Monroe sits at the gateway to eastern Snohomish County where the Skykomish River valley opens up toward the Cascades. Sheds under 200 square feet are permit-exempt under the IRC as adopted by Monroe — no footings or permanent foundation, one story, non-habitable. But you still need to meet all zoning setback and lot coverage requirements for your specific zone. Monroe's setbacks vary by district, so check with the Planning Department to confirm what applies to your parcel.
| Shed Permit Rules | City of Monroe |
|---|---|
| Max Shed Size (No Permit) | 200 sq ft (one-story, detached, no footings) |
| Max Shed Height (Overall) | Per zoning district — check MMC 22.16.040 |
| Setbacks (Side/Rear) | Per zoning district — check MMC 22.16.040 |
| Setbacks (Front) | 10 ft to living area, 20 ft to garage (MMC 22.16.040) |
Monroe adopts the 2021 IRC. Permit-exempt sheds must be one-story, detached, uninhabitable, with no permanent foundation and floor area of 200 sq ft or less.
Setback and height requirements vary by zoning district. Contact Monroe Planning at 360-863-4501 to confirm your zone.
“Under the 2021 International Residential Code, in the City of Monroe, you may build a detached, uninhabitable residential storage shed with a floor of 200 square feet or less and is not considered a permanent structure (with no footings, etc.) without a permit. However, there are still specific setback requirements from the property line.”
Monroe FAQ — Shed Permit Exemption →
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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