Pasco, WA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- R-1 / R-2 SFDU height
- 35 feet maximum
- R-3 / R-4 SFDU height
- 40 feet maximum
- Multifamily detached height
- 25 feet, all zones
- Accessory building height
- 15 feet, all zones
- Above-cap process
- Special permit, PMC 25.200.080-.090
- Governing table
- PMC 25.22.060, Table 25.22.060(1)
Summary
Pasco limits single-family homes to 35 feet in the R-1 and R-2 zones and 40 feet in R-3 and R-4 under Table 25.22.060(1) in PMC 25.22.060, with accessory buildings capped at 15 feet in every zone. A greater principal-building height can be approved only through a special permit under the same section's footnote.
25.22.060 Height and lot coverage. For all permitted housing types in the applicable zones, building height and lot coverage shall be according to Table 25.22.060(1). 1Except a greater height may be approved by special permit.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4837, passed May 4, 2026).
Full Breakdown
060(1) for every parcel in the R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 zones. Single-family detached and single-family attached homes max out at 35 feet in R-1 and R-2, rising to 40 feet in R-3 and R-4. Multifamily detached buildings, including cottage housing, are capped lower, at 25 feet across all four zones, while multifamily attached buildings range from 35 feet in R-1 up to 45 feet in R-2, R-3, and R-4. Every accessory building, regardless of zone, is limited to 15 feet. 090 rather than through a fixed variance process.
050(5) for R-S-1 each set the principal building at 35 feet, except a greater height may be approved by special permit, and accessory buildings at 15 feet, so the height ceiling for a typical single-family house stays consistent citywide even where the underlying zone chapter differs.
Violations & Fines
A structure built above its zone's height cap is a zoning violation enforced by the City Planner under PMC 25.10.030, which bars issuing any building permit for work that doesn't conform to Title 25. An unpermitted overheight structure triggers a notice of civil violation under PMC 1.40.050, a Code Enforcement Board hearing at least 10 days later, and a daily monetary penalty set under Chapter 3.35 PMC, which doubles for a repeat violation and carries a $200 minimum under PMC 1.40.060.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can I build a house in Pasco?
How tall can a detached garage or shed be?
Are apartment buildings held to the same height limit as houses?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pasco
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