Birch Bay is an unincorporated community in Whatcom County known for its beach, vacation homes, and year-round residents. Because it's unincorporated, Whatcom County building codes apply — sheds under 200 square feet are permit-exempt if they're one-story, detached, and non-occupied. The key rules to watch: 10 feet between exterior walls of any two buildings and 6 feet between eaves, which is stricter than most counties. Setbacks vary by zoning district. Here's what applies.
| Shed Permit Rules | Whatcom County (Birch Bay) |
|---|---|
| Max Shed Size (No Permit) | 200 sq ft (one-story, detached, non-occupied) |
| Max Shed Height (Overall) | Per zoning district — typically 25-35 ft (WCC 20.80) |
| Setbacks (Side/Rear) | Per zoning district (WCC 20.80.200) |
| Min. Separation (Exterior Walls) | 10 ft between buildings |
| Min. Separation (Eaves) | 6 ft between eaves |
Birch Bay is unincorporated Whatcom County. All county building codes and zoning regulations apply. See the full Whatcom County page for additional details.
“Detached one-story buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. The structure must be nonoccupied, one-story, with no basement. The separation between exterior walls of any two buildings must be at least 10 feet, and the separation between eaves must be at least 6 feet.”
WCC 15.04 — Permit Exemption →
Have questions about permits or zoning? We don't have all the answers, but we deal with this stuff regularly and can usually help you figure it out. Reach out with your address and we'll point you in the right direction.
Building codes and permit requirements are subject to change. Contact your local building department to verify current regulations before beginning your project.
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