Accessory Structures in Vancouver, WA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Vancouver, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Vancouver allows up to two ADUs per parcel in all residential zones. ADUs may not exceed 800 sq ft or 50% of the main home's square footage, whichever is less. No additional parking is required.
Vancouver ADU Rules & Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Vancouver permits both attached and detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as limited uses on all single-family lots under Vancouver Municipal Code (VMC) Chapter 20.810. Permits are issued by Community and Economic Development through the city's ePlans portal. Washington HB 1337 (2023, codified at RCW 36.70A.681) requires Vancouver to allow up to two ADUs per residential lot and bars the city from imposing owner-occupancy or off-street parking conditions.
Vancouver ADU Permit Process
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Under RCW 36.70A.681(1)(g) (Washington HB 1337), Vancouver may not charge impact fees on ADUs under 1,000 square feet, and any impact fees on ADUs at 1,000 square feet are capped at 50% of the fee charged on the primary dwelling. Standard permit fees and system development charges under VMC 14.04.235 still apply, and Clark County school impact fees are likewise subject to the HB 1337 cap.
Vancouver ADU Impact Fees
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Vancouver does not require owner-occupancy of ADUs. Washington HB 1337, codified at RCW 36.70A.696, prohibits every Washington city and county subject to the Growth Management Act from imposing owner-occupancy on ADUs permitted on or after July 23, 2023. The City of Vancouver ADU information page confirms 'the property owner is not required to live on the property where an ADU is located.' No deed restriction or covenant is required.
Vancouver ADU Owner Occupancy
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Vancouver permits long-term rental of ADUs without restriction. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are not authorized in residential zones under VMC Title 20 — the Land Use and Development Code does not list transient lodging as a permitted use in single-family or most low-density residential districts. RCW 36.70A.681 bars Vancouver from prohibiting long-term ADU rental but does not require the city to allow short-term rental in residential zones.
Vancouver ADU Rental Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Small sheds under 200 sq ft in Vancouver generally do not require a building permit. Larger structures require permits and must comply with zoning setbacks.
Vancouver Shed Rules & Outbuilding Regulations
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions in Vancouver require building permits and must meet building code standards for habitable rooms. Conversions to ADUs follow the city's ADU regulations and do not require replacement parking.
Vancouver Garage Conversion Rules & Requirements
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Vancouver regulates carports and detached accessory structures under VMC 20.902. Structures must be located behind the front elevation of the primary building and comply with setback, height, and lot-coverage standards for the applicable zone.
Carport and Detached Accessory Structure Standards
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Vancouver allows site-built tiny homes as accessory dwelling units under VMC Chapter 20.810, which caps ADU floor area at 1,000 square feet and requires minimum floor area set by the Washington State Building Code. Tiny houses under 400 square feet must comply with IRC Appendix Q (Tiny Houses), which Washington adopted statewide effective February 2021 and is enforced by the Vancouver Building Division.