MC2 Sheds

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

Snohomish County

Mill Creek is a planned community — and that means HOA approval is practically a given for any shed project. The city code allows accessory structures up to 400 square feet and 12 feet tall in setback areas, but structures at full setback distance can go to the zone maximum of 35 feet. There's also a 78-inch window height restriction for windows facing neighboring properties. If you're building here, plan on navigating both city code and your HOA's architectural review.

Building Codes & Permits in Mill Creek

Shed Permit RulesCity of Mill Creek
Max Shed Size (No Permit)200 sq ft (one-story)
Max Shed Size (In Setback Area)400 sq ft
Max Shed Height (In Setback)12 ft
Max Shed Height (At Full Setback)35 ft (zone max)
Setbacks (Side/Rear)5 ft minimum
Setbacks (Front)Not allowed in front setback area

From the Municipal Code

“No accessory building within a side or rear setback area shall have a gross floor area greater than 400 square feet, or a height greater than 12 feet.”

MCMC 17.22 — Accessory Building Size & Height in Setback Areas →

“Accessory buildings meeting the setback requirements for principal buildings shall not have a gross floor area greater than the principal building and shall be limited to the maximum height of the underlying zone.”

MCMC 17.22 — Accessory Buildings at Full Setback →

“No accessory building shall be located in any front setback area. No accessory building shall be located closer than five feet to any side or rear lot line.”

MCMC 17.22 — Accessory Building Setback Requirements →

What You Need to Know

  • ●HOA approval virtually required: Mill Creek is a master-planned community. Nearly every neighborhood has an HOA with architectural review requirements. Get HOA approval before you start — even if the city approves your shed, your HOA can block it.
  • ●Setback area rules (MCMC 17.22): Accessory buildings in side or rear setback areas are limited to 400 sq ft gross floor area and 12 ft height. Structures meeting the full setback requirements for principal buildings can be larger and go up to the zone height max (35 ft in most residential zones).
  • ●78-inch window restriction: Windows on accessory structures facing neighboring properties cannot exceed 78 inches in height above the finished floor. This is a privacy measure common in planned communities.
  • ●No front setback placement: Accessory buildings cannot be located in any front setback area. Rear and side yard only.
  • ●Setbacks (MCMC 17.22): No accessory building can be closer than 5 ft to any side or rear lot line.
  • ●Lot coverage: 35% maximum lot coverage in most residential zones. Your shed counts toward this total.
  • ●Design review (MCMC 17.34): Design review board approval may be required for accessory structures depending on size and visibility.
  • ●Outside city limits? Some areas near Mill Creek are unincorporated Snohomish County with different rules. Check the Snohomish County page.
  • ●Utilities: Even if the structure is exempt, any electrical or plumbing work requires a separate trade permit.

City of Mill Creek 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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