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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma allows residential lawn ornaments and yard art without permits provided they do not exceed the 15-foot accessory-structure height limit in TMC 13.06 a...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. The Noise Code (TMC 8.122) applies to continuously running blower motors...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance at TMC 8.122 applies to any amplified ...
Tacoma, WA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Tacoma require building permits from Planning and Development Services (PDS) when they include new electrical, plumbing, gas pip...
Tacoma, WA
Backyard wood and pellet smokers in Tacoma single-family yards are permitted but subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) Regulation I, Section 9.11, ...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma adopts the International Fire Code through TMC Title 3 (Fire Prevention) as Tacoma Fire Code. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices...
See how Tacoma's fence requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.