Chapter 18.32 — ACCESSORY STRUCTURES

§ 18.32.010. Purpose and Applicability. ¶

A. Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to provide regulations for structures that are not main structures and in which the principal use of the land does not take place.
B. Applicability. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all accessory structures. However for accessory dwelling unit regulations and standards see Article 4 (Standards for Specific Land Uses), Chapter 18.62 (Accessory Dwelling Units).
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)

§ 18.32.020. Permit Requirements. ¶

Accessory structures are permitted in any zone where a main structure on the parcel already exists. Accessory structures in any commercial or industrial zone shall be built subject to the same restrictions that apply to the main structure on the parcel. (Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)

§ 18.32.030. Development Standards. ¶

A. Agricultural Accessory Structures. Accessory structures are permitted in agricultural zones only when they comply with the following regulations:
1. Accessory structures shall be considered part of the main structure if connected by a common wall of not less than five feet in length, or if not more than 20 feet from the main structure and connected by a roof of not less than five feet in width.
2. Animal corrals, pens, shade structures, and other similar structures shall be a minimum of 20 feet from the main structure.
3. Temporary storage and moving containers (e.g., PODS) are permitted and shall comply with the designated setbacks for the zone in which the parcel is located.
4. Cargo containers used as accessory structures require the approval of an administrative permit in all agricultural zones.
  - a. Development Standards.
    - (1) Cargo containers shall not be used for human occupancy.
    - (2) Signs shall not be mounted or attached onto cargo containers.
    - (3) Cargo containers, where permitted, shall not be stacked.
    - (4) Except for temporary cargo containers for storage, moving, or in conjunction with an authorized construction project, cargo containers shall be painted a uniform earthen hue color (e.g., beige, tan, brown).
  - b. Exceptions. Cargo containers used as a temporary office on a construction site require the approval of a temporary use permit and are required to be removed when construction concludes on the project.
B. Slabs, Decks, and Platforms. In residential zones, slabs not exceeding 30 inches or more above the ground may be built up to property lines, decks, and platforms shall be located at least three feet from any rear or side property lines. Decks exceeding 30 inches or more above the ground, or which have vertical components or fixed seats above the finished surface within five feet of the main structure, shall be considered part of the main structure and shall adhere to the setback requirements specified in Article 2 (Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards).
C. Residential Zones, Nonexempt Structures. Accessory structures are permitted in residential zones only when they comply with the following regulations:
1. No accessory structure shall exceed 600 square feet on a parcel less than one-quarter acre.
2. Setbacks.
  - a. Rear Setback. The minimum rear setback shall be five feet.
  - b. Side Setback. If the parcel is an interior parcel, the minimum setback shall be five feet.
  - c. Accessory structures shall conform to all other setback requirements for the specific zone in which the parcel is located, see Section 18.12.030 (Residential Zone Development Standards).

No accessory structure shall encroach into the required front setback or the required side setback area on the street side of a corner parcel. Landscape amenities (i.e., arbors, trellises, and pergolas) shall conform with the accessory structure height requirements in Section 18.12.030 (Residential Zone Development Standards). Accessory structures located within the front one-half of the parcel shall be constructed of materials, colors, and architectural design consistent with the main structure.
1. Accessory structures shall be limited to 15 feet in height. The accessory structure shall not exceed the height of the primary structure. An accessory structure over 15 feet in height may be approved by the director through an administrative permit.
2. Temporary storage and moving containers (e.g., PODS) are permitted within the front setback of a residential property for a period not exceeding two weeks. Temporary storage and moving containers require the approval of a building permit.
3. Cargo containers used as accessory structures are prohibited in all residential zones, except for the R-R zone. Cargo containers require the approval of a conditional use permit in the R- R zone.
  - a. Development Standards.
    - (1) Cargo containers shall not be used for human occupancy.
    - (2) Signs shall not be mounted or attached onto cargo containers.
    - (3) Cargo containers, where permitted, shall not be stacked.
    - (4) Except for temporary cargo containers for storage, moving, or in conjunction with an authorized construction project, cargo containers shall be painted a uniform earthen hue color (e.g., beige, tan, brown).
  - b. Exceptions. Cargo containers used as a temporary office on a residential construction site require the approval of a temporary use permit and are required to be removed when construction concludes on the project.
4. Accessory structures shall be considered part of the main structure if connected by a common wall of not less than five feet in length, or if not more than 20 feet from the main structure and connected by a roof of not less than five feet in width.
5. No more than two accessory structures are permitted on any one parcel.
6. Accessory structures shall not occupy more than 15% of the rear yard; nor shall accessory structures plus the main structures on any site occupy more than the maximum parcel coverage as specified for the zone in which the parcel is located. Any single accessory structure, except for those in the RR Zone, exceeding 600 square feet in size shall be constructed of the same materials, colors, and architectural style as the main structure.
7. Freestanding membrane-covered accessory structures, including rigid, framed, canvascovered carports and cabanas, may be allowed, provided they meet all requirements for accessory structures, as well as the following added restrictions:
- a. A membrane accessory structure shall not be constructed within the front one-half of the parcel on which it is located or within the required side setback on the street side of a corner parcel.

b. The membrane roof or side coverings shall have all edges fastened and restrained with sufficient tension to prevent movement or flapping of the membrane material in winds, up to the design standard for wind in Merced County.
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- c. Structural supports shall not encroach into any required setback. 
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D. Commercial and Industrial Accessory Structures.
1. All accessory structures in commercial and industrial zones shall conform to all applicable main structure development standards.
2. One caretaker unit is allowed for the principal use on the property.
3. Cargo containers used as accessory structures require the approval of an administrative permit in all commercial and industrial zones.
  - a. Development Standards.
    - (1) Cargo containers shall not be used for full-time human occupancy.
    - (2) Signs shall not be mounted or attached onto cargo containers.
    - (3) Cargo containers, where permitted, shall not be stacked.
    - (4) Except for temporary cargo containers for storage, moving, or in conjunction with an authorized construction project, cargo containers shall be painted a uniform earthen hue color (e.g., beige, tan, brown).
  - b. Exceptions. Up to two cargo containers are allowed as temporary offices on a construction site and require the approval of a temporary use permit. The cargo container(s) shall be removed immediately upon completion of the construction project, or the expiration of the companion building permit, authorizing the construction of the project, whichever first occurs.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019; Ord. 2039, 5/21/2024)