Stanwood sits in a FEMA AE flood zone with a 10-foot base flood elevation — which means where you place your shed and what foundation you use matters more here than in most cities. Even if your shed is under 200 square feet and doesn't require a building permit, the City of Stanwood recommends having a planner review your project for setback compliance, easements, and flood zone requirements before you build.
| Shed Permit Rules | City of Stanwood |
|---|---|
| Max Shed Size (No Permit) | 200 sq ft |
| Max Shed Height (Overall) | 30 ft (zone max — all residential zones*) |
| Setbacks (Side/Rear) | 5 ft (2 ft for structures under 200 sq ft per Table 17.60.020-2) |
| Setbacks (Front) | 20–30 ft (varies by zone) |
| Structure Separation | 5 ft from main building |
*30 ft is the building height limit for all residential zones per SMC 17.60.020 — Stanwood does not publish a separate, lower height limit for accessory structures. Height is measured to the mean point between eave and ridge for gable/hip roofs. For permit-exempt structures, IRC limits eave height to 10 ft and story height to 11 ft 7 in. Eave overhangs are limited to 2 ft max projection and cannot encroach within 3 ft of an adjacent structure or property line (fire separation distance).
“One-story detached accessory structures, either residential or commercial, used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided that the floor area is not greater than 200 square feet.”
Admin Interpretation 22-0085 — 200 sq ft Permit Exemption →
“In all zoning districts, accessory uses and structures over 120 square feet shall not be located in required front yards, but may be located in required side or rear yards, not less than five feet from the side or rear lot line; provided, however, that accessory structures for the housing of persons, such as a garage apartment, shall not be located in any required yard.”
SMC 17.25.110(1) — Setbacks for Accessory Structures →
“An accessory building, unless attached to and made a part of the main building, shall be not closer than five feet to the main building.”
SMC 17.25.110(4) — Structure Separation →
“Accessory Building: Rear Lot Line Setback — 5 ft or 2 ft for structures under 200 sf. Side Lot Line Setback — 5 ft or 2 ft for structures under 200 sf. Lot Coverage — 10%. Maximum Building Size — 20% of Principal Building.”
SMC 17.60.020, Table 17.60.020-2 — Accessory Building Bulk Standards →
Not sure what zone you're in? Call the City Planner at 360-454-5220 — they can look up your property's zone and setbacks over the phone.
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 zoning regulations are subject to change. We do our best to keep this information current, but always verify requirements directly with the City of Stanwood Community Development Department before starting your project.
Design your custom shed online and get an instant quote. We build on-site — no delivery hassles.
We also serve nearby cities