Legal Definitions - accessory building

An accessory building is a structure located on the same property as a primary building, whose use is secondary and incidental to the main building's purpose. It supports the main building's function but is not the primary structure itself. These buildings are typically smaller than the main building and are designed to complement its use rather than serving as an independent principal use.

• Example 1: Imagine a residential property with a main house. On the same lot, there is a separate, detached garage. This garage is used solely for parking vehicles and storing household items belonging to the residents of the main house.

  Explanation: The detached garage is an accessory building because its primary function (vehicle storage) is subordinate and incidental to the main use of the property, which is residential living in the house. It supports the main dwelling but is not the dwelling itself.

• Example 2: Consider a small business operating out of a main office building. Next to the office, there is a smaller, separate shed used to store extra office supplies, archived documents, and maintenance equipment for the property.

  Explanation: The storage shed is an accessory building because its purpose (storing supplies and equipment) directly supports the operations of the main office building. It is not where the primary business activities occur, but it facilitates them.

• Example 3: A large estate features a main residence and a separate, smaller pool house located near the swimming pool. The pool house contains changing rooms, a small bathroom, and storage for pool chemicals and equipment, but it is not used for overnight accommodation.

  Explanation: The pool house serves as an accessory building because its function (providing amenities and storage related to the pool) is secondary and complementary to the main residential use of the property. It enhances the enjoyment of the main residence without being a primary dwelling itself.