Accessory Structures in Lakewood, WA (2026)
3 verified accessory structures rules for Lakewood, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Lakewood, Washington allows up to two accessory dwelling units on any lot with a detached single-family home, duplex, triplex or townhome under LMC 18A.40.110(B)(1). Detached and most attached ADUs are capped at 1,200 square feet excluding the garage, and each must meet the principal dwelling's setback, lot coverage and height standards.
Lakewood, WA Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules
Some RestrictionsLMC 18A.40.110(B)(1)
1. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are permitted when added to, created within, or detached from a principal dwelling unit subject to the following restrictions: a. Up to two (2) ADUs shall be allowed as accessory uses in conjunction with any detached single-family structure, duplex, triplex, townhome, or other housing unit. ADUs shall not be included in the density calculations. A lot shall co...
Shed & Carport Rules
Lakewood, Washington caps residential accessory buildings at 24 feet in height under LMC 18A.40.110(B)(9)(a). A small shed, greenhouse or gazebo under 120 square feet and 10 feet tall needs only a 3-foot setback when placed in the rear half of the lot, but pools and hot tubs may not sit in rear or interior side setbacks at all.
Lakewood, WA Shed and Accessory Building Rules
Some RestrictionsLMC 18A.40.110(B)(9)
9. Residential Accessory Building. a. The maximum height for residential accessory buildings shall be twenty-four (24) feet. b. Detached residential accessory structures which are less than one hundred twenty (120) square feet in size and not higher than ten (10) feet, including garden sheds or greenhouses or combination of both; children’s play equipment; arbors; and gazebos, when placed in a ...
Garage Conversions
Lakewood, Washington lets a homeowner convert an existing, legally built detached garage or accessory building into an accessory dwelling unit under LMC 18A.40.110(B)(1)(j). The converted unit must still meet the same ADU size, setback and parking standards, and any past unpermitted work triggers a mandatory building inspection.
Lakewood, WA Garage-to-ADU Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsLMC 18A.40.110(B)(1)(j)
1. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are permitted when added to, created within, or detached from a principal dwelling unit subject to the following restrictions: ... j. ... Any legally constructed accessory building existing prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section may be converted to an accessory dwelling unit. k. If a structure containing an ADU was created withou...
Looking for Pierce County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lakewood city rules.
Accessory Structures in Pierce County →