Shed permit rules in Yakima County, WA — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
A one-story detached shed of 200 square feet or less needs no building permit in unincorporated Yakima County under the state-adopted IRC (WAC 51-51), but it must still meet county setbacks and cannot have plumbing, wiring, or heating.
The 2018 IRC as adopted in Washington (WAC 51-51, RCW 19.27) exempts a one-story detached accessory structure used as a tool or storage shed from a building permit when the floor area is 200 square feet or less, provided it has no plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems. Yakima County's Building and Fire Safety Division applies this exemption. The exemption is only from the permit — the shed must still meet the county's zoning setbacks (commonly 5 feet from side and rear lines for accessory structures), stay subordinate to the house, and be anchored for local wind and snow loads. A shed over 200 square feet, or one with utilities, needs a permit.
A shed over 200 square feet, or any shed with wiring or plumbing, built without a permit draws a stop-work order and doubled fees. A shed in a required setback must be moved.
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