Skagit County allows permit-exempt sheds up to 200 square feet — but the county's exemption comes with more conditions than most. Your shed can't be in a flood zone or critical area buffer, can't have plumbing unless the water source is approved, and the county limits exempt buildings to one per 5 acres (max 4 total). Setbacks vary by zone, with typical side setbacks of 8 feet that can drop to 3 feet for accessory buildings under 1,000 square feet and 16 feet tall. The Skagit Valley's flood risk adds another layer — if you're in a Special Hazard Flood Area, you'll need a separate flood permit even for an exempt structure.
For unincorporated Skagit County areas. Incorporated cities may have their own requirements.
| Shed Permit Rules | Unincorporated Skagit County |
|---|---|
| Max Shed Size (No Permit) | 200 sq ft |
| Max Shed Height (Overall) | Per zoning district* — typically 30–40 ft |
| Setbacks (Side/Rear) | 8 ft side / 10 ft rear typical — 3 ft reduced for accessory ≤1,000 sq ft and ≤16 ft† |
| Setbacks (Front) | 25 ft typical — check your zone |
| Max Exempt Buildings | 1 per 5 acres (max 4 per parcel) |
*Skagit County does not publish a specific overall height for permit-exempt sheds. Zone maximums (typically 30–40 ft) apply to all structures. For permit-exempt one-story structures, IRC defaults apply: 10 ft eave height.
†A 3-foot side/rear setback is permitted for nonresidential accessory buildings under 1,000 sq ft and 16 ft tall when the structure is at least 75 feet from the front property line or there is a rear alley.
“One story detached buildings 200 square feet or smaller are exempt provided: the building is not used for sleeping purposes; not placed within a defined critical area or its buffer; only one such exempt building is allowed for each 5 acres of any parcel property up to a maximum of 4 exempt buildings; the building is not located in a designated floodway; and no heating, unless meeting the Washington State Energy Code envelope insulation requirements and a mechanical permit is obtained.”
SCC 15.04 — Permit Exemption for Detached Buildings (Amended IRC R105.2) →
“A three-foot setback is permitted for nonresidential structures when the accessory building is a minimum of 75 feet from the front property line or when there is an alley along the rear property line, provided that the structure is less than 1,000 square feet in size and 16 feet or less in height.”
SCC 14.16 — Reduced Setback for Accessory Structures →
“Permit exemption does not otherwise exempt the construction from the substantive standards of the codes, and unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits may still be required for exempt items.”
SCC 15.04 — Exemption Does Not Override Code Compliance →
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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