(1) The accessory structure’s use shall not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of the surrounding properties.

(2) Accessory buildings must adhere to district use ordinance regulations. No accessory structure may have a larger square footage than 35 percent of the undeveloped yard or greater than 75 percent of the primary structure’s footprint within the lot; the size limit will be whichever is less of the two.

(3) No accessory building structure shall be used as a year-round residence. If this is the intended or actual purpose then the definition and requirements change to that of a primary structure and are governed by its ordinances.

(4) A building permit is required for construction per IGCC 2.60.060.

(5) The design and construction shall at a minimum meet the requirements noted below in IGCC 17.55.030. It is the responsibility of the designer or builder to meet and/or exceed these minimums. If they are not adequate for the purpose, the city assumes no liability. It is recommended that the state of Iowa Residential Building Code be followed in the design and construction.

(6) If over 150 square feet, this type of structure must meet minimum setbacks of seven feet for single level structures and eight feet for two levels from side and rear yard lot lines, with the exception for a single level accessory structure that is located next to an alley then it may be five feet from that lot line.

(7) The accessory structure must be located at a minimum of six feet from another accessory structure and eight feet from the primary structure.

(8) The accessory structure may be attached to the primary structure by a breezeway or roof structure. If attached it must be a permanent attachment and of the same construction type. Additionally, the builder or owner is cautioned if this connecting structure is enclosed with walls then the definition and requirements change to that of a primary structure.

(9) The height of the accessory structure shall not be over 35 feet or have more than one-fifth of its roof visible above the height of the primary structure from the street in which the primary structure is numbered or addressed.

(10) When the structure is to be 450 square feet or over in its footprint then it is required to be engineered and have professional plans such as from an architect. If the structure will be less than 450 square feet with truss spans 24 feet or under, no professional plans are required.

(11) If multiple adjoining lots are owned by a common owner, and there is a primary structure on one lot, an accessory building may be constructed and used on the adjoining commonly owned lot(s). At a later date, if the lots are no longer owned by the same owner, so that the prior sentence no longer applies, accessory building may no longer be used. “Adjoining lots” are defined as lots that are physically touching. Lots are not adjoining if they are separated by a street or an alley. [Ord. 575 § 1, 2019; Ord. 562 § 2, 2019.]