Kirkland, WA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Kirkland, 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
- Max accessory floor area
- 1,200 sq ft plus 10% over 7,200 sq ft lot
- Height cap
- Zone max or 15 ft above house roof, lower controls
- Permit-exempt shed (IRC)
- 200 sq ft or less, 12 ft max
- Permit-exempt shed (IBC)
- 120 sq ft or less, 12 ft max
- Governing codes
- KZC 115.08 and KMC 21.06.215(1)(A)
Summary
Kirkland caps detached accessory structures like sheds, garages and barns at 1,200 square feet, plus 10 percent of any lot area over 7,200 square feet, and limits their height under KZC 115.08. A shed stays permit-exempt under KMC 21.06.215(1)(A) only if it's 200 square feet or less, 120 for IBC structures, and no taller than 12 feet.
115.08 Accessory Structure (Detached Dwelling Unit Uses Only). Structures to be used as a tool shed, greenhouse, private garage, barn or similar use are permitted. The total size of all such structures may not exceed the gross floor area of 1,200 square feet plus 10 percent of the lot area that exceeds 7,200 square feet. ... The height (roof peak elevation) of an accessory structure in all residential zones, may not exceed the maximum height allowed by the underlying zone or 15 feet above the existing height (roof peak elevation) of the primary residence, whichever is less. ... One-story detached IRC accessory structures used for tools or storage... provided the floor area does not exceed two hundred square feet, and... the height does not exceed twelve feet from the grade plane to the highest point of the roof.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4945, passed July 21, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Kirkland regulates accessory structures, tool sheds, greenhouses, private garages and barns, through two separate codes. 08 caps the total gross floor area of all such detached structures on a residential lot at 1,200 square feet, plus 10 percent of any lot area beyond 7,200 square feet; area with less than five feet of ceiling height doesn't count toward that total. The same section limits height: an accessory structure's roof peak can't exceed either the maximum height allowed in the underlying zone or 15 feet above the existing roof peak of the primary residence, whichever is lower.
07. 215(1)(A) exempts a shed from needing a building permit at all if it's a one-story detached IRC accessory structure used for tools or storage, not vehicle storage or a heated office or studio, its floor area doesn't exceed 200 square feet, and its height doesn't exceed 12 feet from grade to the highest roof point; the same exemption caps a one-story detached IBC accessory structure at 120 square feet. 205 even though it can still fit within the 1,200-square-foot zoning cap.
Violations & Fines
Building an oversized or permit-triggering shed without applying for a permit is an unlawful act under KMC 21.06.590, enforceable under Chapter 1.12 KMC, and exceeding KZC 115.08's floor area or height cap is a zoning code violation the Planning and Building Department can require to be corrected or removed. The building official can issue a stop work order under KMC 21.06.610 and assess an investigation fee under 21.06.620.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can a shed be in Kirkland without a permit?
What's the total size limit for accessory structures on a Kirkland residential lot?
How tall can a shed be in Kirkland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kirkland
How Kirkland compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Kirkland to another location·View the Washington accessory structures overview
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Shed & Carport Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle shed & carport rules.