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

Please see the Public Data Viewer  where you can search for your property and learn about the zoning and other information (e.g. utilities, critical areas, etc.) about your property. To search for your property in the public data viewer, click on the magnifying glass and enter the address or parcel number. Data layers may be turned on and off by expanding the layer headings in the ‘data layers’ section, and clicking on the ‘eyeball’ symbol next to the data layer name. If you can't determine the zone by the public data viewer, and you know the address or parcel number of the property you are inquiring about, please contact the Planning Division at Planning@PuyallupWA.gov for assistance. Other map related information is accessible on the Public GIS Portal.

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. We recommend hiring a surveyor to delineate your property line. In any single-family (RS) zone, the maximum height of a fence in the front yard cannot exceed 3-1/2’  in height for the first 20' from the property line. For a street side yard property line, the maximum fence height is 3-1/2' for the first twenty feet from the front yard property line. However, open-wire, welded-wire, chain-link, split-rail or similar fences may be as tall as five feet in height. The remaining portion of the property can have a fence height not to exceed 6 feet in height. Please email Planning@puyallupwa.gov 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 detached accessory building 200 square feet or less will not need a building permit. However, detached accessory structures of any size must meet the following setbacks:

Front yard: Setback for applicable zone; see PMC 20.20.020
Rear yard: 5'
Interior side yard: 5'
Street side yard: Setback for applicable zone; see PMC 20.20.020
Distance from other structures: 5'

Please email Planning@puyallupwa.gov 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 yard setbacks (PMC 20.20.020). Please email Planning@puyallupwa.gov 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?

Any detached structure larger than 200 square feet requires a building permit. On an RS-zoned lot less than or equal to one acre in size, the maximum size for a detached accessory building is limited to 50% of the footprint of the primary structure on the lot. On an RS-zone lot greater than one acre in size, the maximum size for a detached accessory building is limited to 80% of the footprint of the primary structure on the lot. When calculating the allowed size of the detached accessory structure, accessory structures (e.g. attached garage) which are attached to a dwelling unit shall be considered part of the overall primary structure footprint for the purposes of calculating the size ratio allowance. Any detached accessory structure greater than 200 square feet will need to meet the maximum lot coverage and floor area for the applicable zone, and the setbacks provided below. Please email Planning@puyallupwa.gov for more information.

Detached accessory structures of any size must meet the following setbacks:

Front yard: Setback for applicable zone; see PMC 20.20.020
Rear yard: 5'
Interior side yard: 5'
Street side yard: Setback for applicable zone; ; see PMC 20.20.020
Distance from other structures: 5'

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 with a primary structure is allowed one (1) accessory dwelling unit (ADU). ADUs are required to apply for and obtain a building permit.

All attached or detached ADUs in RS zones must meet the standards and criteria outlined in Puyallup Municipal Code 20.20.010 (11). Below is a list of standards that will be helpful in getting you started. Please note that this list is non-exhaustive and to reference PMC 20.20.010 (11), contact planning at Planning@PuyallupWA.gov, or see the ADU informational sheet.

• 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
• 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
• If located in a new structure, a detached accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 700 square feet or 40 percent of the floor area of the primary dwelling, whichever is less
• 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 bedrooms, nor be located on more than one floor
• Utilities for the accessory dwelling unit shall be metered jointly with the primary dwelling unit
• Either the primary dwelling unit or the accessory dwelling unit shall be physically occupied by the property owner for at least 6 months each calendar year. Owners shall sign an affidavit which attests to their residency for at least six months of each year. This affidavit shall be binding upon the owner or successive owners during the life of the accessory dwelling unit