Auburn, WA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front setback height
- 42 in.; 72 in. if see-through material
- Side/rear/street-side height
- 72 inches
- Height tolerance
- Within 6% of stated limit
- Interior-of-setback fences
- May equal max building height
- Fence-on-wall measurement
- From base of retaining wall
- Zones covered
- R-1 to R-4, R-MHC, R-F, I, C-1, C-2, C-AG, DUC
Summary
Auburn caps residential fence height under ACC 18.31.020(C) at 42 inches in the front setback (72 inches for see-through chain link, wrought iron or similar material), and 72 inches in side, rear and street-side setbacks across R-1 through R-4 and other listed zones.
B. Fence Height Regulations. The minimum or maximum height requirements as stipulated throughout this chapter shall be considered to be met if the height of the fence is within six percent of the height required. The height of the fence shall be determined from the existing, established grade on the property to the highest point of the fence. ... C. Fence Height Regulations by Zoning District. ... Fence heights shall not exceed the following in each of the required setback areas, as regulated per each zone: a. Front setback: 42 inches; provided, that fences constructed of chain link, wrought iron or similar materials that provide visibility, as defined herein, may be 72 inches in height; b. Side setback: 72 inches; c. Rear setback: 72 inches; d. Street side setback: 72 inches.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 7023, passed July 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
020 sets Auburn's fence height rules with a general tolerance built in: a fence meets a stated minimum or maximum height if it is within six percent of that figure, measured from the existing established grade to the fence's highest point. 020(C) apply in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-MHC, R-F, I, C-1, C-2, C-AG and DUC zones. 373, in which case it can reach 72 inches. Side setbacks, rear setbacks and street-side setbacks all allow up to 72 inches. 030. 020(B)(2) lets those fences and walls rise as high as the maximum building height allowed in the zone.
020(B)(4). 020(B)(5) measures its height starting from the base of the wall, not the top, which can push a fence-on-wall combination well past the stated caps unless a building permit is obtained.
Violations & Fines
A fence built over the height cap for its setback, or one that reduces sight distance at an intersection or driveway, is a zoning code violation subject to code enforcement action requiring the owner to lower or reconstruct the fence; fences on retaining walls that exceed the combined height without the required building permit face a stop-work order until permitted or brought into compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my front yard fence be in Auburn?
How tall can a side or backyard fence be in Auburn?
Does Auburn allow any leeway on fence height?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Auburn
How Auburn compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Auburn to another location·View the Washington fence regulations overview
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Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle height limits.