MC2 Sheds

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

Skagit County

Bow is a small unincorporated community in Skagit County, nestled between Burlington and the Chuckanut Drive corridor heading north to Bellingham. Because Bow is unincorporated, Skagit County building codes apply — sheds under 200 square feet are permit-exempt. The county offers a reduced 3-foot setback for accessory structures under 1,000 sq ft and 16 ft tall, which gives more flexibility on smaller rural lots. Here's what applies.

Building Codes & Permits in Bow

Shed Permit RulesSkagit County (Bow)
Max Shed Size (No Permit)200 sq ft (one-story, per SCC 15.04)
Max Shed Height (Overall)Per zoning district — typically 30-40 ft (SCC 14.16)
Setbacks (Side/Rear)8 ft side / 10 ft rear typical; 3 ft reduced for accessory ≤1,000 sq ft and ≤16 ft
Setbacks (Front)25 ft typical
Max Exempt Buildings1 per 5 acres (max 4 per parcel)

Bow is unincorporated Skagit County. All county building codes and zoning regulations apply. See the full Skagit County page for additional details.

The 3-foot reduced setback applies to accessory structures not exceeding 1,000 sq ft in area and 16 ft in height.

From the Municipal Code

“Detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. Exempt building limit of one per five acres, maximum four per parcel.”

SCC 15.04 — Permit Exemption →

“Accessory structures not exceeding 1,000 square feet in area and 16 feet in height may be placed within 3 feet of the side or rear property lines.”

SCC 14.16 — Reduced Setback for Accessory Structures →

What You Need to Know

  • ●Unincorporated Skagit County — Bow is not an incorporated city, so Skagit County building codes apply to all construction. The county's permit exemption, setback, and separation requirements govern your project.
  • ●Reduced Setbacks (SCC 14.16): Accessory structures under 1,000 sq ft and 16 ft tall qualify for a reduced 3-foot side/rear setback. This is a significant advantage for smaller lots.
  • ●Flood Zones: Parts of the Skagit Valley, including areas near Bow, are in FEMA flood zones. Flood zone properties have additional foundation and elevation requirements. Check your parcel on the Skagit County iMap.
  • ●Building Separation: 10 ft minimum between structures.
  • ●Utilities: Even if the structure is exempt from a building permit, any electrical or plumbing work requires a separate trade permit.

Skagit County Resources (Bow)

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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