Accessory Structures in Lakewood, WA

Lakewood maintains 133 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Lakewood falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

ADU Rules

Lakewood, Washington allows up to two accessory dwelling units on any lot with a detached single-family home, duplex, triplex or townhome under LMC 18A.40.110(B)(1). Detached and most attached ADUs are capped at 1,200 square feet excluding the garage, and each must meet the principal dwelling's setback, lot coverage and height standards.

Key details: Max ADUs per lot: 2 (1 if critical area/buffer). Max detached ADU size: 1,200 sq ft, excluding garage. Parking requirement: 1 off-street space, transit waiver available. Governing section: LMC 18A.40.110(B)(1). Late/unpermitted penalty: Up to $500/day, LMC 1.44.040.

Building or expanding an ADU outside these standards, without a permit, or beyond the 1,200-square-foot cap is a City Code violation. Absent a more specific penalty, LMC 1.44.040's general civil penalty applies: up to $500.00 for each day the violation continues, and the City Manager or designee can also issue a notice of violation or a stop-work order under Chapter 1.44 LMC before any fine is assessed.

Garage Conversions

Lakewood, Washington lets a homeowner convert an existing, legally built detached garage or accessory building into an accessory dwelling unit under LMC 18A.40.110(B)(1)(j). The converted unit must still meet the same ADU size, setback and parking standards, and any past unpermitted work triggers a mandatory building inspection.

Key details: Eligible structures: Legally built accessory buildings pre-dating ADU ordinance. Governing section: LMC 18A.40.110(B)(1)(j). Unpermitted conversions: Require City building inspection, (B)(1)(k). Size limit after conversion: 1,200 sq ft, excluding garage. Penalty for violation: Up to $500/day, LMC 1.44.040.

Occupying a converted garage as a dwelling before it passes the required inspection, or without ever finalizing the building permit, is treated as an unpermitted structure and code violation. LMC 1.44.040's general civil penalty of up to $500.00 per day applies absent a more specific fine, and the City Manager or designee may first issue a notice of violation or stop-work order under Chapter 1.44 LMC.

Shed & Carport Rules

Lakewood, Washington caps residential accessory buildings at 24 feet in height under LMC 18A.40.110(B)(9)(a). A small shed, greenhouse or gazebo under 120 square feet and 10 feet tall needs only a 3-foot setback when placed in the rear half of the lot, but pools and hot tubs may not sit in rear or interior side setbacks at all.

Key details: Max accessory building height: 24 feet. Small shed setback: 3 ft if under 120 sq ft and 10 ft tall. Attached structure setback: Same as main dwelling. Pools/hot tubs: Barred from rear/interior setbacks entirely. Governing section: LMC 18A.40.110(B)(9).

Placing a shed or accessory structure closer to the property line than its applicable setback, exceeding the 24-foot height cap, or building an oversized structure without a required permit is a zoning code violation. LMC 1.44.040's general civil penalty of up to $500.00 per day applies absent a more specific fine, and the City can also issue a stop-work order under Chapter 1.44 LMC requiring the structure's removal or relocation.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Lakewood is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Lakewood can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.