Tacoma's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Tacoma, Washington, there are 4 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.
Material Restrictions
Barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fencing are banned on Tacoma residential properties, and chain link is restricted at street-facing yards and required screening.
Key details: Barbed/razor wire: prohibited (residential). Electrified fences: prohibited (residential). Chain link: banned at street-facing front yard. Code section: TMC § 13.06.090K.5.a.
Enforced through Tacoma's land use code compliance process; prohibited materials found on residential fencing, barbed wire, razor wire, electrified fencing, or street-facing chain link, must be removed or replaced.
This is one of the stricter rules in Tacoma's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Retaining Walls
Tacoma exempts retaining walls up to 4 feet high from a building permit, unless the wall supports a surcharge or holds back hazardous liquids, which triggers the permit regardless of height.
Key details: Permit-exempt height: 4 feet or less. Measured: Footing bottom to wall top. Exemption lost if: Wall supports a surcharge. Fence-on-wall: Counts as a surcharge. Governing section: TMC § 2.02.090, item 4.
Building or expanding a retaining wall past the 4-foot exemption without a permit is a code violation; an unpermitted wall that fails can also expose the owner to liability for resulting damage.
Fence Permit Requirements
Tacoma doesn't require a building permit for a fence up to 7 feet tall, but zoning still limits height near the street regardless of permit status.
Key details: Permit-exempt: fences up to 7 feet. Front-yard zoning cap: generally 3 feet. Decorative front fences: up to 7-8 ft with conditions. Side/rear yards: can typically go higher.
A fence built above the applicable zoning height cap is a zoning violation subject to code enforcement and a correction order, even when no building permit was required for its height.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Tacoma gives residents more flexibility on fence permit requirements.
Height Limits
Along a public street, Tacoma caps free-standing fences, walls and hedges at 3 feet under TMC § 13.06.090K; Urban Residential districts allow up to 7 feet if the upper portion is at least 50 percent transparent and backed by a planted buffer strip.
Key details: General street-facing cap: 3 feet. UR district max with transparency: 7 feet (50% transparent above 5 ft). Front-yard chain link: prohibited (wetland uses excepted). Governing section: TMC § 13.06.090K.
An oversized or noncompliant fence violates TMC § 13.06.090K and Title 13's general enforcement provision, TMC § 13.05.150, which declares violations a public nuisance; Code Enforcement can require removal and impose penalties under TMC Chapter 1.82.
The Bottom Line
Tacoma'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 Tacoma is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Tacoma's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.