Yakima County, WA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Front Yard
- 20 feet residential
- Side Yard
- 10 feet residential
- Rear Yard
- 15 feet residential
- Rural County
- Setbacks under Title 19
- Variance
- Heard by hearing examiner
Summary
Setbacks in Yakima County come from two codes: the joint Yakima Urban Area Zoning Ordinance (YMC Title 15) inside the urban growth area, and Yakima County Code Title 19 for outlying rural land. Residential lots typically need a 20-foot front, 10-foot side, and 15-foot rear setback.
The minimum setback for residential accessory structures in all allowed districts shall be at least five feet from the side property line, five feet from the rear property line, and up to, but not within, the required front yard and applicable street setback, except garage and carport entrances must be set back at least 20 feet from any property line. Other structures, as determined by the Building Official, may be permitted in specified zones within a side or rear setback under Subsection 19.18.020(6).
(c) Access Easements and Right-of-way. No building, fence or structure, other than a gate permitted by the easement owner, shall be located within or encroach on any public or private access easement or road right-of-way.
(d) Other Easements. The applicant shall provide the easement grantee or owner's written permission with the primary permit application for any structure proposed to be built or located on or in an easement other than an access easement.
(7) Vision Clearance Triangles at Intersections and Driveways.
(a)
Full Breakdown
Yakima's urban area is governed by the joint Urban Area Zoning Ordinance (UAZO), YMC Title 15, adopted under the state Growth Management Act. Standard structure setbacks appear in Table 5-1: in the residential SR, R-1, R-2, and R-3 districts the front yard is 20 feet, side yards 10 feet, and the rear yard 15 feet. Accessory buildings sit at least 5 feet from side and rear lines. Rural unincorporated parcels follow Yakima County Code Title 19, where front and side setbacks run 50 feet from private-road centerlines outside urban growth areas. Variances go to the hearing examiner.
Violations & Fines
Building inside a required setback triggers a stop-work order and correction. Structures may be relocated or removed at the owner's expense, and permits are withheld until the encroachment is fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which code sets my setback?
Can I build closer than the setback?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima County
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