Fence Regulations in Lacey, WA (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Lacey, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In the City of Lacey, Washington, a free-standing wall, fence or hedge in a residential front yard tops out at three feet, and in a side or rear yard at seven feet. Decorative fences that allow visibility, such as wrought iron or split rail, can reach eight feet under Lacey Municipal Code § 16.03.070.
Lacey WA Residential Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsLacey Municipal Code § 16.03.070
A. Maximum Height. 1. Front Yards. The maximum height of free-standing walls, fences, or hedges placed in the front yard of residential buildings shall be three feet unless a taller masonry wall is required, per the responsible official, to mitigate significant noise impacts. 2. Side or Rear Yard. The maximum height of free-standing walls, fences, or hedges placed in the side or rear yard of re...
Fence Permit Requirements
In the City of Lacey, Washington, fences not over 7 feet high are exempt from a building permit, except fencing regulated by the rental complex rule. In complexes of five or more rental units, fences must have through-visibility and are not exempt from permit.
Lacey WA Fence Permit Requirement
Light RestrictionsLacey Municipal Code § 14.04.015
Section 105.2, item 2 is amended to read:Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high, except fencing regulated by Section 419, subsection 3, Fencing. ... Section ... 425.In all rental unit complexes consisting of five or more dwelling units, each unit shall be provided with the following crime prevention devices and design considerations: ... 3. Fences: ... All fences constructed must be constructed ...
Retaining Walls
In the City of Lacey, Washington, a retaining wall is exempt from a building permit only when it is not over 4 feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, sits back from adjacent property lines or structures at least as far as the wall is tall, and holds material sloping 1 vertical to 2 horizontal or flatter. The Lacey building official enforces the rule.
Lacey WA Retaining Wall Permit and Height Rules
Some RestrictionsLacey Municipal Code § 14.04.015
Retaining walls which are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, provided the wall is set back from any adjacent property lines or structures a distance at least equal to the height of the wall and the material retained slopes 1 vertical to 2 horizontal (or less) up and away from the wall unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Cl...
Material Restrictions
In the City of Lacey, Washington, electrified and other dangerous fences are prohibited. Barbed and razor wire is banned in every zone except light industrial and light industrial/commercial, where it must sit on security fences at least six feet off the ground. Chain link must be set back three feet from the sidewalk.
Lacey WA Fence Material Restrictions
Significant RestrictionsLacey Municipal Code § 16.03.070
B. Chain Link Fencing. 1. All chain link fences shall be set back at least three feet from the back of the sidewalk to allow for landscaping elements to screen the fence. 2. Temporary construction fences are exempt from the above requirements. C. Prohibited Material. Electrified and other dangerous fences are prohibited. Barbed and razor wire is prohibited in all zones except for light industri...
Looking for Thurston County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lacey city rules.
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