Fence Regulations in Port Townsend, WA (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Port Townsend, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Fences in Port Townsend setbacks top out at 4 feet solid, 8 feet with open construction, and 30 inches in the corner sight triangle.
Port Townsend Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsPTMC 17.68.030
No fence, wall, arbor, hedge or other partially or totally sight-obscuring installation or feature over 30 inches in height which poses a traffic safety hazard shall be located within a clear vision area... The maximum height that is up to 100 percent solid shall be four feet. Any portion between four and six feet in height shall be no less than 50 percent open... Any portion between six and ei...
Fence Permit Requirements
Fences in Port Townsend can rise to eight feet depending on location and openness, but a building permit under the International Residential Code is required once a fence tops six feet.
Port Townsend Fence Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsPTMC 17.68.030
Fences, walls, arbors, hedges and other partially or totally sight-obscuring installations or features may be permitted within any required front, side, or rear setback area specified in Table 17.16.030, or along the edge of any yard; provided, that they meet the requirements below. Building permits may be required for fences over six feet in height or as adopted through the International Resid...
Retaining Walls
Port Townsend's zoning code exempts retaining walls under four feet from structure regulations; at four feet and taller, a wall becomes a regulated structure and needs a building permit under the city's adopted building code.
Port Townsend Retaining Wall Height & Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsPTMC 17.08.060
“Structure” means a combination of materials constructed and erected permanently on the ground or attached to something having a permanent location on the ground. Not included are residential fences less than six feet in height, common roof-top residential television antennas, retaining walls less than four feet in height, rockeries and similar improvements of a minor character less than three ...
Material Restrictions
Port Townsend bans fences with barbs, spikes, broken glass or other sharp attachments citywide, but allows barbed wire on fences under six feet tall per PTMC 17.68.040(A).
Port Townsend Prohibits Barbed, Spiked Fences
Some RestrictionsPTMC 17.68.040(A)
A. Any fence, wall, or other partially or totally sight-obscuring installations or features that have attached to it any barb, spike, broken glass or other pointed or sharp instrument. This prohibition shall not be construed to limit the placement of barbed wire fences less than six feet in height. B. Any fence or wall in the rights-of-way; see exemptions in PTMC 17.68.030(A). (Ord. 3042 § 1...