Thurston County, WA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Thurston 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-exempt size
- Under 200 sq ft, 1 story
- Front setback
- 10 feet
- Side setback
- 3 feet
- Rear setback
- 5 feet (3 ft near alley)
- Applies in
- High-Density Residential District
Summary
In Thurston County's high-density residential zoning, a one-story accessory building under 200 square feet that's exempt from a building permit gets reduced setbacks: 10 feet front, 3 feet side, 5 feet rear.
5.Accessory Buildings. All accessory buildings must comply with the current buildings setbacks as stated in this chapter; provided, however, if the accessory building is exempt from obtaining a building permit under Title 14 TCC, one-story, and is less than two hundred square feet, the following setbacks are permitted: a.Front yard, ten feet, b.Side yard, three feet, c.Rear yard, five feet (three feet to rear yard line or paved surface if adjacent to an alley).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 77).
Full Breakdown
Thurston County Code 21.18.040(C)(5) sets shed setbacks in the county's High-Density Residential District (part of the unincorporated Lacey urban growth area). Standard accessory-building setbacks match the primary structure's, but a shed that's one story, under 200 square feet, and exempt from a Title 14 TCC building permit qualifies for reduced setbacks: 10 feet front yard, 3 feet side yard, and 5 feet rear yard, cut to 3 feet if the rear line borders an alley or paved surface. Go over 200 square feet or add a second story and the full primary-structure setbacks apply instead.
Violations & Fines
Build a shed bigger than 200 square feet or add a second story without meeting standard setbacks, and the county can require a permit, relocation, or removal via code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a shed in Thurston County?
How close to my property line can a shed go?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Thurston County
How Thurston County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Thurston County to another location·View the Washington accessory structures overview
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