Shed & Outbuilding Permits: Kent vs Seattle
How do shed & outbuilding permits rules compare between Kent, WA and Seattle, WA?
Kent has fewer restrictions than Seattle.
Kent, WA
King County
In unincorporated King County, storage sheds of 200 square feet or less do not require a building permit when accessory to a residential home and used for agricultural or storage purposes. Sheds over 200 square feet require a building permit. All sheds must comply with zoning setbacks.
View full Kent rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle exempts one-story detached sheds from building permits if the projected roof area is under 120 square feet and the foundation is a slab on the ground. Larger sheds require a construction permit from SDCI. All sheds must comply with lot coverage and setback requirements.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kent | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| No Permit | ≤200 sq ft, storage only | - |
| Permit Required | >200 sq ft | - |
| Setback | Typically 5 ft from lines | - |
| Apply Online | MyBuildingPermit.com | - |
| Permit Exempt | - | Under 120 sq ft, slab foundation, one story |
| Max Height | - | 12 feet |
| Lot Coverage | - | 35% max in residential zones |
| Electrical/Plumbing | - | Requires separate trade permits |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kent FAQ
Do I need a permit for a shed in King County?
Not if the shed is 200 square feet or less and used for storage (no plumbing, electrical, or habitable space). Sheds over 200 square feet require a building permit. All sheds must meet zoning setback requirements.
How do I apply for a shed permit in King County?
Apply through MyBuildingPermit.com. You'll need site plans showing setbacks and lot coverage, and structural plans for the shed. Review time varies but typically takes 2–6 weeks for simple residential accessory buildings.
Seattle FAQ
Do I need a permit for a shed in Seattle?
No permit is needed if the shed is one story, has a projected roof area under 120 square feet, and sits on a slab foundation. Larger sheds require a construction permit from SDCI.
What are the setback requirements for sheds in Seattle?
Sheds must comply with zoning setback requirements for your property's zone. In most residential zones, detached accessory structures must be at least 5 feet from rear and side lot lines.
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