Permit Requirements: Auburn vs Seattle
How do permit requirements rules compare between Auburn, WA and Seattle, WA?
Auburn and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Auburn, WA
King County
Auburn requires a building permit for fences over 6 feet under IRC R105.2. Fences 6 feet or less need no permit but must meet ACC 18.31.020 zoning. Retaining walls over 4 feet need a permit.
View full Auburn rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Unincorporated King County requires a permit for fences over 6 ft tall and retaining walls over 4 ft. Fences at or under 6 ft usually need no permit but must meet setback and critical-area rules.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Trigger | Over 6 feet | - |
| Retaining Walls | Over 4 feet | - |
| Apply | Auburn Permit Center | - |
| Code | IRC R105.2 / ACC 18.31.020 | KCC Title 16 and 21A |
| Permit Threshold | - | Over 6 ft tall |
| Retaining Wall | - | Permit over 4 ft |
| Department | - | Permitting Division |
| Critical Areas | - | Extra review (Title 21A.24) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 6 foot fence in Auburn?
No. Fences 6 feet or less are permit-exempt under IRC R105.2 as adopted by Auburn, as long as they meet ACC 18.31.020 setbacks and sight-triangle rules.
How do I apply for a fence permit in Auburn?
Apply online through the Auburn Permit Center or MyBuildingPermit.com. Structural review is required for fences over 6 feet.
Seattle FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 6-foot wood fence in unincorporated King County?
Generally no. Fences 6 feet or less in height typically do not require a building permit, but they must still meet zoning setbacks and any critical-area rules under KCC Title 21A.
Who issues fence permits for unincorporated King County?
The King County Department of Local Services, Permitting Division at 206-296-6600. Applications require a site plan and, for tall fences, structural details.
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