Detached garage rules in Renton's Residential-8 zone: interior lot, alley behind the lot

A detached garage in Renton's Residential-8 zone needs at least 20 ft from the front lot line, at least 3 ft from the rear lot line, and at least 3 ft from the side lot line. All buildings together can cover up to 55% of the lot.

Rules last updated 2026-11-05 · This page quotes the Renton Municipal Code. It is a reading aid, not the official code. The City's published code governs. Read the code

Your lot

Detached garage
HouseDetached ADUAttached ADUAdditionDetached garageShedDeck
Narrow it to your lot
Interior lot

Lot type

Corner lots sit on two streets. Through lots run from one street to another.

AnyInterior lotCorner lotThrough lot
Alley behind the lot

Alley

Is there an alley along the back of the lot?

AnyNo alleyAlley behind the lot
A detached garage on a typical lot, with its setbacksSTREETALLEYFRONT LOT LINEREAR LOT LINESIDE LOT LINESIDE LOT LINEFRONT20′SIDE3′SIDE3′REAR3′
Setback: no building hereWhere a detached garage can goA typical lot, not to scale. Your lot's shape, size and conditions change these lines.

Visualize these on your property

Enter an address and Feasy draws these rules on your actual lot.

What the code allows

Setbacks

iWhat is a setback?
The distance a building has to stay back from a lot line. How the code defines each line ›

A setback is a distance a building has to stay back from a lot line. Here is what the code calls it, and how far a detached garage has to stay back from each line.

Front

20ftminimum
At least 15 ft when all cars reach the lot from the alley.

At least 20 ft. At least 15 ft when all cars reach the lot from the alley.

How close to the front lot line can a detached garage be?

What the code says: Renton Municipal Code 4-2-110A

Rear

3ftminimum

At least 3 ft.

How close to the rear lot line can a detached garage be?

What the code says: Renton Municipal Code 4-2-110E

Side

3ftminimum

At least 3 ft.

How close to the side lot line can a detached garage be?

What the code says: Renton Municipal Code 4-2-110E

What the code says · 4-2-110A, 4-2-110E

(Ord. 4869, 10-23-2000; Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 5100, 11-1-2004; Ord. 5132, 4-4-2005; Ord. 5153, 9-26-2005; Ord. 5306, 9-17-2007; Ord. 5355, 2-25-2008; Ord. 5383, 6-2-2008; Ord. 5387, 6-9-2008; Ord. 5401, 7-14-2008; Ord. 5450, 3-2-2009; Ord. 5473, 7-13-2009; Ord. 5518, 12-14-2009; Ord. 5526, 2-1-2010; Ord. 5528, 3-8-2010; Ord. 5529, 3-8-2010; Ord. 5531, 3-8-2010; Ord. 5590, 2-28-2011; Ord. 5649, 12-12-2011; Ord. 5650, 12-12-2011; Ord. 5675, 12-3-2012; Ord. 5702, 12-9-2013; Ord. 5726, 10-20-2014; Ord. 5744, 1-12-2015; Ord. 5759 (Att. C), 6-22-2015; Ord. 5790, 4-25-2016; Ord. 5791 (Att. A), 4-25-2016; Ord. 5798 (Att. A), 4-25-2016; Ord. 5841 (Att. A), 6-12-2017; Ord. 5867 (Att. B), 12-11-2017; Ord. 5899 (Att. B), 11-19-2018; Ord. 5960 (Att. B), 12-9-2019; Ord. 5981 (Att. A), 10-12-2020; Ord. 6048, 12-13-2021; Ord. 6049, 12-13-2021; Ord. 6076 (Att. A), 8-8-2022; Ord. 6091 (Att. A), 11-28-2022; Ord. 6128 (Att. C), 12-11-2023; Ord. 6154 (Att. A), 12-9-2024; Ord. 6160 (Exh. B-1), 6-16-2025) Please see Section 4-2-110I, Conditions Associated With Residential Development Standards Tables, for explanation of table footnotes.

8
RC
Minimum Net Density (per Net Acre)1, 2, 15None {spans 3 columns}
Maximum Net Density (per Net Acre, Except per Net 10 Acres in RC)2, 14, 151 dwelling unit
Maximum Number of Dwellings (per Legal Lot)2Single-family dwellings and cottage house dwelling units: 1 per legal or unit lot. / Accessory dwelling units (attached or detached): 2 per legal lot. / Middle housingSee RMC 4-2-110F, Development Standards for Middle Housing Developments. {spans 5 columns}
Minimum Lot Size2, 28, 3110 acres
Minimum Lot Width31150 ft
Minimum Lot Width31 (Corner Lots)175 ft
Minimum Lot Depth31300 ft
Minimum Front Yard4, 5, 3130 ft
Minimum Rear Yard4, 22, 3135 ft
Minimum Side Yard4, 3125 ft
Minimum Secondary Front Yard4, 5, 31 (applies to Corner Lots)30 ft
Maximum Building Coverage (including Primary and Accessory)10%
Maximum Impervious Surface Area15%
Maximum Number of Stories3 {spans 3 columns}
Maximum Wall Plate Height8, 9, 10, 12, 18, 1932 ft. {spans 3 columns}
Maximum Number of Units per Building24 dwelling units {spans 5 columns}
Minimum Freeway Frontage Setback10 ft. landscaped setback from the street property line. {spans 5 columns}
Maximum Wireless Communication Facilities Height (including Amateur Radio Antennas)See RMC 4-4-140, Wireless Communication Facilities. Amateur radio antennas are allowed a maximum height of 6 feet without a Conditional Use Permit. Larger structures will have a maximum height determined by the Conditional Use Permit process, RMC 4-9-030, Conditional Use Permits. {spans 5 columns}
Design StandardsSee RMC 4-2-115, Residential Design and Open Space Standards. {spans 5 columns}
LandscapingSee RMC 4-4-070, Landscaping. {spans 5 columns}
Exterior LightingSee RMC 4-4-075, Lighting, Exterior On-Site. {spans 5 columns}
ScreeningSee RMC 4-4-095, Screening and Storage Height/Location Limitations. {spans 5 columns}
Exception for Pre-Existing Legal LotsSee RMC 4-10-010, Nonconforming Lots. {spans 5 columns}
Renton Municipal Code 4-2-110A · DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY AND MEDIUM DENSITY ZONES – PRIMARY STRUCTURES^1

(Ord. 6160 (Exh. B-4), 6-16-2025) Please see Section 4-2-110I, Conditions Associated With Residential Development Standards Tables, for explanation of table footnotes.

1
MAXIMUM NUMBER AND SIZE {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2Accessory structures shall only be allowed on lots in conjunction with a primary use. / The total floor area of all accessory buildings shall not be greater than the floor area of the primary residential uses. / The lot coverage of the primary residential structure combined with all accessory buildings shall not exceed the maximum lot coverage of the Zoning District.17
RC and R-12 structures – max. 720 sq. ft. per structure, or / 1 structure – max. 1,000 sq. ft. / In addition, 1 barn or stable – max. 2,000 sq. ft., provided the lot is 5 acres or more
R-4, R-6, and R-82 structures – max. 720 sq. ft. per structure, or / 1 structure – max. 1,000 sq. ft
R-10 and R-141 structure per residential unit – max. 400 sq. ft.; provided, that they are architecturally consistent with the principal structure. / Except greenhouses, sheds, or other similar accessory structures – max. 150 sq. ft
MAXIMUM HEIGHT18, 19 {spans 2 columns}
General {spans 2 columns}
RC12 ft
R-1, R-4, R-6, and R-812 ft. / Animal husbandry or agricultural related structures are subject to the maximum wall plate height of RMC 4-2-110A, and associated conditions. Additionally, the structure shall not be taller than the primary dwelling
R-10 and R-1412 ft. / Agricultural related structures are subject to the maximum wall plate height of RMC 4-2-110A, and associated conditions, except that the structure shall not be taller than the primary dwelling
RMF and RMF-225 ft.20, except that the structure shall not be taller than the primary building(s)
Public Facilities {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2Maximum height for public facilities shall be determined through site plan review
Wireless Communication Facilities (Including Amateur Radio Antennas) {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2See RMC 4-4-140, Wireless Communication Facilities, for maximum height requirements. Freestanding vertical monopole amateur radio antennas are allowed a maximum height of 45 ft. without a Conditional Use Permit. Taller structures will have maximum height determined pursuant to RMC 4-9-030, Conditional Use Permits
Clear Vision Area {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2In no case shall a structure over 42 in. in height intrude into the 20 ft. clear vision area defined in RMC 4-11-030
LOCATION {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-24 ft. from any residential structure. If sited closer than 4 ft., the structure shall be considered to be attached
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, and R-14For any lot that abuts an alley, vehicular access to garages or carports shall be through the alley
R-14When lots do not abut an alley, all garages and carports shall be located in the rear yard or side yard
MINIMUM SETBACKS {spans 2 columns}
Front Yard and Secondary Front Yard {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2Setbacks applied to the primary structure also apply to accessory structures. Accessory structures shall not be located between the primary structure and a street.4
Side Yards for Accessory Buildings {spans 2 columns}
RC and R-15 ft., unless located between the rear of the house and the rear property line, then 0 ft. side yard is allowed
R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-23 ft., unless located between the rear of the house and the rear property line, then 0 ft. side yard is allowed
Rear Yards for Accessory Buildings {spans 2 columns}
RC5 ft
R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-23 ft., unless located between the rear of the house and the rear property line, then 0 ft. rear yard is allowed. / When located within 10 ft. of the rear property line, at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the lineal length of the rear yard shall remain unoccupied from accessory structures, except when the rear property line abuts an alley. / Except for garages/carports accessed through alleys: to ensure adequate vehicular maneuvering area, garages and carports that are accessed through alleys shall be set back as follows/ 1. 9 ft. garage doors shall be at least 26 ft. from the back edge of the alley, or / 2. 16 ft. garage doors shall be at least 24 ft. from the back edge of the alley
Special Setbacks for Animal Husbandry or Agricultural Related Structures {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, and R-14Agricultural related structures – 50 ft. from any property line. / Stables and other animal husbandry related structures, see RMC 4-4-010, Animal Keeping and Beekeeping Standards
RMF and RMF-2n/a
CRITICAL AREAS {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2See RMC 4-3-050, Critical Areas Regulations, and 4-3-090, Shoreline Master Program Regulations
Renton Municipal Code 4-2-110E · DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR DETACHED ACCESSORY BUILDINGS^1
How the code defines each line
SETBACK
M. SETBACK: The minimum required distance between the building footprint and the property line and any private access easement or tract. For lots containing private access easements, setbacks are the minimum required distance between the building footprint and the easement. A setback is measured perpendicularly from a lot line or private easement access to the outer wall of the structure. In the case where a structure does not have an outer wall, such as a carport, the measurement shall be to the posts of such structure, unless otherwise determined by the Department of Community and Economic Development.Renton Municipal Code 4-11-190.M
LOT LINES
LOT LINES: The property lines bounding a lot; the designation of lot lines (front, rear, and side) shall be based on the yard designations (see YARD REQUIREMENT).Renton Municipal Code 4-11-120.[LOT LINES]
Lot, Corner
A. Lot, Corner: A lot abutting upon any combination of two (2) or more streets, including private streets (e.g., unit lot drives), access easements, or shared driveways, but excluding alleys, at their intersection, or upon two (2) parts of the same street, such streets or parts of the same street forming an interior angle of less than one hundred thirty-five degrees (135) within the lot lines.Renton Municipal Code 4-11-120.[LOT TYPES].A
Lot, Interior
C. Lot, Interior: A lot that generally abuts or has frontage on only one (1) street (or other means of access that may be permitted).Renton Municipal Code 4-11-120.[LOT TYPES].C
Lot, Through
D. Lot, Through: A lot that has two (2) opposing ends each fronting on a street.Renton Municipal Code 4-11-120.[LOT TYPES].D
YARD REQUIREMENT
YARD REQUIREMENT: An open space on a lot unoccupied by structures, unless specifically authorized otherwise. The Planning Division shall determine the various yard requirements for uniquely shaped lots and flag lots. (See also SETBACK.)Renton Municipal Code 4-11-250.[YARD REQUIREMENT]
Front Yard
A. Front Yard: The yard requirement that separates the structure(s) from public right-of-way, private access easement, or shared driveway. For through lots, corner lots, and lots without street frontage, the front yard will be determined by the Planning Division Director.Renton Municipal Code 4-11-250.[YARD REQUIREMENT].A
Secondary Front Yard
B. Secondary Front Yard: The yard requirement for corner lots and through lots that serves as a second front yard abutting a street right-of-way, private street, or shared driveway.Renton Municipal Code 4-11-250.[YARD REQUIREMENT].B
Rear Yard
C. Rear Yard: The yard requirement opposite the front yard. Where a lot abuts an alley, the rear yard shall always be the yard abutting the alley. For irregularly shaped lots, the rear yard shall be measured from an imaginary line at least fifteen feet (15') in length located entirely within the lot and farthest removed and parallel to the front lot line or its tangent.Renton Municipal Code 4-11-250.[YARD REQUIREMENT].C
Side Yard
D. Side Yard: The yard requirement which is not a front yard, a secondary front yard, or a rear yard.Renton Municipal Code 4-11-250.[YARD REQUIREMENT].D
How setbacks are measured

Height

iWhat is the height limit?
How tall a detached garage can be, measured the way the code measures height.

Height

12ftmaximum
to the average height of the roof

Renton measures from the average ground level along the building's walls. Check with a design professional to confirm your height.

Up to 12 ft. to the average height of the roof.

How tall can a detached garage be?

What the code says · 4-2-110E

(Ord. 6160 (Exh. B-4), 6-16-2025) Please see Section 4-2-110I, Conditions Associated With Residential Development Standards Tables, for explanation of table footnotes.

1
MAXIMUM NUMBER AND SIZE {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2Accessory structures shall only be allowed on lots in conjunction with a primary use. / The total floor area of all accessory buildings shall not be greater than the floor area of the primary residential uses. / The lot coverage of the primary residential structure combined with all accessory buildings shall not exceed the maximum lot coverage of the Zoning District.17
RC and R-12 structures – max. 720 sq. ft. per structure, or / 1 structure – max. 1,000 sq. ft. / In addition, 1 barn or stable – max. 2,000 sq. ft., provided the lot is 5 acres or more
R-4, R-6, and R-82 structures – max. 720 sq. ft. per structure, or / 1 structure – max. 1,000 sq. ft
R-10 and R-141 structure per residential unit – max. 400 sq. ft.; provided, that they are architecturally consistent with the principal structure. / Except greenhouses, sheds, or other similar accessory structures – max. 150 sq. ft
MAXIMUM HEIGHT18, 19 {spans 2 columns}
General {spans 2 columns}
RC12 ft
R-1, R-4, R-6, and R-812 ft. / Animal husbandry or agricultural related structures are subject to the maximum wall plate height of RMC 4-2-110A, and associated conditions. Additionally, the structure shall not be taller than the primary dwelling
R-10 and R-1412 ft. / Agricultural related structures are subject to the maximum wall plate height of RMC 4-2-110A, and associated conditions, except that the structure shall not be taller than the primary dwelling
RMF and RMF-225 ft.20, except that the structure shall not be taller than the primary building(s)
Public Facilities {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2Maximum height for public facilities shall be determined through site plan review
Wireless Communication Facilities (Including Amateur Radio Antennas) {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2See RMC 4-4-140, Wireless Communication Facilities, for maximum height requirements. Freestanding vertical monopole amateur radio antennas are allowed a maximum height of 45 ft. without a Conditional Use Permit. Taller structures will have maximum height determined pursuant to RMC 4-9-030, Conditional Use Permits
Clear Vision Area {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2In no case shall a structure over 42 in. in height intrude into the 20 ft. clear vision area defined in RMC 4-11-030
LOCATION {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-24 ft. from any residential structure. If sited closer than 4 ft., the structure shall be considered to be attached
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, and R-14For any lot that abuts an alley, vehicular access to garages or carports shall be through the alley
R-14When lots do not abut an alley, all garages and carports shall be located in the rear yard or side yard
MINIMUM SETBACKS {spans 2 columns}
Front Yard and Secondary Front Yard {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2Setbacks applied to the primary structure also apply to accessory structures. Accessory structures shall not be located between the primary structure and a street.4
Side Yards for Accessory Buildings {spans 2 columns}
RC and R-15 ft., unless located between the rear of the house and the rear property line, then 0 ft. side yard is allowed
R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-23 ft., unless located between the rear of the house and the rear property line, then 0 ft. side yard is allowed
Rear Yards for Accessory Buildings {spans 2 columns}
RC5 ft
R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-23 ft., unless located between the rear of the house and the rear property line, then 0 ft. rear yard is allowed. / When located within 10 ft. of the rear property line, at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the lineal length of the rear yard shall remain unoccupied from accessory structures, except when the rear property line abuts an alley. / Except for garages/carports accessed through alleys: to ensure adequate vehicular maneuvering area, garages and carports that are accessed through alleys shall be set back as follows/ 1. 9 ft. garage doors shall be at least 26 ft. from the back edge of the alley, or / 2. 16 ft. garage doors shall be at least 24 ft. from the back edge of the alley
Special Setbacks for Animal Husbandry or Agricultural Related Structures {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, and R-14Agricultural related structures – 50 ft. from any property line. / Stables and other animal husbandry related structures, see RMC 4-4-010, Animal Keeping and Beekeeping Standards
RMF and RMF-2n/a
CRITICAL AREAS {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2See RMC 4-3-050, Critical Areas Regulations, and 4-3-090, Shoreline Master Program Regulations
Renton Municipal Code 4-2-110E · DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR DETACHED ACCESSORY BUILDINGS^1
How Renton measures height
How Renton measures height: Pitched roofPitched roofHow Renton measures height: Flat roofFlat roof

Structure coverage

iWhat counts as coverage?
How much of the lot buildings can cover, counting every structure on the lot together.

Structure coverage

55%of the lot, maximum
BuildingsOpen

Up to 55%.

How much of the lot can buildings cover?

What the code says · 4-2-110A

(Ord. 4869, 10-23-2000; Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 5100, 11-1-2004; Ord. 5132, 4-4-2005; Ord. 5153, 9-26-2005; Ord. 5306, 9-17-2007; Ord. 5355, 2-25-2008; Ord. 5383, 6-2-2008; Ord. 5387, 6-9-2008; Ord. 5401, 7-14-2008; Ord. 5450, 3-2-2009; Ord. 5473, 7-13-2009; Ord. 5518, 12-14-2009; Ord. 5526, 2-1-2010; Ord. 5528, 3-8-2010; Ord. 5529, 3-8-2010; Ord. 5531, 3-8-2010; Ord. 5590, 2-28-2011; Ord. 5649, 12-12-2011; Ord. 5650, 12-12-2011; Ord. 5675, 12-3-2012; Ord. 5702, 12-9-2013; Ord. 5726, 10-20-2014; Ord. 5744, 1-12-2015; Ord. 5759 (Att. C), 6-22-2015; Ord. 5790, 4-25-2016; Ord. 5791 (Att. A), 4-25-2016; Ord. 5798 (Att. A), 4-25-2016; Ord. 5841 (Att. A), 6-12-2017; Ord. 5867 (Att. B), 12-11-2017; Ord. 5899 (Att. B), 11-19-2018; Ord. 5960 (Att. B), 12-9-2019; Ord. 5981 (Att. A), 10-12-2020; Ord. 6048, 12-13-2021; Ord. 6049, 12-13-2021; Ord. 6076 (Att. A), 8-8-2022; Ord. 6091 (Att. A), 11-28-2022; Ord. 6128 (Att. C), 12-11-2023; Ord. 6154 (Att. A), 12-9-2024; Ord. 6160 (Exh. B-1), 6-16-2025) Please see Section 4-2-110I, Conditions Associated With Residential Development Standards Tables, for explanation of table footnotes.

8
RC
Minimum Net Density (per Net Acre)1, 2, 15None {spans 3 columns}
Maximum Net Density (per Net Acre, Except per Net 10 Acres in RC)2, 14, 151 dwelling unit
Maximum Number of Dwellings (per Legal Lot)2Single-family dwellings and cottage house dwelling units: 1 per legal or unit lot. / Accessory dwelling units (attached or detached): 2 per legal lot. / Middle housingSee RMC 4-2-110F, Development Standards for Middle Housing Developments. {spans 5 columns}
Minimum Lot Size2, 28, 3110 acres
Minimum Lot Width31150 ft
Minimum Lot Width31 (Corner Lots)175 ft
Minimum Lot Depth31300 ft
Minimum Front Yard4, 5, 3130 ft
Minimum Rear Yard4, 22, 3135 ft
Minimum Side Yard4, 3125 ft
Minimum Secondary Front Yard4, 5, 31 (applies to Corner Lots)30 ft
Maximum Building Coverage (including Primary and Accessory)10%
Maximum Impervious Surface Area15%
Maximum Number of Stories3 {spans 3 columns}
Maximum Wall Plate Height8, 9, 10, 12, 18, 1932 ft. {spans 3 columns}
Maximum Number of Units per Building24 dwelling units {spans 5 columns}
Minimum Freeway Frontage Setback10 ft. landscaped setback from the street property line. {spans 5 columns}
Maximum Wireless Communication Facilities Height (including Amateur Radio Antennas)See RMC 4-4-140, Wireless Communication Facilities. Amateur radio antennas are allowed a maximum height of 6 feet without a Conditional Use Permit. Larger structures will have a maximum height determined by the Conditional Use Permit process, RMC 4-9-030, Conditional Use Permits. {spans 5 columns}
Design StandardsSee RMC 4-2-115, Residential Design and Open Space Standards. {spans 5 columns}
LandscapingSee RMC 4-4-070, Landscaping. {spans 5 columns}
Exterior LightingSee RMC 4-4-075, Lighting, Exterior On-Site. {spans 5 columns}
ScreeningSee RMC 4-4-095, Screening and Storage Height/Location Limitations. {spans 5 columns}
Exception for Pre-Existing Legal LotsSee RMC 4-10-010, Nonconforming Lots. {spans 5 columns}
Renton Municipal Code 4-2-110A · DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY AND MEDIUM DENSITY ZONES – PRIMARY STRUCTURES^1
What Renton counts
What Renton counts
Some cases depend on details a drawing can't show. Check with a design professional for: 4-2-110I.5, 4-11-190.M, 4-2-110E

5.        The minimum front yard and secondary front yard setback for lots that abut required turnarounds (cul-de-sacs and hammerheads) may be reduced, excluding garage setbacks, to no less than five feet (5'), subject to the following:

Renton Municipal Code 4-2-110I.5 · CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS TABLES

M. SETBACK: The minimum required distance between the building footprint and the property line and any private access easement or tract. For lots containing private access easements, setbacks are the minimum required distance between the building footprint and the easement. A setback is measured perpendicularly from a lot line or private easement access to the outer wall of the structure. In the case where a structure does not have an outer wall, such as a carport, the measurement shall be to the posts of such structure, unless otherwise determined by the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Renton Municipal Code 4-11-190.M · DEFINITIONS S:

(Ord. 6160 (Exh. B-4), 6-16-2025) Please see Section 4-2-110I, Conditions Associated With Residential Development Standards Tables, for explanation of table footnotes.

1
MAXIMUM NUMBER AND SIZE {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2Accessory structures shall only be allowed on lots in conjunction with a primary use. / The total floor area of all accessory buildings shall not be greater than the floor area of the primary residential uses. / The lot coverage of the primary residential structure combined with all accessory buildings shall not exceed the maximum lot coverage of the Zoning District.17
RC and R-12 structures – max. 720 sq. ft. per structure, or / 1 structure – max. 1,000 sq. ft. / In addition, 1 barn or stable – max. 2,000 sq. ft., provided the lot is 5 acres or more
R-4, R-6, and R-82 structures – max. 720 sq. ft. per structure, or / 1 structure – max. 1,000 sq. ft
R-10 and R-141 structure per residential unit – max. 400 sq. ft.; provided, that they are architecturally consistent with the principal structure. / Except greenhouses, sheds, or other similar accessory structures – max. 150 sq. ft
MAXIMUM HEIGHT18, 19 {spans 2 columns}
General {spans 2 columns}
RC12 ft
R-1, R-4, R-6, and R-812 ft. / Animal husbandry or agricultural related structures are subject to the maximum wall plate height of RMC 4-2-110A, and associated conditions. Additionally, the structure shall not be taller than the primary dwelling
R-10 and R-1412 ft. / Agricultural related structures are subject to the maximum wall plate height of RMC 4-2-110A, and associated conditions, except that the structure shall not be taller than the primary dwelling
RMF and RMF-225 ft.20, except that the structure shall not be taller than the primary building(s)
Public Facilities {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2Maximum height for public facilities shall be determined through site plan review
Wireless Communication Facilities (Including Amateur Radio Antennas) {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2See RMC 4-4-140, Wireless Communication Facilities, for maximum height requirements. Freestanding vertical monopole amateur radio antennas are allowed a maximum height of 45 ft. without a Conditional Use Permit. Taller structures will have maximum height determined pursuant to RMC 4-9-030, Conditional Use Permits
Clear Vision Area {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2In no case shall a structure over 42 in. in height intrude into the 20 ft. clear vision area defined in RMC 4-11-030
LOCATION {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-24 ft. from any residential structure. If sited closer than 4 ft., the structure shall be considered to be attached
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, and R-14For any lot that abuts an alley, vehicular access to garages or carports shall be through the alley
R-14When lots do not abut an alley, all garages and carports shall be located in the rear yard or side yard
MINIMUM SETBACKS {spans 2 columns}
Front Yard and Secondary Front Yard {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2Setbacks applied to the primary structure also apply to accessory structures. Accessory structures shall not be located between the primary structure and a street.4
Side Yards for Accessory Buildings {spans 2 columns}
RC and R-15 ft., unless located between the rear of the house and the rear property line, then 0 ft. side yard is allowed
R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-23 ft., unless located between the rear of the house and the rear property line, then 0 ft. side yard is allowed
Rear Yards for Accessory Buildings {spans 2 columns}
RC5 ft
R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-23 ft., unless located between the rear of the house and the rear property line, then 0 ft. rear yard is allowed. / When located within 10 ft. of the rear property line, at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the lineal length of the rear yard shall remain unoccupied from accessory structures, except when the rear property line abuts an alley. / Except for garages/carports accessed through alleys: to ensure adequate vehicular maneuvering area, garages and carports that are accessed through alleys shall be set back as follows/ 1. 9 ft. garage doors shall be at least 26 ft. from the back edge of the alley, or / 2. 16 ft. garage doors shall be at least 24 ft. from the back edge of the alley
Special Setbacks for Animal Husbandry or Agricultural Related Structures {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, and R-14Agricultural related structures – 50 ft. from any property line. / Stables and other animal husbandry related structures, see RMC 4-4-010, Animal Keeping and Beekeeping Standards
RMF and RMF-2n/a
CRITICAL AREAS {spans 2 columns}
RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2See RMC 4-3-050, Critical Areas Regulations, and 4-3-090, Shoreline Master Program Regulations
Renton Municipal Code 4-2-110E · DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR DETACHED ACCESSORY BUILDINGS^1

Other structures in Renton's Residential-8 zone