Woodland · Building on your lot

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Woodland

Woodland limits detached accessory buildings in residential zones to 16 feet, and all accessory structures to 75% of the main home's floor area.

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Key points

Accessory buildings: Woodland limits detached accessory buildings in residential zones to 16 feet, and all accessory structures to 75% of the main home's floor area.

Each rule below links to the section of the Woodland Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Woodland's code says

Woodland code What Woodland's code adds
Maximum height	Detached accessory buildings may be no more than 16 feet tall. Applies: Residential zones. § 17.64.020 · code text Accessory structures shall not exceed a maximum height of 16 feet. A two-story accessory building up to 25 feet tall may be allowed. Applies: Residential zones, at the rear of a lot next to an alley; at least 10 feet from the side property line. § 17.64.020 · code text A two-story accessory structure no greater than 25 feet in height may be allowed at the rear of a lot that abuts an alley but must comply with a minimum 10-foot side property line setback.
Size or lot coverage	All residential accessory structures together may be no more than 75% of the main building's floor area. Applies: Unless the Director approves otherwise. § 17.64.020 · code text The cumulative floor area of any residential accessory structure(s) may be a maximum of 75% of that of the primary structure, except as otherwise approved by the Director. Accessory structures may cover no more than 30% of the zone's required side and rear setback. Applies: Detached accessory buildings in residential zones; total of all accessory structures. § 17.64.020 · code text The total square footage of all accessory structures shall not occupy more than 30% of the required side and rear setback of the underlying zone. The main building and accessory structures together may cover no more than 50% of the lot. Applies: Residential zones, unless the base zone allows otherwise. § 17.64.020 · code text Unless otherwise allowed in the base zone, maximum aggregate lot coverage by primary and accessory structures shall not exceed 50%.
Side and rear setback	At least 3 feet from interior side or rear property lines. Applies: Detached accessory buildings in residential zones with an eave height under 9 feet at the point closest to the line. § 17.64.020 · code text Less than 9 feet \| 3 feet At least 4 feet from interior side or rear property lines. Applies: Detached accessory buildings in residential zones with an eave height of 9 feet to under 10 feet. § 17.64.020 · code text At least 9 feet but less than 10 feet \| 4 feet At least 5 feet from interior side or rear property lines. Applies: Detached accessory buildings in residential zones with an eave height of 10 feet to under 11 feet. § 17.64.020 · code text At least 10 feet but less than 11 feet \| 5 feet At least 6 feet from interior side or rear property lines. Applies: Detached accessory buildings in residential zones with an eave height of 11 feet to under 12 feet. § 17.64.020 · code text At least 11 feet but less than 12 feet \| 6 feet At least 7 feet from interior side or rear property lines. Applies: Detached accessory buildings in residential zones with an eave height of 12 to 16 feet, subject to review. § 17.64.020 · code text 12 to 16 feet (subject to review) \| 7 feet At least 10 feet from the side property line. Applies: Two-story accessory buildings up to 25 feet at the rear of a lot next to an alley, in residential zones. § 17.64.020 · code text A two-story accessory structure no greater than 25 feet in height may be allowed at the rear of a lot that abuts an alley but must comply with a minimum 10-foot side property line setback.
No permit needed up to	No building permit is needed under 120 square feet. Applies: Detached, no utility hookups. Attached structures and decks over 30 inches need a permit. Tier 1 development review applies over 12 feet in residential zones. § 17.64.020 · code text A Building Permit (see § 17.100.130, Building Permit) is required for all accessory structures 120 square feet or greater and all accessory structures with utility hookups, regardless of square footage.
Distance from the house	At least 6 feet from any main building or home on the lot. Applies: Detached accessory buildings in residential zones. § 17.64.020 · code text All accessory buildings shall be located at least six feet from any primary building or dwelling on the lot.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Woodland?

Woodland limits detached accessory buildings in residential zones to 16 feet, and all accessory structures to 75% of the main home's floor area.

General information, not legal advice.

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