Fence Regulations in Auburn, WA (2026)
5 verified fence regulations for Auburn, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Auburn Fence Height Limits by Setback
Some RestrictionsACC 18.31.020(B), (C)
B. Fence Height Regulations. The minimum or maximum height requirements as stipulated throughout this chapter shall be considered to be met if the height of the fence is within six percent of the height required. The height of the fence shall be determined from the existing, established grade on the property to the highest point of the fence. ... C. Fence Height Regulations by Zoning District. ...
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.
Auburn Fence Building Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsACC 18.31.020(B)(3), (5)
3. Building permits are required for fences exceeding 84 inches in height. 4. The addition of lattice, trellis, and other similar features of a fence shall count towards the overall height and opaqueness of a fence. 5. If a fence sits upon or is elevated by a retaining wall, the height of the fence is measured from the base of the retaining wall. Building permits may be required for fences erec...
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.
Auburn Boundary Fence and Neighbor Rules
Some RestrictionsChapter 16.60 RCW
Chapter 16.60 RCW FENCES Complete chapter HTML PDF RCW dispositions Sections HTML PDF 16.60.010 Lawful fence defined. HTML PDF 16.60.011 Other lawful fences. HTML PDF 16.60.015 Liability for damages — Restraint — Notice. HTML PDF 16.60.020 Partition fence — Reimbursement. HTML PDF 16.60.030 Partition fence — Erection — Notice. HTML PDF 16.60.040 Partition fence — Failure to build — Recovery of ...
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.
Auburn Retaining Wall Height and Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsACC 18.31.025(A), (B)
B. Residential Lots. 1. Retaining walls are not permitted in the required setback areas, unless meeting one of the following criteria. The height of a wall shall be measured from the bottom of a footing to the top of the wall. a. Retaining walls that are under 48 inches and constructed in accordance with the IRC, whether supporting a surcharge or not, are allowed in all setback areas, as regula...
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.
Auburn Barbed Wire and Electric Fence Rules
Significant RestrictionsACC 18.31.020(G), (H)
G. Other than in the P-1, M-1, or M-2 zones, no fence may include the use of barbed wire, including concertina, razor, or similar wire; provided, that pasture areas a minimum of one acre in area may be fenced with barbed wire in any zone. Barbed wire may be attached to the top of, and in addition to, the height of a 84-inch fence in the above zones, provided it does not extend more than 12 inch...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Auburn city rules.
Fence Regulations in King County →