7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Pierce County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Pierce County, fences and retaining walls may reach a maximum height of 6 feet within required setbacks, or up to 8 feet for security fencing serving a Utility, Industrial, or Agricultural Use. Sight-distance rules still apply at corners and driveways.
PCC 18A.15.040.B.2.d
Fences and retaining walls may be erected within required setbacks to a maximum height of 6 feet, or a maximum height of 8 feet for security fencing necessary for a Utility Use, Industrial Use, or an Agricultural Use; provided all applicable sight distance requirements of Title 17B PCC are met.
A building permit is not required for fences 6 feet or under in unincorporated Pierce County. Fences taller than 6 feet require a building permit and must meet setbacks. Retaining walls over 4 feet also need a permit under the county's adopted residential building code.
PCC 17C.30.040
Section R105.2 of the International Residential Code is amended as follows: ... 2. Fences not over six feet (1829 mm) high. 3. Retaining walls that 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.
Pierce County zoning does not set a shared-cost or boundary fence-ownership rule; those are civil matters between neighbors. The county does require that fences at corners and driveways meet the sight-distance standards of Title 17B PCC so views of traffic stay clear.
PCC 18A.15.040.B.2.d
Fences and retaining walls may be erected within required setbacks to a maximum height of 6 feet ... provided all applicable sight distance requirements of Title 17B PCC are met.
In unincorporated Pierce County, retaining walls may be built within required setbacks to a maximum height of 6 feet under zoning. A building permit is required once a wall exceeds 4 feet, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top, or whenever it supports a surcharge.
PCC 17C.30.040
Retaining walls that 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.
Fences in unincorporated Pierce County may be placed within required setbacks up to 6 feet without a permit, must be measured from the adjacent ground including all attachments, and must preserve corner and driveway sight distance under Title 17B PCC. Cities set their own separate requirements.
PCC 18A.15.040.B.2.d
The height of a fence shall be measured from a point on the ground immediately adjacent to the fence to the top of the fence. The height of a fence located on a rockery, retaining wall, or berm shall be measured from the ground on the high side of the rockery, retaining wall, or berm.
Pierce County zoning does not prohibit specific fence materials for typical residential fences. Barbed wire and other security devices are allowed and counted toward the 6-foot height limit. Sight-distance rules at corners and driveways govern placement more than material type.
PCC 18A.15.040.B.2.d
The top of a fence shall include all attachments, ornamentation, and security devices, such as barbed wire.
Any typical fence material is allowed in unincorporated Pierce County, since zoning regulates height, setback, and sight distance rather than material type. Wood, vinyl, chain link, and masonry all qualify. Security fencing up to 8 feet is limited to utility, industrial, or agricultural uses.
PCC 18A.15.040.B.2.d
Fences and retaining walls may be erected within required setbacks to a maximum height of 6 feet, or a maximum height of 8 feet for security fencing necessary for a Utility Use, Industrial Use, or an Agricultural Use.
3 cities in Pierce County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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