FAQs • Pierce County, WA • CivicEngage

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PPW Development Center - Garages, Sheds and Decks

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1. Do carport structures with canvas covers for boats, cars and RV's require a permit?: Yes, if they exceed 200 square feet in area a building permit is required. Regardless of the need for a building permit they must meet setbacks. IRC Section 105 Reference Bulletin #8.

2. How high can I build a deck?: Decks, sidewalks and driveways with a walking surface not more than 30-inches (76 2mm) above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below are exempt from requiring a building permit. If greater than 30-inches above adjacent grade a building permit is required, a guard must be installed and must meet setbacks. Grade is measured at the lowest point from the deck to 6-feet out from the deck, sidewalk or drive. IRC Section 105, Reference Bulletin #8.

3. How many storage sheds can I build on my property without requiring a permit and, how large can they be?: A single story accessory structure used as a tool and storage shed, playhouse and similar use may be built without a building permit, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 squrae feet. All accessory structures must meet setbacks, see Pierce County Code Section 18a.15.040. In residential zones, on lots of less than 1 acre in size, detached accessory structures shall not exceed 2,000 total square feet, excluding the area of a detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).