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.
Under PCC 18A.15.040.B.2.d, fences and retaining walls are allowed within required yard setbacks to a 6-foot maximum (8 feet for qualifying security fencing). Height is measured from the point on the ground immediately adjacent to the fence to the top, and the top includes all attachments, ornamentation, and security devices such as barbed wire. Where a fence sits on a rockery, retaining wall, or berm, height is measured from the high side. Fences must not obstruct required intersection sight distance under Title 17B PCC. A building permit is only needed when a fence exceeds 6 feet.
Fences over 6 feet without a permit, or fences that violate sight-distance standards, are code violations subject to correction orders and possible fines until brought into compliance.
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