Does Yakima County, WA have its own structure height limits ordinance?

No. Yakima County, WA does not appear to have a local structure height limits ordinance, Washington state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Revised Code of Washington.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Yakima County

Yakima County, WA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

SR/R-1 max height: 35 feet
R-2 max height: 35 feet
R-3 max height: 50 feet
Measurement rule: Per YCC § 19.01.070
Variance route: Admin adjustment, YCC § 19.35.020
Max misdemeanor penalty: $1,000 fine / 90 days jail

Summary

Unincorporated Yakima County caps most single-family homes at 35 feet in the SR, R-1 and R-2 districts, while multi-family buildings in the R-3 district may reach 50 feet. Yakima County Code § 19.10.040(8) sets how height is measured and lists narrow exemptions for chimneys, spires and mechanical equipment.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Yakima County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(8) Maximum Building Height. (a) Maximum Building Height Determined by Zoning District. The maximum building height is intended to maintain building and structure heights compatible with the character and intent of the district. The height of buildings is measured in the manner defined in Section 19.01.070. The height of other structures not containing a roof is the vertical distance from the base of the structure to its highest point. Chapters 19.11 through 19.18 list the maximum building and structure heights. (b) Exceptions. Height limitations shall generally not apply to accessory projections located at least 20 feet from any adjoining lot line and that are not intended for human occupancy or storage, such as steeples or spires on places of religious assembly, elevator shaft housings, heating/cooling or mechanical systems, water towers, chimneys, belfries, cupolas, domes, smoke-stacks, flagpoles, asphalt/concrete batch plants, grain elevators, cooling towers, solar energy systems, monuments, fire house towers, elevator shafts, or outdoor theater screens, except as limited within the Airport Safety Overlay, by Section 19.18.490 Towers, by a condition of permit approval or by the Shoreline Master Program.

Source: Revised Code of WashingtonView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4871853; v6 updated 2026-04-21; through 04-21-2026).

Full Breakdown

070 governs how height is measured, generally from average finished grade to the highest point of the roof. 030. 020 for the Two-Family (R-2) and Multi-Family (R-3) districts, sets the same 35-foot limit for R-2 but allows 50 feet in R-3. 490, a permit condition, or the Shoreline Master Program impose a lower limit. 020(5), that the adjustment is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the purpose of the zoning district and district standard, and represents the minimum adjustment necessary. 010 cannot be modified through this administrative adjustment process; a variance is required instead.

Violations & Fines

Building over the district height limit without an approved adjustment is a violation processed under Yakima County Code Chapter 16B.11. Section 16B.11.050 makes a violation a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine or 90 days in jail, or both, with each day after written notice treated as a separate offense; the County may also pursue a civil infraction under Chapter 7.80 RCW, declare the noncompliant structure a public nuisance, withhold further permits, assess double permit fees, or record a lien to recover abatement costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can a house be in unincorporated Yakima County?

In the SR and R-1 residential districts a house is capped at 35 feet under Table 19.12.010-2. In the R-2 district the cap is also 35 feet, but multi-family buildings in the R-3 district may reach 50 feet under Table 19.12.020-2, both adopted under YCC § 19.12.

Can Yakima County approve a taller house than the zoning allows?

Yes, through an administrative adjustment under YCC § 19.35.020(3)(a)(ii). The Reviewing Official must find the adjustment consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the district's purpose and limited to the minimum needed, per § 19.35.020(5).

Are chimneys, antennas or solar panels exempt from the height limit?

Yes. YCC § 19.10.040(8)(b) exempts accessory projections like chimneys, steeples, flagpoles and solar energy systems from the height limit if they sit at least 20 feet from any lot line and are not used for occupancy or storage.

What happens if I build a structure over the height limit?

It becomes a misdemeanor under YCC § 16B.11.050, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine or 90 days in jail, with each day after written notice a separate offense, plus possible civil infraction, nuisance declaration, or a lien for abatement costs.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Yakima County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Setback RulesSome Restrictions Lot Coverage LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions Fire Regulations: Propane StorageSome Restrictions

All Yakima County rules

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Yakima, WA