Can I build a backyard home in Orting?
Since 2023, Washington law lets most city lots hold up to two more homes. Orting writes its own rules on top. Here’s what the code says, in plain English — and a free report on what may fit on your lot.
What Orting allows.
The headline standards. Tap any one for the full wording and the code section.
ADUs per lot2Full wording
2 — 'A maximum of two (2) ADUs (either attached, detached, or a combination of the two (2)) shall be allowed per lot of record in conjunction with any detached single-family dwelling' (OMC 13-5-6(C)(1)). ADUs are exempt from the residential density standards
Max size1,200 sq ftFull wording
1,200 sq ft — 'An ADU shall be no greater than one thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet'; non-habitable space such as enclosed parking is not counted (OMC 13-5-6(C)(4))
Max height24 ft to the top plateFull wording
24 ft to the top plate — a new detached ADU may be no taller than 'the principal dwelling's building height or twenty-four feet (24') measured from the ground to the top plate, whichever is less', and its roof pitch may not exceed the house's (OMC 13-5-6(C)(6)(d)). See Notes
Front setback25 ft in RUFull wording
25 ft in RU (OMC 13-5-1 Table 1). A DADU may not be built in a required setback (OMC 13-5-6(C)(6)(c)) and must be 'no closer to the front lot line than the front face of the principal dwelling' (13-5-6(C)(6)(b))
Side setback8 ft in RUFull wording
8 ft in RU (OMC 13-5-1 Table 1; 13-5-6(C)(6)(c)); the 5 ft accessory-structure exception 'does not apply to accessory dwelling units' (OMC 13-5-1)
Rear setback25 ft in RUFull wording
25 ft in RU (OMC 13-5-1 Table 1). Where 'the rear yard abuts an alley ... a detached ADU may be adjacent to the lot line abutting the public alley' (OMC 13-5-6(C)(6)(c))
Lot coverage40% building coverageFull wording
40% building coverage; 65% hard surface coverage in RU (OMC 13-5-1 Table 1)
Parking1 up to 700 sq ft, 2 above; none near major transitFull wording
1 space for an ADU up to 700 sq ft; 2 spaces over 700 sq ft, but only 1 on lots under 6,000 sq ft; none within 1/2 mile walking distance of a major transit stop. These are in addition to the house's spaces (OMC 13-5-6(C)(5))
Where a city figure reads stricter than the state floor (RCW 36.70A.681), the floor may control — the report flags it for your parcel.
Living there, selling it, plans, time and fees.
Each answer is the code’s own wording, with the section it comes from. “Not published yet” means the city hasn’t posted a figure — the report asks the city, not the internet.
Are backyard homes allowed?
Yes — 'Accessory dwelling units (ADU), subject to OMC 13-5-6' are permitted (P) in RC, RU and RMF (OMC 13-3-3 use table). 'Both attached and detached ADUs shall be permitted on all parcels containing single-family homes, provided the lot meets the minimum size for the principal unit' (OMC 13-5-6(C)(2), Ord. 2025-1149, Dec. 10, 2025)
Minimum lot size
None for an ADU beyond the zone — the lot must meet the minimum size for the principal unit (OMC 13-5-6(C)(2)). RU zone: 7,260 sq ft for a single-family home (OMC 13-5-1 Table 1)
Do you have to live there?
No — OMC 13-5-6 sets no owner-occupancy rule, although its procedure begins 'Any owner/occupant seeking to establish an ADU' (13-5-6(B)). ADUs must be long-term homes: occupants live there more than 180 days a year, and short-term or vacation rental is not allowed (13-5-6(B)(2))
Can it be sold on its own?
Not addressed; RCW 36.70A.681 floor applies
Pre-approved plans
None found
How long the city takes
2–3 weeks — Building Department: 'Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or residential new construction: 2-3 weeks' once all documentation is submitted (https://cityoforting.org/government/building-department)
Impact fees
The city 'may not assess impact fees on the construction of accessory dwelling units that are greater than fifty percent (50%) of the impact fees that would be imposed on the principal unit'; rates are in the fee schedule (OMC 13-5-6(B)(3)). Right-of-way improvements may not be required for an ADU (13-5-6(C)(6)(g))
Plans Orting has already approved.
A pre-approved plan skips the design review: Orting has already checked the drawings, so the permit review is about your lot.
Loading the plans…
Pictures are the official pages’ own. A pre-approved plan is not a permit: the city still reviews your site.
The code is half the answer. Your parcel is the other half.
Lines and easements
Where the lot lines really are, which setbacks apply on each side, and whether a utility or access easement takes the corner you had in mind.
Critical areas and slope
Steep slopes, wetlands and streams come with buffers that no citywide number shows. The report reads the county’s maps for your parcel.
Sewer, septic, water, trees
Whether sewer reaches the lot or it’s on septic, where the water service is, and which trees a city protects — the things that decide where a unit can actually go.
What Orting allows, what could fit on your lot, and a planning cost range. If something won’t fit, the report says so — and shows what might.
Where this page comes from.
Read from the Orting municipal code and the city’s own pages on November 6, 2026. The same table feeds the HousUp report, so the report and this page never disagree. Cities amend their codes; before you design anything, confirm the current wording with the city.
6 sources, read November 6, 2026
- www.zoneomics.com/code/orting-WA/chapter_5 (OMC 13-5-1, 13-5-6)
- www.zoneomics.com/code/orting-WA/chapter_3 (13-3-3)
- codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/ortingwa/latest/orting_wa (official code host, not read)
- cityoforting.org/government/building-department
- cityoforting.org/home/showpublisheddocument/5934/638404799005700000
- RCW 36.70A.681 — the state floor for accessory dwelling units
Find out what your property could become.
Type your address. Within a few hours: what Orting allows, what could fit, and a planning cost range. Free, no obligation.