Washington / King County

Shed Permit in King County, Washington

By Mario Bailey Last verified 2026-06-17 · 2 official sources

Quick answer

In unincorporated King County storage sheds with a floor area of 200 square feet or less as an accessory to a residential house do not require a building permit. Sheds larger than 200 square feet require a building permit applied for through MyBuildingPermit.com. These rules apply to unincorporated King County only. Critical areas on the property may affect the exemption.

Permit required?

Sometimes, depending on the project.

Typical threshold: storage sheds 200 sq ft or less as accessory to a residential house do not require a building permit in unincorporated King County; sheds over 200 sq ft require a permit.

When a permit is usually needed

Before building a storage shed over 200 sq ft in unincorporated King County

Permit cost and what affects it

Most permit fees increased approximately 14% on January 1 2026 plus a $126 application screening fee

Permit costs generally depend on the project valuation, the scope of work, and the inspections required. Ask the office how the fee is calculated for your specific project.

Where to apply

King County Department of Local Services Permitting Division

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a shed permit in King County?
In unincorporated King County storage sheds with a floor area of 200 square feet or less as an accessory to a residential house do not require a building permit. Sheds larger than 200 square feet require a building permit applied for through MyBuildingPermit.com. These rules apply to unincorporated King County only. Critical areas on the property may affect the exemption. The typical threshold is storage sheds 200 sq ft or less as accessory to a residential house do not require a building permit in unincorporated King County; sheds over 200 sq ft require a permit. Always confirm with the office before starting.
How much does a shed permit cost in King County?
Most permit fees increased approximately 14% on January 1 2026 plus a $126 application screening fee Contact the office for current amounts.
How long does a shed permit take in King County?
Processing time for a shed permit in King County varies by workload and project scope. Contact the King County Department of Local Services Permitting Division for a current estimate.
Where do you apply for a shed permit in King County?
You can apply through the King County permit portal or contact the King County Department of Local Services Permitting Division directly. The links are listed on this page.

Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-17 Report an error on this page

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