Fence Regulations in Yakima, WA (2026)
8 verified fence regulations for Yakima, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Yakima fence heights are governed by YMC 15.05.020(G) of the Yakima Urban Area Zoning Ordinance (Title 15 YUAZO). In the front yard within the required setback, no fence or wall may exceed 4 feet. In residential districts, 6 feet is the maximum height in the front yard behind the required setback, and 6 feet is the maximum in side and rear yards (8 feet where the rear yard abuts a designated arterial). In commercial and industrial districts, 8 feet is the maximum in all yards behind the front-yard setback. Within a clear view triangle (YMC 15.05.040), no fence, hedge, or wall may exceed 2.5 feet. All fences over 6 feet must meet the provisions of the International Building Code.
Fence Height Limits in Yakima
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
In the City of Yakima, fences over 7 feet in height require a building permit issued by the Codes Division, per the Washington State Building Code adopted in YMC 11.04 (which incorporates the IBC under WAC 51-50). Fences 7 feet or shorter are exempt from a building permit but must still comply with YMC 15.05.020(G) location, height, and clear-view-triangle standards, and YMC 15.05.020(G) also requires that all fences over 6 feet meet the provisions of the International Building Code. Fences within a public right-of-way require a right-of-way use license with annual fees and a certificate of insurance filed with City Codes.
Fence Permit Requirements in Yakima
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Yakima's Title 15 zoning code regulates fence height, location, and clear-view triangles, but does not impose a cost-sharing requirement on adjoining neighbors. The City of Yakima Planning FAQ states that a fence 'must be on or behind the property line,' and the Town does not survey property lines or arbitrate private boundary disputes. Boundary and partition-fence issues between neighbors are governed by Washington State common law and statutes (including RCW 16.60 fencing of livestock), not by the Yakima Municipal Code. Property line determination is the owner's responsibility, generally through a Washington licensed land surveyor.
Neighbor Rules for Fences in Yakima
Few RestrictionsRetaining Walls
Yakima regulates retaining structures under YMC 15.05.020(G), which caps the combined height of a fence and retaining wall at 10 feet measured from the lower elevation. Existing retaining walls at the time the title was passed are allowed a 3.5-foot fence above the retaining wall. Retaining walls are also subject to the Washington State Building Code adopted in YMC 11.04, which incorporates the International Building Code (WAC 51-50) and International Residential Code (WAC 51-51). IRC R404 (Foundation Walls / Retaining Walls) generally requires engineered design for retaining walls over 4 feet measured bottom of footing to top of wall.
Retaining Wall Rules in Yakima
Some RestrictionsPool Barriers
Pool barriers in Yakima are governed by the Washington State Residential Code (WAC 51-51) adopted in YMC 11.22, which incorporates IRC Appendix V (Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs). AGV105.2 requires a barrier at least 48 inches above grade on the side facing away from the pool, with no opening permitting passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere, a maximum 2-inch grade-to-bottom clearance (4 inches over concrete or fixed solid material), and pedestrian access gates that open outward away from the pool with self-closing and self-latching devices. Yakima's YMC 15.05.020(G) 6-foot residential fence height and clear-view-triangle rules apply to the perimeter fence used as a barrier.
Pool Barrier Rules in Yakima
Heavy RestrictionsFence Requirements
Yakima's general fence requirements are set in YMC 15.05.020(G) of Title 15 YUAZO. Fences and walls must be on or behind the property line, height limits vary by district and yard (4 feet within the front setback, 6 feet residential elsewhere, 8 feet commercial/industrial), and no fence, hedge, or wall over 2.5 feet may be placed in the clear view triangles established under YMC 15.05.040. All fences over 6 feet must meet the International Building Code. Combined fence-and-retaining-wall structures may not exceed 10 feet measured from the lower elevation. Building permits are required for fences over 7 feet under the Washington State Building Code adopted in YMC 11.04.
General Fence Requirements in Yakima
Some RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
Yakima's Title 15 YUAZO does not enumerate a closed list of prohibited fence materials. YMC 15.05.020(G) regulates fence location, height, and the clear view triangle, but does not list barbed wire, electric fence, plywood, or chain link as expressly prohibited materials. Fences over 6 feet must meet the International Building Code as adopted under WAC 51-50, which addresses structural and safety standards. Sitescreening fences used to buffer between zoning districts must meet the standards of YMC Chapter 15.07 (Sitescreening), including required materials and screening types. Fences in the public right-of-way require a right-of-way use license through City Codes.
Fence Material Restrictions in Yakima
Few RestrictionsApproved Materials
Title 15 YUAZO does not list specific permitted fence materials. YMC 15.05.020(G) regulates fence height, location, and clear-view triangles but is silent on material type for general residential and commercial fences. Sitescreening fences under YMC 15.07 must meet type-specific material standards (sight-obscuring solid materials for Type A, combinations for Types B and C). Fences over 6 feet must meet the International Building Code adopted under YMC 11.04 (WAC 51-50), which governs structural and material safety. There is no Yakima Municipal Code 'finished side' rule for residential fences.
Permitted Fence Materials in Yakima
Few RestrictionsLooking for Yakima County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Yakima city rules.
Fence Regulations in Yakima County →