Yakima Zoning & Land Use Guide
Official references and local checks
Use the official references below to identify the rules that apply to your address, then confirm parcel-specific requirements with the local authority before filing an application.
Official references
- Population:
- 96,000
- County:
- Yakima County
- State building code:
- WA State Building Code (based on 2021 IBC)(statewide default)
- State ADU law:
- Yes — Washington HB 1337 (2023, effective July 23, 2023) requires cities and counties planning under the Growth Management Act to allow at least two accessory dwelling units per lot in zones that permit single-family homes within urban growth areas. The law limits impact fees on ADUs, prohibits owner-occupancy requirements, and requires that ADUs of at least 1,000 sq ft be allowed. HB 1110 (2023) separately legalized middle housing (duplexes through sixplexes depending on city size).
- FEMA flood map:
- Search flood zones
- Planning department:
- City of Yakima Planning Division
- Municipal code:
- View code online
- Zoning map:
- View local zoning map
Before you apply
- Call the City of Yakima Planning Division: (509) 575-6183
- Search the municipal code for the chapter that covers your zoning district and proposed use.
- Use the local zoning map to look up your parcel's zoning designation before applying for a permit.
- Check FEMA flood zone for your parcel — flood-zone status changes setbacks, foundation requirements, and insurance.
- Check your HOA CC&Rs and recorded deed restrictions — they are common in Yakima and frequently restrict ADUs, fences, and exterior changes beyond what zoning allows.
Key Zoning Facts
Yakima is a mid-sized city in central Washington with approximately 96,000 residents, serving as the county seat of Yakima County. Located in the Yakima Valley — one of the most productive agricultural regions in the United States — Yakima is the commercial and cultural hub of Washington's apple, hops, and wine country. The city manages land use and development through its Planning Division, which administers the Yakima Municipal Code.
Yakima follows the Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-50/51), based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). The city's zoning reflects its unique position as both an agricultural service center and a growing urban community. The Yakima River corridor, which runs through and near the city, creates significant floodplain management considerations that affect development in low-lying areas. Washington state's Growth Management Act (GMA) shapes Yakima's long-range planning and urban growth boundaries.
Primary Zoning Districts
Yakima's residential zoning includes the SR (Suburban Residential) district for larger-lot suburban development, the R-1 (Single-Family Residential) district with 7,000 square foot minimum lots, the R-2 (Two-Family Residential) district allowing duplexes on 6,000 square foot minimum lots, and the R-3 (Multifamily Residential) district for higher-density housing. All single-family districts have a 35-foot height limit.
Commercial activity is served by the B-1 (Professional Business), B-2 (Local Business), and CBD (Central Business District) zones. The M-1 (Light Industrial) district supports light manufacturing, warehousing, and agricultural processing — an important land use in a region with significant fruit packing and processing industries.
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules
Yakima allows ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) under Washington state law HB 1337 (2023), which requires cities to permit ADUs and allows up to 2 ADUs per lot in most residential areas. This applies to cities planning under the Growth Management Act (which includes most urban Washington cities). Contact the Yakima Planning Division at (509) 575-6183 for current local requirements including size limits, setbacks, utility connections, and permitting procedures.
Development Process
Development in Yakima generally requires obtaining appropriate permits. The process typically involves:
- Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
- SEPA Review — Projects over certain thresholds require State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review under Washington state law
- Floodplain Review — Properties in the Yakima River floodplain require additional review and possible FEMA elevation certificates
- Site Plan Review — Commercial and multi-family projects require site plan review
- Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
- Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in Yakima, property owners should:
- Verify the zoning classification of their property
- Check whether the property is in a FEMA flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
- Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for their specific district
- Check for agricultural adjacency regulations if near farming operations
- Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
- Contact the Planning Division at (509) 575-6183 for pre-application guidance
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Yakima and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of Yakima or the municipal code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Yakima
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA flood mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Washington
- Building Code: WA State Building Code (WAC 51-50/51)
- State ADU Override: Yes (WA HB 1337 (2023) requires cities to allow ADUs; 2 ADUs per lot in most areas)
County — Yakima County
- Role: County-level property records, tax assessment, agricultural land oversight, and unincorporated area planning. Yakima County plays a significant role in regulating agricultural land use outside city boundaries.
City / Municipal
The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
- Agricultural Buffer — Areas near active agricultural operations may be subject to right-to-farm ordinance considerations and notice requirements.
- Yakima River Floodplain — The Yakima River corridor includes significant FEMA flood zones. Development in floodplain areas is subject to additional federal and state floodplain management regulations.
Private Restrictions
- Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
- Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.
Statewide Context (Washington)
Local data for Yakima is limited. The following state-level facts apply across Washington and are inherited by this page until city-specific details are verified.
- State Building Code
- WA State Building Code (based on 2021 IBC)
- State ADU Preemption
- Yes — state law overrides local rules
- Coastal Zone
- Yes
- Wildfire Zones
- Yes
ADU Rules in Yakima
- Max Size
- Verify with Yakima Planning Division
Permit Costs & Timelines
Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines
Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.
Check current Yakima permit information →Official Sources
City-specific