Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Pierce County

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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

SR / RR / ROC max
35 feet
R5-R40 rural max
40 feet
MHR / HRD / MH
45 feet
Cite
Table 18A.15.040

Summary

Maximum building height in unincorporated Pierce County is set by zone. Residential zones such as Suburban Residential (SR), Residential Resource (RR), and ROC are capped at 35 feet, while rural zones like R5 through R40 allow 40 feet. Denser and commercial zones permit more.

City-specific rules exist: Lakewood, and Tacoma have their own structure height limits rules that differ from Pierce County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

The height of a building is the vertical distance from the average elevation of the finished grade on each wall of a building to the top of a flat, shed, or mansard roof, and the average distance between the bottom of the eaves to the highest point of a pitched, hipped, gambrel, or gable roof.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-515, and legislation passed through May 26, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Table 18A.15.040 caps maximum building height by zone: ROC, RR, and SR at 35 feet; ARL, FL, R5, R10, R20, R40, and similar rural zones at 40 feet; MHR, HRD, and Middle Housing at 45 feet; and mixed-use, employment, and center zones at 55 to 65 feet. Building height is measured from the average finished grade on each wall to the top of a flat, shed, or mansard roof, or to the average between eaves and ridge on a pitched roof. Spires, chimneys, antennas, and rooftop mechanical equipment may project above the limit under stated conditions. Community-plan overlays can be more restrictive.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the zone height limit without a variance is a zoning violation. Enforcement can require redesign, a stop-work order, or removal of the over-height portion before a permit is finalized.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can a house be in Pierce County?
In Suburban Residential, Residential Resource, and ROC zones the maximum building height is 35 feet under Table 18A.15.040; rural R5-R40 zones allow 40 feet.
How is building height measured?
From the average finished grade on each wall to the top of a flat, shed, or mansard roof, or to the average of the eaves and ridge on a pitched roof, per PCC 18A.15.040.A.3.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Pierce County

Setback RulesSome RestrictionsLot Coverage LimitsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesHeavy RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingLight Restrictions

All Pierce County rules

Compare Pierce County to another location·View the Washington building setbacks & zoning overview

Get notified when Structure Height Limits in Pierce County, WA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Structure Height Limits in Cities Across Pierce County

Tacoma, WALakewood, WA