Chelan County, WA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Chelan 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.
Key Facts
- Permit-exempt shed size
- One-story, detached, 288 sq ft or less
- Over the exemption
- Full building permit required
- Reduced setback option
- 5 ft side/rear if 60+ ft from street, 10+ ft from other buildings
- Rear yard coverage cap
- Up to 50% of required rear yard
- Height cap
- District limit; barns/ag buildings up to 50 ft
- Unpermitted-structure penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $500/90 days jail
Summary
A detached, one-story tool or storage shed, agricultural building, playhouse or similar accessory structure of 288 square feet or less needs no building permit in unincorporated Chelan County. Anything bigger, or any accessory structure attached to the house, needs a permit and must meet the zoning district's setback and height standards under Chelan County Code Chapters 3.04 and 11.88.
§ 3.04.100. IRC Section R105.2 – Work exempt from permit. ... R105.2 Work exempt from permit. Permits shall not be required for the following. Exemption from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Building: 1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, Ag storage buildings, playhouses and similar uses (e.g. pre-fabricated temporary metal carports, provided they are anchored to the ground, tree-supported play structures) when the floor area does not exceed 288 square feet.
Full Breakdown
2 exemption list for the unincorporated county, and item one on that list covers sheds directly: a one-story detached accessory structure used as a tool or storage shed, agricultural storage building, playhouse or similar use, including anchored pre-fabricated metal carports and tree-supported play structures, needs no building permit as long as its floor area does not exceed 288 square feet. That exemption only waives the permit; the code is explicit that it does not authorize work done in violation of any other provision of the building code or the county's ordinances.
170(11): it has to fit the zoning district's setback and height rules, though a side or rear setback can drop to five feet if the structure sits more than sixty feet from any street (other than an alley) and at least ten feet from any other building. An accessory structure can occupy up to half of a required rear yard, but the rear yard cannot front on any street besides an alley. Height is capped at the same limit the district sets for the main building, except barns and similar farm buildings, which may reach fifty feet. 100 list.
Violations & Fines
Building an accessory structure over 288 square feet, or an attached structure, without first obtaining a permit violates Chelan County Code Section 3.04.020 (adopting IBC/IRC Section 105/R105 as amended), a misdemeanor. Each day the unpermitted structure stands is a separate offense, punishable by a fine of up to $500 or up to ninety days in jail, and the county can still require the structure to meet Section 11.88.170's setback and height standards after the fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a shed in unincorporated Chelan County?
How close to my property line can I build a shed?
How tall can my accessory building be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chelan County
How Chelan County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Chelan County to another location·View the Washington accessory structures overview
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