King County, WA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in King 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
- Up to 200 sq ft, one story
- Eave clearance
- 3 feet from other buildings
- Building separation
- 5 feet minimum from other structures
- Governing code
- K.C.C. § 16.02.240
- Excludes
- Garages, vehicle-storage buildings
Summary
In unincorporated King County, one-story tool sheds and playhouses under 200 square feet skip a building permit if the eave stays 3 feet from other buildings and the shed sits at least 5 feet away. Bigger sheds need a DPER building permit.
A building permit shall not be required for the following: Building: 1. One-story detached one- and two-family residential accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses... not including garages or other buildings used for vehicular storage, if: 1.1 The floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.6 m2); 1.2 The roof eave does not project closer than three feet to any portion of an adjacent building...; and 1.3 The building is separated a minimum of five feet from all other buildings.
Full Breakdown
King County Code § 16.02.240 exempts a one-story detached tool or storage shed under 200 square feet from needing a building permit, provided the roof eave stays at least 3 feet from any other building and the shed itself sits at least 5 feet from other structures on the lot. Garages and other vehicle-storage buildings don't qualify. The exemption is only from the building permit: the shed still must sit within the zone's normal accessory-structure setbacks under K.C.C. Title 21A.12. Sheds over 200 square feet need a building permit through the Department of Local Services, Permitting Division.
Violations & Fines
Building without a required permit is subject to Title 23 code-enforcement action, stop-work orders and civil penalties; King County can also require after-the-fact permitting and inspection before the shed may remain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small shed in unincorporated King County?
Does the permit exemption cover garages or workshops?
Does this exemption cover Seattle or other King County cities?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in King County
How King County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare King County to another location·View the Washington accessory structures overview
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