Does Yakima County, WA have its own shed & carport rules ordinance?

No. Yakima County, WA does not appear to have a local shed & carport rules ordinance, Washington state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Revised Code of Washington.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Yakima County

Yakima County, WA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Few Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

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.

Key Facts

Permit-Free: 200 sq ft or less
No Utilities: No wiring, plumbing, HVAC
Setbacks: Apply regardless of size
Habitation: Not allowed
Code: IRC R105.2 (WAC 51-51)

Summary

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.

City-specific rules exist: Yakima has its own shed & carport rules rules that differ from Yakima County's county-level regulations. If you live in Yakima, check the city-specific page instead.

One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area is not greater than 200 square feet (18.58 m2).

Source: Revised Code of WashingtonView official code

Full Breakdown

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.

Violations & Fines

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a backyard shed?

Not for a one-story shed 200 square feet or smaller with no plumbing, wiring, or heating, under the state-adopted IRC. It must still meet county setbacks.

Can I run power to my shed?

Adding fixed wiring removes the exemption and requires an electrical permit through Washington State L&I, and the structure itself may then need a building permit.

Sources & Official References

[1]Revised Code of Washington

Other rules in Yakima County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions ADU RulesFew Restrictions Tiny HomesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions Fire Regulations: Propane StorageSome Restrictions

All Yakima County rules

How Yakima County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Yakima County to another location·View the Washington accessory structures overview

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Shed & Carport Rules in Cities Across Yakima County

Yakima, WA