Everett, WA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Everett, 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
- Footprint cap
- 15% of lot or 3,000 sq ft, whichever less
- Setbacks
- Per Chapter 19.06 EMC
- Height limit
- Per Chapter 19.22 EMC
- Interior use
- No bedrooms or kitchens allowed
- Build order
- Must follow, not precede, main house
Summary
Everett treats a carport as an accessory building. Its footprint is capped at the smallest of 15% of the lot, 3,000 square feet, or the house's own footprint, and it must meet the same setbacks and height limits as any other accessory structure.
"Accessory building" means a building which is subordinate and incidental to the permitted principal building... An accessory building includes, but is not limited to, garages, carports, storage buildings, and other similar buildings. ... The footprint shall not exceed the lesser of 1) 15% of the total lot area; 2) 3,000 square feet; or 3) the dwelling's building footprint. ... Setbacks, Front and Side Street: See Chapter 19.06 EMC. ... Maximum Height: See Chapter 19.22 EMC.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4194-26, passed July 29, 2026).
Full Breakdown
The Everett Municipal Code defines "accessory building" to expressly include carports, along with garages and storage buildings (EMC 19.04.020). Chapter 19.08's accessory-building standards (EMC 19.08.110) then govern them: a carport can't go up before the principal house exists, can't contain a bedroom or kitchen, and its footprint is capped at the lesser of 15% of the lot, 3,000 square feet, or the dwelling's own footprint. Front and side-street setbacks follow Chapter 19.06 EMC, and maximum height follows Chapter 19.22 EMC. For carports larger than 1,000 square feet, the city can impose stricter setbacks or landscape buffers if it finds the size will create excess noise, vibration, or privacy impacts on neighboring lots. This applies inside the city of Everett, Snohomish County, Washington, not to unincorporated county land, which is a separate jurisdiction.
Violations & Fines
A carport that exceeds the size cap, skips the required front/side-street setback, or goes up before the main house is out of compliance and subject to city code enforcement correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a carport considered an accessory building in Everett?
How big can a carport be in Everett?
Can a carport sit in the front setback?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Everett
How Everett compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Everett to another location·View the Washington accessory structures overview
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Shed & Carport Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle shed & carport rules.