted in all residential districts with just a building permit. Greenhouses greater than 1,000 square feet are potentially allowable in the RA, SU and RR zone districts with a Minor Use Permit, but are not allowed in any other residential districts. Unlike other accessory structures, greenhouses are not subject to the standards set forth in this brochure (§ 13.10.611). Rather, they are subject to the residential site and structural standards described in County Code § 13.10.323(C). Cannabis cultivation is restricted by zone district. Check with Cannabis Licensing Office for licensing information and application process (http://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/CannabisLicensingOffice.aspx ).
Agricultural structures
The standards set forth in this brochure apply to accessory structures on parcels zoned for agriculture (A) or commercial agriculture (CA) when the structures are used for residential purposes such as parking personal vehicles, residential storage or garden sheds. For information on accessory structures used for agricultural purposes, please see Santa Cruz County Code sections 13.10.312, 13.10.313 and additional code sections referenced by these sections.