Fence Regulations in Skagit County, WA (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Skagit County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In unincorporated Skagit County, fences up to six feet tall are exempt from Title 14 building setbacks entirely, and the exemption stretches to eight feet in twelve listed zones. Taller fences must meet the zone's regular setback under SCC Chapter 14.28, and corner lots carry an added vision-clearance rule under SCC 14.28.110.
Skagit County Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsSkagit County Code § 14.28.040
(1) The setback rules in this Chapter (SCC 14.28.030 through 14.28.080) do not apply to: (a) Fences six feet in height or less (except see SCC 14.14.200 for Guemes Island); (b) Fences eight feet or less in height in the RVC, RC, RFS, SSB, RB, NRI, RMI, BR-LI, BR-HI, URC-I, AVR, and AVR-L zones;
Retaining Walls
In unincorporated Skagit County, a retaining wall or rockery four feet in height or less, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, is exempt from Title 14 building setbacks under SCC 14.28.040(1)(c). Anything taller must meet the zone's regular setback and comply with the building code adopted under SCC Title 15.
Skagit County Retaining Wall Rules
Some RestrictionsSkagit County Code § 14.28.040
(1) The setback rules in this Chapter (SCC 14.28.030 through 14.28.080) do not apply to: ... (c) Retaining walls and rockeries four feet in height or less, measured from bottom of footing to top of wall;
Material Restrictions
SCC 14.22.030 confines razor wire to commercial, industrial and aviation-related zones and caps barbed wire fencing at five feet above grade everywhere else in unincorporated Skagit County, with exceptions for farms, essential public facilities and wildlife fencing.
Barbed and Razor Wire Fence Rules in Skagit County
Some RestrictionsSkagit County Code § 14.22.030
(1) Razor wire is only allowed in commercial, industrial, and aviation-related zones, unless permitted as part of an essential public facility or utility development. (2) Barbed wire fencing material may not be installed more than five feet from grade. This provision does not apply: (a) In commercial, industrial, and aviation-related zones; (b) When permitted as part of an agricu...
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