Franklin County, WA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Franklin 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
- Tent/canvas shed cap
- 480 sq ft in UGA residential and RC-1 zones
- No-permit structure limit
- 2 structures max on restricted residential lots
- Setback
- 5 feet side and rear yard
- Storage containers
- Barred from most residential zones except RR-5, RC-1, RC-5
- Sequencing rule
- Primary structure 50% complete before accessory permit
Summary
Franklin County limits tent or canvas-covered storage sheds to 480 square feet in urban growth area residential zones and the rural community 1 zone, and caps at two the number of no-permit accessory structures on restricted residential lots, each set back five feet from side and rear property lines under Section 17.66.040.
A.General Standards.1.Yard setback requirements are identified in each zoning district. ... 6.Tent and/or canvas covered storage buildings/structures shall be no greater in size than four hundred eighty (480) square feet within urban growth area residential zoning districts and the rural community 1 zoning district. The size may be exceeded upon the approval of a conditional use/special use permit.7.Within residentially zoned properties which restrict the number of accessory structures allowed, no more than two accessory structures, which are of a size that do not require a building permit, may be placed on a parcel or lot. The side and rear yard setback for these structures is five feet.
Full Breakdown
040 of the zoning code governs accessory buildings countywide. A building or structure is accessory only when it is incidental and subordinate to a lawful principal use on the same lot; decertified mobile homes, recreational vehicles and mobile office trailers do not qualify. 6 caps tent and canvas-covered storage buildings at four hundred eighty (480) square feet within urban growth area residential zoning districts and the rural community 1 zoning district, though the size limit can be exceeded with an approved conditional use or special use permit.
7 addresses smaller sheds that do not require a building permit: on residentially zoned properties that restrict the number of accessory structures, no more than two such no-permit structures may sit on a parcel or lot, and each must keep a five-foot side and rear yard setback. Front setbacks for accessory buildings are measured from the public road or access easement, and no portion of any accessory building may encroach into a utility easement. 5-acre parcel, side or rear yard placement, color matching the primary structure and screening so no more than 50 percent is visible from the county right-of-way.
Accessory buildings generally cannot be permitted until the primary structure is at least 50 percent complete, unless the county approves an accessory building declaration of occupancy use form.
Violations & Fines
Placing a tent or canvas storage building larger than 480 square feet without a conditional use permit, exceeding the two-structure cap for no-permit accessory buildings, or building within the five-foot side or rear setback violates Section 17.66.040. The Planning and Building Department can require removal or relocation of a noncompliant structure and deny occupancy or further permits until the accessory building meets the setback, size and completion-sequencing requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can a canvas or tent storage shed be in unincorporated Franklin County?
How many sheds can I put on my residential lot without a building permit?
Can I put a storage container in my yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Franklin County
How Franklin County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Franklin County to another location·View the Washington accessory structures overview
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