Accessory Structures in Skagit County, WA (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Skagit County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Skagit County Code § 14.18.106 caps a newly built accessory dwelling unit at 1,200 square feet, excluding garage area, and requires three off-street parking spaces for the primary home and its ADU combined. Outside urban growth areas, only one ADU is allowed per lot, and a detached unit must sit within 150 feet of the primary residence absent a critical-area or site constraint.
ADU Rules in Unincorporated Skagit County
Some RestrictionsSkagit County Code § 14.18.106
(1) Definition. Separate living quarters located on the same lot and either detached from or included within a primary residence. (2) Requirements in All Zones. (a) Size and Scale. The square footage of a newly constructed accessory dwelling unit may not exceed 1,200 square feet, excluding any garage area. ... (c) Parking. Three off-street parking spaces must be provided for the com...
ADU Impact Fees
In unincorporated Skagit County, accessory dwelling units are exempt from every impact fee the county charges new development, under Skagit County Code section 14.68.040(1)(b). Other new residential building permits still pay impact fees set by the county's adopted fee schedule, calculated at the rate in effect when Planning and Development Services issues the permit, per SCC 14.68.020.
Skagit County ADU Impact Fee Exemption
Few RestrictionsSkagit County Code § 14.68.040(1)(b)
(1) The following are exempt from the payment of all impact fees: ... (b) Accessory dwelling units;
Shed & Carport Rules
Skagit County Code § 14.18.104 lists a storage shed, workshop, garage or barn as an allowed 'miscellaneous residential support building' accessory to a house anywhere in unincorporated Skagit County. In the Ag-NRL agricultural zone, that shed use is allowed only when it is accessory to an active agricultural operation, and no farmland may be converted to build it.
Sheds & Accessory Buildings in Skagit County
Light RestrictionsSkagit County Code § 14.18.104
(1) A residential accessory use is an accessory use to a residence, including, but not limited to, the following: ... (j) Miscellaneous residential support buildings, such as a storage shed, workshop, garage, barn; ... (2) Ag-NRL Restrictions. In the Ag-NRL zone, a residential accessory use is allowed only when accessory to an agricultural use. No conversion of agricultural land is all...
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