Bellingham's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Bellingham, Washington, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Neighbor Fence Rules
A Bellingham fence over the zoning height limit needs written consent from every abutting property owner before the city will approve it.
Key details: Consent required from: All abutting owners. Review basis: View, light, air, traffic safety. Reviewing officials: Planning & public works directors. Applies to: Fences exceeding height limit.
Building an over-height fence without the required abutting-owner consent and administrative approval is a zoning violation subject to penalties under BMC Chapter 20.52.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Bellingham actively enforces its neighbor fence rules requirements.
Retaining Walls
Bellingham exempts retaining walls up to 4 feet in height from a building permit, but walls over that height, or any wall supporting a surcharge or impounding hazardous liquids, require a permit.
Key details: Exempt height: up to 4 feet. Measured from: footing bottom to wall top. Exception: walls with surcharge/liquids. Permit issuer: Building Official.
Building a retaining wall over 4 feet, or a surcharge-bearing wall of any height, without a permit is a civil infraction up to $2,050 per violation (minimum $100), enforceable by a stop-work order.
Height Limits
Bellingham, Washington caps fences at 54 inches in front yards, 42 inches on corner and flanking-street yards, 72 inches in side and rear yards, and 36 inches in the vision clearance triangle.
Key details: Front yard, interior lot: 54 inches maximum. Front yard, corner lot: 42 inches maximum. Interior side/rear yard: 72 inches maximum. Vision clearance triangle: 36 inches maximum.
Fences built taller than these limits without an approved administrative exception are a zoning code violation, and the city can require the fence be lowered or removed.
Material Restrictions
Bellingham declares barbed-wire fencing within two feet of a public street, alley, or path, and all electrified fencing anywhere in the city, a public nuisance subject to abatement.
Key details: Barbed wire limit: Banned within 2 ft of a street. Electrified fences: Banned citywide, any location. Notice period: 7 days to abate. Enforcement: Misdemeanor after notice expires.
Owner gets 7 days to remove a noncompliant fence after written notice; failure risks misdemeanor prosecution plus city abatement at the owner's expense, billed as a civil debt.
Compared to other cities, Bellingham takes a harder line on material restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Fence Permit Requirements
Bellingham exempts fences up to 8 feet tall from building permits, as long as they carry no masonry or concrete elements above 6 feet.
Key details: Permit-free height: Up to 8 ft. Masonry/concrete cutoff: 6 ft. Permit needed above: 8 ft, or masonry over 6 ft. Enforced by: City Building Official.
Building a fence that exceeds the exemption (over 8 feet, or with masonry/concrete above 6 feet) without a permit is a code violation enforced by the Building Official.
The Bottom Line
Bellingham is tougher than many cities when it comes to fence regulations. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Bellingham, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
This guide is based on Bellingham's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.