Fence Regulations in Tacoma, WA (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Tacoma, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Tacoma Privacy Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsTacoma Municipal Code § 13.06.090K
Unless otherwise allowed, the maximum height of free-standing walls, fences, or hedges between any public street and building shall be 3 feet. ... In Urban Residential (UR) Districts, the maximum height of free-standing walls, fences, or hedges between any public street and building are allowed up to 4 feet in height above sidewalk grade. ... Up to 7 feet in height provided the fence or wall is...
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.
Tacoma Fence Permit Height Threshold
Light RestrictionsTacoma Municipal Code § 2.02.090
Fences not over 7 feet (1829 mm) high.
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.
Tacoma Retaining Wall Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsTacoma Municipal Code § 2.02.090, item 4
Retaining walls which are not over four feet (1219 mm) in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids. A Fence supported by a retaining wall shall be considered a surcharge. 5. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons (18,925 L) and the ratio of...
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.
Tacoma Residential Fence Material Rules
Significant RestrictionsTacoma Municipal Code § 13.06.090K.5.a
Barbed or razor wire. The use of barbed or razor wire is prohibited. (2) Electrified fences are prohibited. (3) Chain link. Chain link is permitted; except (a) In the case of a residential development, chain link or similar wire fencing is prohibited between the front of a building and a public street, except for wetland preservation and recreation uses; and (b) Chain link, with or ...
Looking for Pierce County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tacoma city rules.
Fence Regulations in Pierce County →