MC2 Sheds

Building a Shed in Bothell? Here's What You Need to Know

King County

Bothell is one of the few cities that requires your shed to match your home — same siding, roofing, and architectural style. Metal buildings over 120 square feet that don't match your house are flat-out prohibited. Accessory structures max out at 20 feet or the height of your home (whichever is less), and can only cover 5% of your lot. The city straddles King and Snohomish counties, but Bothell's municipal code governs everything within city limits regardless of which county side you're on.

Building Codes & Permits in Bothell

Shed Permit RulesCity of Bothell
Max Shed Size (No Permit)200 sq ft (one-story, max 12 ft height)
Max Shed Height (Overall)20 ft or height of primary structure (whichever is less)
Setbacks (Side/Rear)5 ft rear yard
Setbacks (Front)Per zoning district — see BMC 12.14.030

From the Municipal Code

“Accessory buildings and structures within residential zone classifications, including storage buildings and detached private garages, shall maintain the same residential character of the primary structure, shall cover a maximum of five percent of the lot area, and shall have an exterior height no greater than 20 feet or the height of the primary building or structure, whichever is less.”

BMC 12.14.130 — Accessory Buildings and Structures (Coverage, Height, Design) →

“Accessory buildings shall utilize similar siding, roofing and detailing as the primary structure, and be of a style that complements the primary structure. Metal buildings that are clearly of a different style than the primary structure shall not be allowed for accessory buildings over 120 square feet.”

BMC 12.14.130 — Design Standards for Accessory Buildings →

What You Need to Know

  • ●Design match required (BMC 12.14.130): Accessory buildings must use similar siding, roofing, and detailing as the primary structure. Metal buildings that are clearly different from the primary structure are not allowed for structures over 120 sq ft. This is a big deal — kit sheds with metal siding won't pass if your house has lap siding.
  • ●5% lot coverage cap (BMC 12.14.130): Accessory structures can only cover 5% of the total lot area. On a typical 7,200 sq ft lot, that's 360 sq ft of accessory structures total.
  • ●Height limits (BMC 12.14.130): Accessory structures can't exceed 20 ft or the height of the primary building, whichever is less. For permit-exempt structures, the height limit is 12 ft.
  • ●Setbacks (BMC 12.14.070): 5 ft rear yard setback for accessory buildings. Structures over 1,200 sq ft must add an extra foot of setback for each additional 100 sq ft above 1,200.
  • ●Two counties, one code: Bothell straddles King and Snohomish counties. Doesn't matter which side your property is on — Bothell Municipal Code governs everything within city limits.
  • ●Outside city limits? If you're in unincorporated King County or Snohomish County, different rules apply. Check which county your parcel is in.
  • ●Utilities: Even if the structure is exempt, any electrical or plumbing work requires a separate trade permit.

City of Bothell Resources

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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