Building height in the Yakima urban area is capped by the Urban Area Zoning Ordinance (YMC Title 15). Single-family SR and R-1 districts limit structures to 35 feet, while the R-2 and R-3 multifamily zones allow up to 50 feet.
The Yakima Urban Area Zoning Ordinance sets maximum building height by district in Table 5-1 (YMC 15.05.020). Low-density SR and R-1 residential districts cap structures at 35 feet, while the R-2 and R-3 multifamily districts allow 50 feet. Height is measured from average finished grade to the highest point of the roof. Chimneys, antennas, steeples, and rooftop mechanical equipment are exempt up to a limited additional height. Rural unincorporated parcels follow Yakima County Code Title 19. The Airport Safety Overlay near McAllister Field imposes tighter limits. Exceeding the cap requires a variance.
Exceeding the height limit brings a stop-work order and required correction. Owners must lower the structure or obtain a variance, and fines accrue until the building conforms.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Yakima, WA
Yakima Municipal Code does not contain a specific provision allowing or prohibiting artificial turf on private residential property. Commercial sitescreening...
Yakima, WA
Yakima Municipal Code does not require or restrict native-plant landscaping on private residential property. Commercial sitescreening under YMC Chapter 15.07...
Yakima, WA
YMC 5.57.040 sets buffers and zone restrictions. Mobile or street vendors may not operate in any vehicle travel lane (YMC 5.57.040(2)) and may not sell from ...
Yakima, WA
YMC Chapter 5.57 (Mobile Food Vendors) — adopted by Ord. 2015-029 and amended by Ord. 2020-006 — requires every mobile or street vendor to obtain a city busi...
Yakima, WA
Federal law preempts local regulation of the navigable airspace over Yakima. Recreational flyers operate under 49 U.S.C. § 44809 (visual line of sight, ≤ 400...
Yakima, WA
Yakima does not require a city permit or business license for an occasional residential garage sale of personal household items. Mobile/street vendor licensi...
See how Yakima's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.