Lakewood, WA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)
Garage conversion rules in Lakewood, WA, sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions, govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Key Facts
- Eligible structures
- Legally built accessory buildings pre-dating ADU ordinance
- Governing section
- LMC 18A.40.110(B)(1)(j)
- Unpermitted conversions
- Require City building inspection, (B)(1)(k)
- Size limit after conversion
- 1,200 sq ft, excluding garage
- Penalty for violation
- Up to $500/day, LMC 1.44.040
Summary
Lakewood, Washington lets a homeowner convert an existing, legally built detached garage or accessory building into an accessory dwelling unit under LMC 18A.40.110(B)(1)(j). The converted unit must still meet the same ADU size, setback and parking standards, and any past unpermitted work triggers a mandatory building inspection.
1. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are permitted when added to, created within, or detached from a principal dwelling unit subject to the following restrictions: ... j. ... Any legally constructed accessory building existing prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section may be converted to an accessory dwelling unit. k. If a structure containing an ADU was created without a building permit that was finalized, the City shall require a building inspection to determine if the structure is sound, will not pose a hazard to people or property, and meets the requirements of this section and building code. The ADU application fee will cover the building inspection of the ADU.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 852, passed June 15, 2026).
Full Breakdown
110(B)(1)(j) allows any accessory building that was legally constructed before the ADU ordinance's effective date to be converted into an accessory dwelling unit, so a detached garage already standing on the lot qualifies without needing new siting approval. Once converted, the unit still counts toward the two-ADU-per-lot cap in subsection (a) and must meet the same setback, lot coverage, height, and 1,200-square-foot size limit (excluding garage) that apply to any other detached ADU under subsections (d) and (e). 110(B)(1)(k) requires the City to inspect the structure before it can be recognized as a legal ADU, confirming it is structurally sound, poses no hazard, and meets both this section and the building code.
The city applies the ADU application fee toward covering that inspection, so the owner is not billed separately for it. A converted ADU must still meet Title 15's minimum size and construction standards, and if it is attached to or visible from the primary residence, its facade, roof pitch and siding should read as complementary to the main house.
Violations & Fines
Occupying a converted garage as a dwelling before it passes the required inspection, or without ever finalizing the building permit, is treated as an unpermitted structure and code violation. LMC 1.44.040's general civil penalty of up to $500.00 per day applies absent a more specific fine, and the City Manager or designee may first issue a notice of violation or stop-work order under Chapter 1.44 LMC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert my existing garage into an ADU in Lakewood?
What if my garage was already converted without a permit?
Does a converted garage count toward my ADU limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
Compare Lakewood to another location·View the Washington accessory structures overview
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Garage Conversions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle garage conversions.