D. Common Zoning Related Topics
Accessory Dwelling Units
Definition: Accessory dwelling unit' means a second dwelling unit added to, created within, or detached from a single-family detached dwelling for use as a completely independent or semi-independent unit with provisions for cooking, eating, sanitation, and sleeping.

Purpose: Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are intended to increase the supply of affordable and independent housing for a variety of households, increase home and personal security, provide supplemental earnings for people with limited incomes, and increase residential densities. This should occur by utilizing the existing infrastructure and community resources throughout the County while protecting the existing character of single-family neighborhoods. See 18A.35.

Application: The owner occuppant shall apply for a Building Permit for an ADU. A complete application form must demonstrate that all size thresholds and design standards are met.

General Requirements: ADUs are only allowed accessory to existing single-family residential structures. Only one ADU is allowed per lot of record. ADUs within the Urban Growth Area may be no more than 1,000 square feet in size. ADUs outside the Urban Growth Area may be no more than 1,250 square feet in size. Other design requirements also apply to ADUs, please see 18A.35.080.

Allowed Uses
Uses allowed in each zone classification are listed by Use Type and Category in two tables within the zoning code. Table 18A.25.100 F. lists the allowed uses in the Urban zones, while Table 18A.25.150 E. lists the allowed uses in the Rural zones. A definition of the Use Types and Categories referenced in the tables is contained 18A.25.200 through 18A.25.280. Where a use is not listed as being permited in a zone, it is prohibited. To determine the zoning of a parcel you must know the parcel number or the site address. If you have this information, you can use the Public GIS application on-line or you can telephone the PALS Permit Information Hotline at (253)798-3739.

Building Setbacks
Definition: The minimum required distance between any structure and a specified line such as a lot, public or private right-of-way, easement, future street right-of-way as identified through an official control or buffer line that is required to remain free of structures unless otherwise provided herein.

Where specified: The required setbacks for each zone classification are specified in 18A.35.020 B.2.

Setback Standards: Setback measurement, setback designation, setback exceptions and other setback standards are specified in 18A.35.020 D.

Density
Definition: Density refers to the number of dwelling units allowed per acre. A minimum and maximum density are established for all Urban zones except Employment Centers. A maximum density is established for all Rural zones except Rural Centers.

Where Specified: Density requirements are specified in Table 18A.35.020 B.2.

Density Standards: See 18A.35.020.

Height Limitations
Definition: 'Structure height' means the vertical distance of a structure measured from the average elevation of the finished grade surrounding the structure to the highest point of the structure.

Restrictions: Structural Heights are restricted based upon zone classification. Height limitations are specified in Table 18A.35.020 B.2. Special height requirements apply to fences, retaining walls, and bulkheads. These special requirements are specified in 18A.35.020 F.6. and 7.

Home Occupations
Definition: 'Home occupation' means any business activity carried on within the principal residence or within a permitted accessory structure which does not have to meet fire and building code regulations for business or industrial occupancy

Where Allowed: Home occupations are allowed as an accessory use to all single-family residences subject to the standards specified in 18A.35.060.

Standards: See 18A.35.060.

Nonconforming Uses
Definition: A 'Nonconforming use of land' means a use which does not involve a structure and which was allowed when established but is not allowed in the current zone classification in which it is located. A 'Nonconforming use of a structure' means a use which is conducted at least partially within a structure and which was allowed when established but is not allowed in the current zone classification in which it is located.

Standards: See 18A.35.130.

Variances
Definition: 'Variance' means an adjustment to the development standards of the zoning regulation, that does not apply to use or required density, that is reviewed and approved, modified, or denied by the Examiner after at least one public hearing. Variances are typically used to request reductions in setbacks, increase in height, and other deviations from bulk standards.

Applications: An application must be submitted for all Variance requests. See permits for more information.

Review Criteria: In order for a Variance to be approved, it must meet the criteria specified in 18A.75.040.