Everett is the largest city in Snohomish County, and its accessory building rules are straightforward but specific. Sheds under 200 square feet are permit-exempt, accessory buildings can't exceed 20 feet in height, and you need at least 5 feet from the rear property line — unless your lot backs up to an alley, in which case there's no required rear setback. Detached accessory buildings can include home offices and hobby rooms, but bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms are off-limits. Here's what the Everett Municipal Code actually says.
| Shed Permit Rules | City of Everett |
|---|---|
| Max Shed Size (No Permit) | 200 sq ft (one-story, detached) |
| Max Shed Height (Overall) | 20 ft max (15 ft within setback area) |
| Setbacks (Side/Rear) | 5 ft rear; side setbacks per zone — no rear setback if lot abuts alley |
| Setbacks (Front) | Not allowed in front or street-side setback areas |
Permit exemption threshold follows IRC/WAC 51-16-080 as adopted by Everett. Structures must still comply with all zoning setback and height requirements.
“Accessory buildings shall not exceed twenty feet in height. The planning director may allow attached or detached accessory buildings to exceed the fifteen-foot height limitation, provided that the accessory building(s) shall not exceed twenty feet in height.”
EMC 19.08.110 — Residential Accessory Building Height →
“Accessory buildings, whether attached or detached, shall not be located in front setback areas or street side setback areas for corner lots. Accessory buildings may be located within the principal building's rear setback; provided, that the accessory building meets all side setback requirements and a minimum setback of five feet is provided from the rear lot line, unless the rear lot line abuts an alley, in which case there shall be no required rear setback.”
EMC 19.08.110 — Accessory Building Setbacks →
“The following spaces are allowed within a detached accessory building: bathrooms, hobby rooms, home occupations, home offices, recreation rooms, or laundry rooms. The following rooms are not allowed in accessory buildings: bedrooms, dining rooms, or kitchens.”
EMC 19.08.110 — Allowed Uses in Accessory Buildings →
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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