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

Shoreline's Development Code sets a uniform measurement method before it sets a number: the base height for all structures is measured from the average existing grade to the highest point of the roof, with average existing grade found by drawing the smallest rectangle that encloses the building and averaging the elevations at the midpoint of each side, excluding berms from that measurement. On top of the applicable zone's base height limit, SMC § 20.50.050 grants pitched-roof ridge exceptions that vary by neighborhood residential zone. In the NR3 zone, a ridge may reach 28 feet, but every part of the roof above 23 feet must pitch at no less than three-to-twelve.

In NR2 zones, the ridge may reach 35 feet, with all roof area above 30 feet again pitched at least three-to-twelve. In the NR1 zone, the ridge may reach 40 feet, with roof area above 35 feet pitched at least four-to-twelve. Additional narrow exceptions let rooftop equipment screens, renewable-energy systems (up to 15 feet above the zone limit when camouflaged), fire or parapet walls, flagpoles, chimneys, utility poles, steeples and architectural spires exceed the height limit, and the Director may add up to eight inches solely for exterior insulation retrofits while barring nonconforming buildings from gaining extra height beyond what a conforming structure would receive.

The Director may also restrict rooftop encroachments in view-sensitive areas. Violations of these height standards are enforced as Development Code violations under SMC § 20.30.770.