Mountlake Terrace is a south Snohomish County suburb with a notably strict permit exemption threshold. Only sheds under 80 square feet with walls no taller than 6 feet are fully exempt from a building permit — one of the lowest thresholds in the region. Sheds up to 200 square feet still qualify for a simplified shed permit. The maximum height is 25 feet, but any shed over 12 feet tall or 200 square feet must meet exterior design standards. Setbacks vary by zone — typically 5 to 15 feet for rear yards. Here's what the Mountlake Terrace code says.
| Shed Permit Rules | City of Mountlake Terrace |
|---|---|
| Fully Exempt (No Permit) | 80 sq ft max, 6 ft wall height max |
| Shed Permit (Simplified) | Up to 200 sq ft — simplified shed permit process |
| Max Shed Height (Overall) | 25 ft (design standards apply above 12 ft) |
| Setbacks (Side) | 5 ft to 10 ft (varies by zone) |
| Setbacks (Rear) | 5 ft to 15 ft (varies by zone) |
| Setbacks (Front) | 15 ft to 20 ft — not permitted in front setback |
Sheds over 12 ft in height or 200 sq ft in area must meet exterior finishing/design requirements.
If a shed is within 5 ft of another structure, walls require fire-rated protection (gypsum wallboard). Eaves within 5 ft setback cannot have venting — roof venting only.
“One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses are exempt from permits if the floor area does not exceed 80 square feet and no side wall exceeds 6 feet in height.”
MTMC 15.05 — Permit Exemption →
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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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