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1. How do I find zoning information about my property?

See the interactive zoning map where you can search for your address and learn about the zoning of your property. If you can't determine the zone by the online zoning map, and you know the address or parcel number of the property you are inquiring about, you can contact the Planning Division at Planning@ci.puyallup.wa.us.

You can also download the Zoning Map (PDF)

2. I want to build a fence at my residence. Where can I place the fence, and how tall can the fence be?

A permit is not required for the construction of a fence under 6' tall. The fence can be built on the property line. In any single-family(RS) zone with the maximum height of a fence in the front yard setback area as cannot exceed 3-1/2'  in height. The remaining portion of the property can have a fence height not to exceed 6 feet in height. Please email Planning@ci.puyallup.wa.us for more information.

3. I want to build a small storage shed on my property. How large can it be, and do I need a building permit?

For any single-family (RS) zoned lot, a one-story detached accessory building may disregard the rear and interior side yard setbacks if such accessory building is no more than 200 square feet in floor area and not more than 15 feet in length on any one side. A building permit is not required for any structure under 200 square feet. Please email Planning@ci.puyallup.wa.us for more information.

4. I'm planning to build a deck in the rear yard off the back of my house. Do I need to meet the setback requirements for my area?

In any single-family (RS) zone, open, unenclosed decks not covered by a roof may project into any required rear or interior side yard setbacks, provided however, that said decks do not exceed 30 inches above adjoining grade. Please email Planning@ci.puyallup.wa.us for more information.

5. I want to build a detached garage on my property. Where can I place it on my lot, and how large can it be?

No accessory building shall be larger than 50% of the ground floor area of the primary structure (the residence) on any lot less than 1 acre in size.

Lots <8,000 square feet or with alley access:

A detached garage (600 square feet or less) can disregard the rear and side yard setbacks on a lot 8,000 square feet or less (or any size lot with public alley access) provided that the garage is located in the rear 30% of the lot or further than 75 feet from the front lot line and is no closer than 12 feet from the centerline of an adjacent alley. Under this rule, an accessory building, such as garage, have a height greater than 12 feet.

Lots >8,000 square feet or without alley access: 

Lots over 8,000 square feet in size or those that don't have public alley access, must construct all structures outside the required setback areas.

Please email Planning@ci.puyallup.wa.us for more information.

6. I want to build a "mother-in-law" apartment for my parents on my property. What are the zoning regulations?

Each single-family (RS) zoned lot is allowed 1 accessory dwelling unit if the lot meets the minimum size requirement for its zone. A detached accessory dwelling unit (aka detached "mother-in-law" apartment) must obtain a building permit.

All attached or detached ADUs in RS zones must meet the standards outlined in Puyallup Municipal Code 20.20.010 (11). The most important (but not all) the regulations for ADUs are listed below:

• An attached accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 900 square feet of floor area or 40 percent of the floor area of the primary dwelling, whichever is less, nor have more than two bedrooms; and
• If located in a new structure, a detached accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 700 square feet.
• If the detached accessory dwelling unit is a conversion of an existing structure, then it cannot exceed 900 square feet, or 40 percent of the floor area of the new or existing primary structure, whichever is less. Additionally, the detached unit shall not have more than two bedroom, nor be located on more than one floor; and
• Utilities for the accessory dwelling unit shall be metered jointly with the primary dwelling unit; and

  and complementary to the principal dwelling unit structure; and

• Either the primary dwelling unit or the accessory dwelling unit shall be physically occupied by at least one property owner of record during the life of the accessory dwelling unit. Owners shall sign an affidavit which attests to their residency for at least six months of every year. This affidavit shall be binding upon the owner or successive owners during the life of the accessory dwelling unit; and

• An accessory dwelling unit may be created either through internal conversion of a portion of the primary structure or through construction of an addition to the primary structure

For more information please see the ADU brochure.

standards and criteria.