Lake Stevens has the lowest height limit in Zone 1 — just 12 feet to the highest point of the roof, measured from mean finished grade. That's tight if you're planning a steep-pitched gable. The tradeoff: the rules are dead simple. Under 200 square feet, under 12 feet, 5 feet from side and rear property lines, and you don't need a permit. Watch the impervious surface limits too — 40 to 65 percent depending on your zone.
| Shed Permit Rules | City of Lake Stevens |
|---|---|
| Max Shed Size (No Permit) | 200 sq ft |
| Max Shed Height (Overall) | 12 ft (to highest point) |
| Setbacks (Side/Rear) | 5 ft minimum |
| Setbacks (Front) | Per zoning district — see Ch. 14.48 |
“In single-family residential zones, accessory structures must meet the following conditions: (1) The gross floor area of all accessory structures shall not exceed 200 square feet without a building permit. (2) The height of the accessory structure shall not exceed 12 feet without a building permit. (3) The accessory structure may be set back five feet from rear and side property lines but shall be no closer to the front property line than the front setback of the underlying zoning district.”
LSMC 14.48.045(a) — Accessory Structures →
“The vertical distance measured from the mean elevation of the finished grade along four points of the proposed building to the highest point of the building.”
LSMC 14.48.060(a) — Building Height Measurement →
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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