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1. I would like to build a detached garage or shed. What zoning regulations apply?

The answer to this question will vary depending upon the zoning of your property and whether you wish to place the detached garage or shed (referred to as accessory buildings in the ordinance) behind or to the side of your home. For minimum setbacks, maximum heights and maximum rear yard building coverage, please refer to Section 7-6-202. Additional requirements and some exceptions are outlined in Section 7-6-203 and Section 7-6-204. Approval from utility companies is required for any accessory building that encroaches on a utility easement. The graphic accessible at this link illustrates a typical example.

2. I would like to add a patio cover to my house. What zoning regulations apply?

The answer to this question will vary depending upon the zoning of your property. For minimum setbacks, please refer to Section 7-6-202. An exception to the minimum setbacks is outlined in Section 7-6-204. Approval from utility companies is required for any patio cover that encroaches on a utility easement. The graphic accessible at this link illustrates a typical example.

3. I would like to add an attached garage to my house. What zoning regulations apply?

The answer to this question will vary depending upon the zoning of your property. For minimum setbacks and maximum heights, please refer to Section 7-6-202. Additional requirements and some exceptions are outlined in Section 7-6-203 and Section 7-6-204. Approval from utility companies is required for any attached garage that encroaches on a utility easement. The graphic accessible at this link illustrates a typical example.

4. Can I rent out my basement?

Assuming your home is zoned for a single unit dwelling, the answer to this question will vary depending upon the location of the property, how the basement will be used, and how it is designed. Single unit dwellings located west of 4000 West are allowed to have a basement apartment or an internal accessory dwelling unit, so long as specific requirements are met.  

For properties east of 4000 West, a homeowner may rent a portion of the home only if all of the following standards are met: 

• There is no more than one lease for any portion of the home.
• All persons residing in the home live together as a single housekeeping unit where all residents maintain free access to all living spaces within the home and all exits to and from the home. In other words, those persons living in the basement must have free access to the upstairs.
• There is no more than one door between a bedroom and any kitchen, living room, dining room or family room that is on the same floor as the bedroom.

5. Can I have an accessory dwelling unit or mother-in-law apartment in or detached from my home?

Detached accessory dwelling units are prohibited in the City. 

Single unit dwellings west of 4000 West are eligible to include one internal accessory dwelling unit, so long as specific requirements are met. 

Accessory dwelling units or mother-in-law apartments are not allowed on any property zoned for single unit dwellings east of 4000 West, which includes the RB zone, RE zone, all R-1 zones and all A zones. 

6. What are the requirements for home occupations or home-based businesses?

The requirements for home occupations or home-based businesses are found in Section 7-7-115 of the City’s Zoning Ordinance.

7. How tall can my fence be?

Regulations governing fence height are found in Section 7-2-114 and Section 7-2-109. The graphic accessible at this link illustrates these regulations.