How Auburn Handles Fence Regulations: A Practical Guide
Auburn maintains 148 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with fence regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Auburn falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Neighbor Fence Rules
RCW 16.60 governs boundary fences and cost-sharing in Washington. ACC 18.31.020 controls height and placement. Spite fences allow civil remedy. A survey before building is strongly recommended.
Key details: State Law: RCW 16.60. Cost Sharing: Private agreement. Mediation King: (206) 443-9603. Spite Fences: Civil remedy.
Retaining Walls
Auburn's retaining wall rules under ACC 18.31.025 tier setback allowances by height: walls under 48 inches can go anywhere in a residential setback, walls between 48 and 84 inches are barred from front and street-side setbacks, and walls over 84 inches are excluded from setback areas entirely.
Key details: Under 48 in.: Allowed in all residential setbacks. 48-84 in.: Barred from front/street-side setback. Over 84 in.: Not allowed in any setback area. Design standard: Must meet adopted IBC and IRC. Prohibited materials: Plain smooth concrete, ecology blocks.
Building a retaining wall over 84 inches within a setback area, or a 48-to-84-inch wall in the front or street-side setback, is a zoning violation; the city's building or planning division can require removal, redesign, or relocation of the wall to comply, and walls needing a permit for tree impact or surcharge that were built without one are subject to stop-work orders and retroactive permitting.
Material Restrictions
Auburn bans barbed wire fencing outside the P-1, M-1 and M-2 zones, with a one-acre pasture exception, under ACC 18.31.020(G). Electric fences are confined to the RC, R-1, C-2, M-1, M-2, L-F and I zones under ACC 18.31.020(H) and must meet specific voltage, enclosure and signage rules.
Key details: Barbed wire zones: P-1, M-1, M-2 only, plus 1-acre pastures. Barbed wire add-on cap: 12 inches above an 84-inch fence. Electric fence zones: RC, R-1, C-2, M-1, M-2, L-F, I. Electric fence power source: 12V DC battery, solar-charged. Electric fence height cap: 10 feet, in listed commercial zones.
Installing barbed wire outside the P-1, M-1, M-2 zones or the one-acre pasture exception, or running an electric fence outside the permitted zones or without the required enclosure, voltage limits and warning signage, is a code violation; the city's code enforcement division can order removal or retrofit to comply, and noncompliant electric fences risk disconnection until they meet the UL, IEC and signage requirements.
This is one of the stricter rules in Auburn's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Height Limits
Auburn caps residential fence height under ACC 18.31.020(C) at 42 inches in the front setback (72 inches for see-through chain link, wrought iron or similar material), and 72 inches in side, rear and street-side setbacks across R-1 through R-4 and other listed zones.
Key details: Front setback height: 42 in.; 72 in. if see-through material. Side/rear/street-side height: 72 inches. Height tolerance: Within 6% of stated limit. Interior-of-setback fences: May equal max building height. Fence-on-wall measurement: From base of retaining wall.
A fence built over the height cap for its setback, or one that reduces sight distance at an intersection or driveway, is a zoning code violation subject to code enforcement action requiring the owner to lower or reconstruct the fence; fences on retaining walls that exceed the combined height without the required building permit face a stop-work order until permitted or brought into compliance.
Fence Permit Requirements
Auburn requires a building permit for any fence exceeding 84 inches in height under ACC 18.31.020(B)(3). Fences built on top of a retaining wall may also need a permit, and a permit may still be required for shorter walls if landscape features could impact the structure.
Key details: Permit trigger: Fence height over 84 inches. Fence-on-wall permits: May be required, ACC 18.31.020(B)(5). Retaining wall exception: Permit still needed if trees/surcharge. Governing sections: ACC 18.31.020(B); 18.31.025(C)(4). Gate access rule: Must provide vehicle refuge area.
Building a fence over 84 inches without first obtaining a building permit is a code violation enforceable through the city's building division, which can require removal, retroactive permitting with as-built inspection, or modification to bring the fence under the permit threshold or into compliance with approved plans.
The Bottom Line
Auburn's fence regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Auburn is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Auburn can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.