Showing ordinances that apply to Wilderness Rim, WA
Wilderness Rim is an unincorporated community (population 1,617) in King County, Washington. Because Wilderness Rim is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, King County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The structure height limits rules below are the ones that govern your area.
King County caps most residential structures at 35 feet under KCC 21A.12. Accessory buildings are limited to 25 feet or the primary dwelling height, whichever is less.
King County Code Title 21A Chapter 21A.12 sets maximum structure heights by zoning district. Standard single-family residential zones (R-1 through R-8) cap primary structures at 35 feet measured from the average building elevation to the highest point of the roof. Accessory structures including detached garages, sheds, and accessory dwelling units are limited to 25 feet, or not to exceed the height of the primary dwelling where that is less. Rural Area and Agricultural zones allow up to 45 feet for barns and agricultural outbuildings. Commercial and mixed-use zones range from 35 to 80 feet with bonus height available for affordable housing or transit-oriented development. Height is measured differently on sloping lots — average building elevation is calculated from grade at each corner of the building. Chimneys, antennas, church steeples, flagpoles, and mechanical equipment may exceed height limits by a limited amount. Areas near the Boeing Field / King County International Airport and Sea-Tac Airport are subject to additional FAA Part 77 imaginary surface restrictions and Airport Compatibility Review. Shoreline jurisdiction under the Shoreline Master Program further limits building height to protect views and shoreline character, often restricting structures to 30 feet or 35 feet depending on the shoreline designation.
Structures exceeding height limits face stop-work orders, corrective action, or demolition of non-compliant portions. Airport height violations can trigger FAA federal enforcement in addition to county penalties. Civil penalties start at 100 dollars per day under KCC 23.32.
See how Wilderness Rim's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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