MC2 Sheds

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

Snohomish County

The City of Snohomish has rules you won't find in most cities — only one exempt structure per lot, no permanent foundation allowed, and a 16-foot height cap for structures in setback areas. If you're in the historic district downtown, you'll need design review approval before building anything visible from the street. The good news: 200 square feet without a permit, and 5-foot side/rear setbacks with 6 feet between structures. Outside city limits, Snohomish County rules apply.

Building Codes & Permits in Snohomish

Shed Permit RulesCity of Snohomish
Max Shed Size (No Permit)200 sq ft (one per lot, no permanent foundation)
Max Shed Height (Overall)16 ft
Setbacks (Side/Rear)5 ft minimum
Setbacks (Front)Per zoning district — see SMC 14.210.240
Structure Separation6 ft between structures

From the Municipal Code

“A structure up to 200 square feet in size, designed for use as a storage or tool shed, playhouse, and/or similar use, may be placed on a legal lot in Snohomish without a building permit provided the following provisions are met: [...] 3. The structure will not be fastened to a permanent foundation such as poured-in-place concrete footings or poured-in-place concrete poles or posts. 4. Only one unpermitted structure shall be allowed on a legal lot.”

SMC 19.04.120(G) — Permit Exemption →

“B. Except for accessory dwelling units, accessory buildings shall not be located closer than five feet to any rear or side lot line, and shall meet the standard front yard setback for the underlying zoning district. D. Except for accessory dwelling units, accessory buildings located within the normal buildable area of a lot shall not exceed the height limitation of the zoning district. Structures located within a setback area pursuant to subsection B of this section shall be limited to 16 feet in height.”

SMC 14.210.200 — Accessory Structures →

What You Need to Know

  • ●200 sq ft exemption (SMC 19.04.120(G)): One-story storage/tool sheds up to 200 sq ft don't require a building permit — but only one exempt structure per lot, and it can't be on a permanent foundation (no poured-in-place concrete footings).
  • ●Height limits (SMC 14.210.200(D)): Accessory structures are limited to 16 ft in height. In the normal buildable area of a lot, accessory buildings can go up to the zone's height limit (35 ft in most residential zones), but structures in setback areas are capped at 16 ft. Height is measured to the mean point between eave and ridge for gable/hip roofs per SMC 14.210.030.
  • ●6 ft structure separation: Keep at least 6 feet between your shed and other structures on the property, or fire-rated walls may be required.
  • ●Historic district (SMC 14.225): If your property is in the historic district downtown, exterior changes — including new structures — require design review. The Design Review Board reviews significant proposals. No additional fee, but you'll need detailed elevations and materials identification.
  • ●Lot coverage: LDR, MDR, and HDR zones allow up to 80% lot coverage per Table 14.210.240-2. Your shed counts toward this total.
  • ●Outside city limits? The area around the City of Snohomish is unincorporated Snohomish County with different rules. Check the Snohomish County page.
  • ●Online permits only: The City of Snohomish no longer accepts paper building permit applications — everything goes through their online Self-Service Permit Portal.
  • ●Utilities: Even if the structure is exempt, any electrical or plumbing work requires a separate trade permit.

City of Snohomish 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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