How Yuma Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide
Yuma maintains 129 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Yuma falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
ADU Rules
Yuma allows one accessory dwelling unit behind a single-family home in residential zones, or two on lots of 10,000 square feet or larger, with one attached to the house and the other detached. Each unit must be at least 100 square feet and no bigger than half the primary home's floor area.
Key details: Units allowed: 1 per lot; 2 if lot is 10,000+ sq ft. Minimum unit size: 100 square feet. Maximum unit size: 50% of primary home's floor area. Carriage house height cap: 25 feet. Extra lot coverage allowed: +5%.
An accessory dwelling built or occupied outside these standards is a zoning violation under §154-999, a class 1 misdemeanor carrying a fine up to $1,000, up to ten days' imprisonment, or both, with each day of continued violation treated as a separate offense. A pre-existing unit that never files for legalization stays non-conforming indefinitely under §154-15.16(C)(9)(c).
Shed & Carport Rules
Yuma treats storage sheds as accessory structures under City Code § 154-15.15. Sheds up to 200 square feet and under nine feet tall need only a one-foot side and rear setback, while larger sheds must sit at least five feet from side and rear lines and ten feet behind the main house.
Key details: Small shed threshold: up to 200 sq ft, under 9 feet. Small shed side/rear setback: 1 foot (0 ft if drainage retained). Large shed setback: 5 ft side/rear, 10 ft behind house. Large shed height cap: 25 feet or house height, lesser. Fire clearance: 3 feet on two adjacent sides.
An oversized or improperly sited shed is a Chapter 154 zoning violation enforced under § 154-999: a class 1 misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1,000, up to ten days in jail, or both, and each day the structure remains out of compliance counted separately. A property owner may appeal a Zoning Administrator decision on the compatibility standard to the Hearing Officer under § 154-03.02(C), as referenced in § 154-15.15(G).
The Bottom Line
Yuma's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Yuma is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Yuma's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.