ZONING
Residential, single family zoning provides
an area for single family dwellings and townhouses at urban densities, plus
other related uses, which contribute to a complete urban residential
environment. These other uses which include churches, schools, libraries and
other neighborhood buildings are compatible with single family, residential
use.
Building and zoning codes regulate the
location, size, and lot coverage of single family homes in the Puget Sound
area. The general discussion of lot coverage, height and yard are presented as
a general guideline. Rural residential zones can vary widely because of water
and sewer restrictions.
Homes and other associated structures may
cover 35% of the lot (40% in some areas). When calculating lot coverage you
must include balconies, bay windows and architectural projections (such as
eaves and gutters over 18 inches wide, even though they do not actually touch
the ground.)
Certain structures are not counted in lot
coverage. These include: uncovered decks, pools of 18 inches or less in height,
access structures for the disabled, pedestrian bridges (5 feet wide or less)
needed for access from a street, alley or easement, underground structures and
bulkheads and solar collectors that meet certain standards.
In general, your home must not exceed 30
feet in height above existing grade on any portion of your lot. If you are
planning to build a home between two single family structures, one or both of
which exceeds 30 feet, you may use the average height of the two adjacent structures
as the height limit, so long as that does not exceed 40 feet.
If you have a pitched roof, the ridge of the
roof may exceed 5 feet above the height limit if the pitch of the roof is at
least 3 to 12 feet.
If you wish to build a home on a sloping
lot, you may be eligible to have additional wall height along the lowest
elevation of the site. Basically, you may be allowed one foot of height in
addition to the 30-foot limit for each 6 percent slope of the existent grade of
the site.
Land Use Codes require that certain portions
of your lot be set aside for front, rear and side yards. In general, no portion
of your house may extend into these required yards. You may place accessory
structures such as garages, sheds, decks and porches in these yards only if certain
criteria are met. Of course, you may provide more than the required minimum
yard. The standard yard requirements are:
Front Yard: 20 feet, or the average of the
front yards of the single-family residences on either side of your lot,
whichever is less.
Rear Yard: 25 feet
Side Yard: 5 feet
The Seattle Department of Construction and Land
Development has more through
information.
Check King County
for more detailed information.