BUILDING PERMITS & INSPECTIONS 

ACCESSORY STRUCTURES

A permit is required for installation of your accessory structure. Examples of accessory structures are storage buildings of 200 square feet or more, swimming pools of more than 24 inches in depth, and detached garages. Proper placement on your property is a must. To avoid undue expense and inconvenience, please check with our office.Below, you will find a guide to basic city processes required.

REQUIRMENTS

An accessory structure shall be:

    • A minimum distance of 10 feet from the principal building.
    • A minimum distance of 25 feet from a side lot line that is adjacent to a street.
    • A minimum distance of 5 feet from the side lot line and 7 and a half feet from the rear lot line.
    • A minimum distance of 60 feet from the front lot line.

Any attached accessory building or structure shall be considered as a part of the principal building.

The maximum heights of any accessory buildings shall not exceed the height of the principal building or 25 feet, whichever is less. Other accessory structures shall not exceed 25 feet in height.

The number of accessory buildings or structures shall not exceed 2 per lot except by Special Use Permit (PDF).

Find information on Occupancy, Signage, Yard Sale, and Building permits.

CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS

All public improvements proposed to be made under the provisions of this Code shall be inspected during the course of construction by the City’s duly designated representative. The subdivider shall inform the Administrative Official prior to the construction of, and upon completion of, each phase of construction of said public improvement(s).

All fees and costs connected with such inspections and tests, and in reviewing the plans and specifications for such improvement shall be paid by the subdivider at a rate to be determined by the City Engineer and as approved by the City Council.

FENCE GUIDELINES

Though no permit is required for fencing, there are some rules that do apply. Please check with our office before installing your fence. Fences and walls may be located within the front, rear, and side yard setback areas.

Fencing Rules

  • Fences and walls shall not exceed 8 feet in height above grade within the side and rear yards or 4 feet in height above grade in a required front yard on residential zoned property.
  • Where lots have reverse frontage on a public street or alley, fences and walls may have a height of 8 feet or less along the rear property line.
  • Corner lots which have rear yards back-to-back may have fences and walls of 8 feet or less within the side yard abutting a street.
  • When a side entry garage exists or rear yard abuts side yard, then fences or walls may not exceed a height of 4 feet in height within the required side yard abutting a street.
  • A fence required for safety and protection from hazard or nuisance may be exempt from the height limitations of this subsection. Approval to exceed maximum height limitations requires Area or Bulk Variance as determined by the Zoning Board of Appeals.

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