Accessory Structures in Chelan County, WA (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Chelan County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Unincorporated Chelan County allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot with a single-family home or duplex, capped at 1,200 square feet of floor area, under Chelan County Code Section 11.88.200. An ADU needs its own extra parking space, cannot be a recreational vehicle, and doesn't count toward the zone's density calculation.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules in Chelan County
Some RestrictionsChelan County Code § 11.88.200
§ 11.88.200. Accessory dwelling unit. ... Accessory dwelling units shall meet the following criteria: (1) There shall be no more than one accessory dwelling unit per lot in conjunction with a single-family dwelling unit, or duplex. (2) An accessory dwelling unit may be attached to, created within, or detached from a new or existing single-family dwelling unit. ... (4) The floor area of the acce...
ADU Owner Occupancy
In unincorporated Chelan County, an accessory dwelling unit's property owner must live in either the primary residence or the ADU as a permanent residence, but only if the property is permitted and used as a short-term rental under Section 11.88.290. Community Development enforces this tie-in as part of the county's ADU standards under Chapter 11.88.
Chelan County ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Some RestrictionsChelan County Code § 11.88.200(5)
(5) The property owner (which shall include title holders and contract purchasers) shall occupy either the primary unit or the accessory unit as their permanent residence only if property is permitted and used as a short-term rental pursuant to Section 11.88.290.
Shed & Carport Rules
A detached, one-story tool or storage shed, agricultural building, playhouse or similar accessory structure of 288 square feet or less needs no building permit in unincorporated Chelan County. Anything bigger, or any accessory structure attached to the house, needs a permit and must meet the zoning district's setback and height standards under Chelan County Code Chapters 3.04 and 11.88.
Shed and Accessory Structure Rules in Chelan County
Some RestrictionsChelan County Code § 3.04.100
§ 3.04.100. IRC Section R105.2 – Work exempt from permit. ... R105.2 Work exempt from permit. Permits shall not be required for the following. Exemption from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Building: 1. One-story deta...
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