MC2 Sheds

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

Island County covers Whidbey Island and Camano Island — two distinct landscapes with their own zoning challenges. Sheds under 200 square feet are exempt from building permits under the county's adopted 2021 IRC, but island life adds layers: shoreline management buffers, NAS Whidbey noise zones on south Whidbey, and critical areas like wetlands and steep coastal bluffs. Setbacks and heights depend on your specific zoning district under ICC 17.03, and the county enforces FEMA flood requirements with elevation certificates. Whether you're on a rural 5-acre parcel near Coupeville or a smaller lot on Camano, here's what the county code says about building a shed.

Island County Building Codes & Permits

For unincorporated Island County areas. Incorporated cities may have their own requirements.

Shed Permit RulesUnincorporated Island County
Max Shed Size (No Permit)200 sq ft
Max Shed Height (Overall)Per zoning district*
Setbacks (Side/Rear)Per zoning district — check your parcel
Setbacks (Front)Per zoning district — check your parcel

*Island County does not publish a specific overall height for permit-exempt sheds. Zoning district heights per ICC 17.03.180 apply to all structures. For permit-exempt one-story structures (≤200 sq ft), IRC defaults apply: 10 ft eave height. Check your zone at the Parcel Viewer.

From the Municipal Code

“One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet.”

2021 IRC R105.2 (as adopted by Island County) — Permit Exemption →

“Site coverage, setbacks, and height limits for all structures are regulated by zoning district under Section 17.03.180 of the Island County Zoning Code.”

ICC 17.03.180 — Land Use Standards (Setbacks and Coverage) →

What You Need to Know

  • ●Setbacks (ICC 17.03.180): Setback requirements vary by zoning district under Island County's zoning code. Whidbey Island and Camano Island have different development patterns — always check your specific parcel before building.
  • ●Shoreline Management: Both islands have extensive coastline subject to the Shoreline Management Act. Properties near the water may have additional buffers and restrictions that apply regardless of shed size or permit status.
  • ●NAS Whidbey AICUZ Zones: Properties near Naval Air Station Whidbey (south and central Whidbey) may be in Aircraft Installation Compatible Use Zones with noise restrictions and additional building requirements.
  • ●Flood Zones: Island County enforces FEMA flood requirements. Properties in flood zones require elevation certificates and may have foundation restrictions — even for smaller structures.
  • ●Critical Areas: Wetlands, steep slopes, and coastal bluffs are regulated under Island County's Critical Areas Regulations (ICC 17.02B). The permit exemption does not override critical area protections.
  • ●Utilities: Even if the shed is exempt from a building permit, any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work requires a separate trade permit. Structures with heat must meet the Washington State Energy Code.

Official County 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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