ARC Guidelines – Outbuildings

Note: This is a draft transcription of the official ARC guidelines and may contain errors. 

An “outbuilding” is a structure which is not attached to the main structure and that is not covered by another section herein.

Location:

Outbuildings shall be located in the rear yard, behind the primary dwelling, so they are screened from public and private view to the maximum extent possible by land or permanent structures (such as the house, garage or wood fences). Outbuildings must be located in the rear yard and must be a minimum of five (5) feet from side fence lines and eight (8) feet from the rear fence line. Corner lots however must maintain a minimum of eight (8) feet from the side and rear fence line.

No outbuildings shall be approved for construction on easements, or may impede the drainage on the lot or cause water to flow to an adjacent lot. An outbuilding placed on a concrete slab over of a utility easement will not be considered portable and will require the written consent of the utility companies involved. If an outbuilding is not on the utility easement, but on a slab, and can be moved, the ARC will consider it as portable.

No outbuilding can be built up against any side or rear wall of a home unless its maximum height is less than six feet (6) and it is not visible above the fence. It must also comply with all the other requirements for proper construction, size and location. All structures must be maintained at all times.

Material:

The standard, type, quality and color of the materials used in the construction of an outbuilding must be harmonious with the standard, type, quality and color of the materials used in construction of the main residence. The roof must be peaked and have a minimum 4/12 roof pitch match and not exceed the pitch of the roof on the home. The structure must be constructed of composition shingles closely matching the existing shingle color on the home. Plastic and/or metal out-buildings shall not be permitted under any circumstances. Additional landscape screening may be required.

Dimension:

Outbuildings shall not exceed eight (8) feet six (6) inches in height when measured from the natural ground to roof peak (this includes any blocks or decking) and must not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet of floor space. Outbuildings must meet windstorm requirements of the city and county, and must be permitted, as required.