Bellevue, WA Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Bellevue City Code LUC 20.20.125 governs detached accessory structures including tool sheds, garden sheds, playhouses, and hot tubs. On residential lots smaller than 20,000 sq ft, sheds must comply with front and side setbacks required for the primary dwelling and maintain a minimum 5-foot setback from the rear property line. Every structure must sit at least 10 feet from any street right-of-way, access easement, or private road. Detached accessory structures collectively are limited to 10 percent of lot coverage and also count toward the total lot coverage maximum for the zone. The Washington State Building Code (based on IBC) exempts structures under 200 sq ft from a building permit, but Land Use Code compliance is still required. An exception allows building closer to a side or rear line when a written mutual agreement with the neighbor is recorded with King County, the structure is 15 feet or shorter, and it occupies no more than 50 percent of the required setback area. Critical areas and the Shoreline Overlay District impose further limits.