Minor Accessory Structures
May 17, 2022
Zoning Text Amendment
No. 22-001
Request
Zoning Text Amendment No. 22-001:
To amend Chapter 203 (Definitions) and
Chapter 230 (Site Standards) of the Huntington
Beach Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance
relating to minor accessory structures
Background
Code Enforcement Cases:
31 active cases – storage sheds next to property lines, from 7 ft. to 15 ft. in height
Current Zoning Code:
Minor Accessory Structures – up to 64 sq. ft. in floor area, 80 sq. ft. in roof area, 6 ft. in height to be located in required side and rear yard setbacks
Single-Family Residential Zone – accessory structures that exceed these limits not allowed in required 15 ft. front, 5 ft. side, 10 ft. street side, and 5 ft. rear setbacks Background
Municipal Code:
No building permits required – detached accessory
structures if they do not exceed 120 sq. ft. in floor area and comply with height and setback requirements of
Zoning Code
Storage Sheds Available for Sale :
Best selling storage sheds - up to 120 sq. ft. and 8 ft. in height
Analysis
Proposed code amendment:
To allow minor accessory structures (e.g. storage sheds) up to 120 sq. ft. in floor area
up to 10 ft. in height
located next to side and rear property lines without
required setbacks
1. if located in the rear two-thirds of the lot
2. maintain a 5 ft. clearance between the structure
and house if located in a required side yard
2-ft. high screening above the 6 ft. high wall/fence for minor accessory structures above 8 ft. high
Analysis
Proposed changes:
120 sq. ft. in size – aligns with the Municipal Code
exemption for building permits
8 ft. in height – based on the best-selling storage sheds available at home improvement retailers
allow structures bigger than current standards while
maintaining compatibility; structures 4 ft. taller than typical 6 ft. high property line wall or fence
provide property owners with more flexibility to have minor accessory structures in their backyard without
being subject to side and rear setbacks
Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of ZTA:
Consistent with the general land uses and policy of the General Plan
Provides property owners with more flexibility to have accessory structures in their backyards
Allow property owners more enjoyment of their
property while maintaining compatibility with nearby
properties