Fence Regulations in Thurston County, WA (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Thurston County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Within Thurston County's Village Center zoning overlay, fences top out at six feet in side and rear yards behind the front building line, and four feet forward of that line and along the front lot line.
Thurston County Village Center Fence Height Limit
Some RestrictionsThurston County Code § 21.50.060(B)(12)(g)
The maximum height of a fence shall be six feet along side and rear yards behind the front building line, and four feet forward of the front building line and along the front property line.h.Materials. Exterior finishes shall be primarily wood and/or masonry. Rated panel siding such as T1-11 shall not be used.i.Roofs. Hipped, gabled, or gambrel roofs are required. Flat roofs are not permitted. ...
Fence Permit Requirements
Thurston County's zoning code defines a fence as a "structure," so putting one up without a permit from the planning department is a code violation, not a gray area.
Thurston County Fence Permit Rule
Significant RestrictionsThurston County Code § 21.81.020
No building or other structure shall be erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered without a permit therefor, issued by the department. No building permit shall be issued by the department unless the use: A. Conforms to the requirements of this title; or B. Has been approved by the department as a "similar or related" use as described in the several zoning districts; or C. Has been...
Retaining Walls
Thurston County exempts a retaining wall from the building-permit process only while it stands four feet or less from the bottom of its footing to the top of the wall, per Code § 14.17.030 ([A]105.2, item 4). Cross that height, or hold back a surcharge or a Class I, II, or IIIA liquid at any height, and the wall needs a permit from the Community Planning and Economic Development Department.
Thurston County Retaining Wall Permit Exemption
Some RestrictionsThurston County Code § 14.17.030 ([A]105.2, Item 4)
[A] 105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from permit or inspection requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code. ... Permits shall not be required for the following: Building: ... 4. Retaining walls that are not over four feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footin...
Material Restrictions
In Thurston County's Village Center zoning district, walls and fences must match the main building's style and materials: highway-style guard rail, stockade construction, and security fencing like barbed wire or razor wire are flatly prohibited.
Thurston County Village Center Fence Materials
Heavy RestrictionsThurston County Code § 21.50.060(B)(12)(d)
Walls and fences shall be architecturally compatible with the style, materials, and colors of the principal building on the same lot. Stone walls or brick walls with a stone or cast stone cap, wood fences, decorative metal, or cast iron fences, masonry or stucco walls, and stone piers shall be encouraged. Solid wooden fences are permitted in rear and side yards only. Highway-style guard rail, s...
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