Puyallup, WA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

PMC § 20.20.040(4) sets how many detached accessory buildings, sheds, workshops, standalone garages, an RS-zoned property may have, while subsection (5) sets how big each one can be. On any RS-04, RS-06, RS-08 or RS-10 lot of four acres or less, only one detached accessory building larger than 200 square feet is permitted, plus one unenclosed detached carport of any size; there is no limit on the number of smaller sheds, those at 200 square feet or under. Lots over four acres in those same zones may have up to two detached accessory buildings over 200 square feet, and RS-35 lots have no cap at all on the number of larger accessory buildings.

Size is capped separately by lot size rather than by zone. On any RS-zoned lot of one acre or less, a detached accessory building, excluding unenclosed carports, cannot have a footprint larger than 50% of the primary structure's footprint; an attached garage counts as part of that primary footprint when the ratio is calculated. On a lot larger than one acre, or any lot with an ongoing agricultural use, the cap rises to 80% of the primary structure's footprint. A detached accessory structure that would exceed these size limits, or that is tied to an ongoing agricultural use, can instead be permitted through an administrative conditional use permit under PMC § 20.20.010(18).

Sheds also have to observe the zone's rear yard setback for accessory structures under PMC § 20.20.040(1) and (7)(e), and structures over 200 square feet count toward the one-per-lot limit even if built as a hobby shop rather than a storage shed. Exceeding the quantity or size limits without an approved conditional use permit is a Title 20 zoning violation.