Grass Valley Accessory Structure and Storage Shed Guidelines

In the City of Grass Valley, a single portable residential accessory structure, such as a pre-manufactured storage shed, is exempt from planning permit requirements provided it is also exempt from building permit requirements. The specific size threshold for building permit exemptions is determined by the City of Grass Valley Municipal Code and the Uniform Building Code (UBC), rather than the Development Code itself [Section 17.20.040].

Permit Exemptions for Accessory Structures

Under the City of Grass Valley Development Code, certain activities and structures are exempt from the requirement to obtain a planning permit. For storage sheds and similar accessory structures in residential zones, the following rules apply:

Building Permit Coordination: A structure is only exempt from planning permit requirements if any other necessary permits, such as a building permit, are obtained or if the structure is specifically exempt from building permit requirements under the City of Grass Valley Municipal Code and the Uniform Building Code [Section 17.20.040.A-B].
Quantity Limit: Only one small, portable residential accessory structure per lot or unit is eligible for these exemptions [Section 17.20.040.B.5].
Prohibited Uses: These exemptions do not apply if the structure changes the approved land use of the site or is used for a purpose not permitted in the applicable zone [Section 17.20.040.B.4].

Development Standards for Accessory Structures

Even when a structure is exempt from a planning permit, it must still comply with the general development standards of the City of Grass Valley, including height limits, setbacks, and site coverage requirements [Section 17.20.040.A].

Size and Height Limitations

The City of Grass Valley imposes strict limits on the size and height of accessory structures to maintain the character of residential neighborhoods.

Feature	Standard Requirement
Maximum Height	15 feet (except for detached garages) [Section 17.44.020.E.2]
Aggregate Coverage	Maximum 500 square feet within required side and rear setbacks [Section 17.44.020.F.3]
Traditional Community Zones	Specific height limits established by the applicable zone [Section 17.44.020.E.2]

Location and Setback Requirements

Accessory structures in the City of Grass Valley must be placed in a manner that does not interfere with the primary use of the lot or the privacy of neighbors.

Setback Type	Requirement
Front Setback	Prohibited; accessory structures shall not be located in a required front setback [Section 17.44.020.E.1.a]
Side Setback	Minimum 5 feet [Section 17.44.020.E.1.b]
Rear Setback	Minimum 5 feet [Section 17.44.020.E.1.b]
Separation	Minimum 5 feet from other accessory structures or the primary dwelling [Section 17.44.020.E.1.c]

Specific Zoning and Use Exceptions

Traditional Community Development Zones: In these areas, the height of an accessory structure may only exceed the standard limits if authorized through a Minor Use Permit [Section 17.44.020.E.2].
Double-Frontage Lots: An accessory structure cannot occupy the front half of the lot or the front one-fourth of a double-frontage lot [Section 17.44.020.E.1.d].
Timing of Construction: In the City of Grass Valley, an accessory structure may only be constructed concurrently with or after the construction of the primary structure on the same site [Section 17.44.020.C].

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