Do You Need a Permit to Build a Fence in Washington State?
The short answer: usually no for a standard 6-foot residential privacy fence in your back yard. But the rules change fast based on fence height, where it sits on your lot, your zoning, and whether you live near a shoreline or critical area. Here is what every Western Washington homeowner needs to know before breaking ground.
Quick Rule of Thumb (Most WA Cities)
No permit needed for fences 6 ft or shorter in side and rear yards, or 3.5–4 ft in front yards. Anything taller, in a front setback, or on a corner lot with sight-triangle restrictions usually does require one.
City-by-City Quick Reference
These reflect typical residential zoning rules as of 2026. Always confirm with your city's building or planning department before installing.
| City | Rear/Side Yard | Front Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Tacoma | 6 ft | 4 ft |
| Olympia | 6 ft | 4 ft |
| Lakewood | 6 ft | 3.5 ft |
| Puyallup | 6 ft | 4 ft |
| Federal Way | 6 ft | 4 ft |
| Kent | 6 ft | 4 ft |
| Auburn | 6 ft | 4 ft |
| Pierce County (unincorp.) | 6 ft | 4 ft |
| Thurston County (unincorp.) | 7 ft | 4 ft |
When You Definitely Need a Permit
Any fence taller than 6 feet (7 feet in some counties)
Front-yard fences over the local height limit (usually 3.5–4 ft)
Fences inside a shoreline buffer or critical-area setback
Retaining walls integrated with the fence over ~4 ft
Corner lots where the fence enters the sight triangle for traffic
Commercial properties — almost always require a permit
Don't Forget the HOA
Even if your city doesn't require a permit, your homeowner's association almost certainly has its own rules — usually around fence material, color, height, and style. HOA approval is typically free but can take 2–4 weeks. We recommend submitting your HOA request the same day you book your estimate.
Property Lines and the Neighbor Conversation
Washington is a "good fences make good neighbors" state — but only if the fence is actually on your property. Before we install, we recommend either pulling the recorded plat from the county, locating existing survey pins, or splitting the cost of a survey with your neighbor. Building 6 inches over the line can mean tearing the fence down later.
We Handle Permits For You
If your project needs a permit, we research the code, file the paperwork, and include the fee in your quote — no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a fence in Washington State?
Most Washington cities do NOT require a permit for residential fences 6 feet or shorter in side and rear yards, or 3.5–4 feet in front yards. Permits are typically required for fences taller than 6 feet, fences in front yard setbacks, or fences in shoreline / critical areas. Always confirm with your local building department.
How tall can a fence be without a permit in WA?
In most Western Washington jurisdictions: up to 6 feet in side and rear yards, and 3.5–4 feet in front yards (within setbacks). Pierce, Thurston, and King County all follow this general rule, though individual cities can be stricter.
What happens if I build a fence without a required permit?
If a neighbor reports it or a code officer notices, you can be ordered to apply for a retroactive permit (with fines), reduce the height, or tear it down entirely. Permit fees are usually $50–$250 — far cheaper than removing a finished fence.
Does my contractor pull the fence permit?
A reputable licensed contractor will pull the permit for you and include the cost in your quote. If a contractor tells you "no permit needed" without checking your city code, that is a red flag.