Lewis County, WA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Lewis 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 exemption
- Sheds/playhouses 200 sq ft or less
- Governing sections
- LCC §§ 15.05.020(1)(b), 17.142.030
- Corner lot setback
- 15 feet from adjoining street line
- Larger sheds
- Require a building permit from Building Official
- Enforcement
- Civil infraction/misdemeanor under Ch. 1.20 LCC
Summary
A detached tool shed, playhouse or similar structure of 200 square feet or less doesn't need a building permit under Lewis County's amended IRC R105.2, but every accessory building still has to meet the county's side and back setbacks, and on a corner lot it can't sit closer than 15 feet to the street line.
IRC R105.2 Work exempt from permit (1) One story detached structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided that the floor area is not greater than 200 square feet. ... Each violation of the provisions of this title or the provisions of any regulation, order, permit or ruling promulgated pursuant thereto shall constitute a civil infraction. Infractions shall be processed according to the provisions of Chapter 1.20 LCC and subject to the penalties of that chapter. In addition, any violation of the provisions of this title or the provisions of any regulation, order, permit or ruling promulgated pursuant thereto shall be a misdemeanor. Each violation shall constitute a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which the violation is committed, continued, or permitted. ... Accessory buildings and structures shall comply with applicable side setback requirements. ... Accessory buildings and structures shall comply with applicable back setback requirements. ... On corner lots, accessory buildings in the side setback adjoining a street shall not be erected or altered so as to be nearer to the adjoining street line than 15 feet.
Full Breakdown
020(1)(b)). Anything larger, or any structure used for something other than storage or play, needs a permit from the Lewis County Building Official under the standard IRC/IBC/IFC Section 105 permit-required language the county also adopted. 42 LCC. On a corner lot, the code adds a specific number: an accessory building placed in the side setback that adjoins a street can't be erected or altered any closer than 15 feet to that adjoining street line, even where the underlying side setback would otherwise allow it. Community Development's building and planning staff apply both standards together at permit review, so a shed under 200 square feet still has to sit outside the applicable setbacks even though no building permit paperwork is required for the structure itself.
Violations & Fines
A shed that violates the applicable side, back or corner-lot setback is a zoning violation processed by Community Development. Because LCC § 17.142.030 sits in Title 17, LCC § 17.07.010 makes noncompliance both a civil infraction handled under Chapter 1.20 LCC and a misdemeanor, with each day the shed remains out of compliance counted as a separate offense until it's moved or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a shed in unincorporated Lewis County?
How far does my shed have to be from the property line?
Does the 200-square-foot permit exemption also exempt the setback?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lewis County
How Lewis County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Lewis County to another location·View the Washington accessory structures overview
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