We’ve put together an information page with common definitions to help reduce confusion.

Building Department

The governing agency pertinent to your area. Generally speaking town codes override county codes. For instance, towns like City of Vancouver , City of Battle Ground and others have their own overriding codes.

Double Pitch

A roof style that most resembles a typical home or shop. Includes two identical pitches and a ridge that runs down the center of the building. See our Double Pitch Roof design page.

Earth Anchor

A locking cable device which can be driven into the ground to add stability to a tall skinny design. An earth anchor is used to keep the shed from being blown over by the wind.

Gambrel

A gambrel or gambreled roof is a barn style roof. See our Gambrel Roof design page.

Height Restriction

Many subdivisions and many jurisdictions require that a storage building MUST NOT be taller than a certain height. Allowable heights vary but the maximum height allowed in Clark County is 10 feet to the eave. Buildings taller than this require a permit. Clark County Code seems unclear regarding roof pitch.

Loft

A second story or upper storage area. Found only in tall shed designs.

Permit

Buildings over 120 square feet and taller than 10 feet to the eave sometimes require a building permit from the local Building Department.(Contact Al for details @ 360-904-6941)

Pitch

The slope or taper of the roof surface. Pitch is expressed in rise and run. A 6/12 pitch rises 6 units in 12 units length so a 6/12 pitch roof rises 6” in every 12” or 6 feet in every 12 feet.

Ridge

The ridge of a roof is the peak or highest spot in the roof.

Salt Box

A roof style which has an offset ridge. A Salt Box typically has two pitches. See our Salt Box Roof design page.

Single Pitch

A roof which is sloped only one way. See our Single Pitch Roof design page.