Auburn, WA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Auburn City Code 18.31.020 sets the fence standards for all zones. Within the required front setback area, no fence may exceed 42 inches in height. Outside the front setback area (side yards, rear yards, and interior of the lot), fences may be as tall as the maximum building height of the applicable zone; in most residential zones this effectively allows 6 to 8 feet with setback observance. On corner lots, clear sight triangles at driveways and street intersections impose a 42-inch cap within the defined visibility area to protect driver and pedestrian sight lines. The code expressly provides a 6 percent tolerance on the measured fence height, so a 72-inch fence measured at 76 inches is still in compliance. Height is measured from the finished grade on the higher side of a grade change. Fences in shoreline zones along the Green River or associated tributaries are subject to additional shoreline permit review. Homeowner association rules frequently cap rear fences at 6 feet with specific materials even where the zoning allows taller.