Yakima, WA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Front setback fence max
- 4 feet
- Residential fence max (behind setback)
- 6 feet, 8 feet on arterials
- Commercial/industrial fence max
- 8 feet
- Clear view triangle max
- 2.5 feet
- Fences over 6 feet
- Must meet IBC standards
Summary
Yakima caps residential fences at 4 feet in the front setback, 6 feet behind it and in side/rear yards, 8 feet in commercial and industrial zones, and 2.5 feet in the clear view triangle.
In the front yard: fences and walls may be placed on or behind the property line. However, no fence or wall shall exceed four feet in height within the required front yard setback area. In residential districts, six feet shall be the maximum height in the front yard behind the required setback... In commercial and industrial districts, eight feet shall be the maximum height in the front yard behind the required setback... Within the clear view triangle: no fence, hedge or wall, exceeding two and one-half feet in height, shall be placed in the clear view triangles established in YMC § 15.05.040.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
YMC § 15.05.020(G) governs fence and wall height across Yakima's zoning districts, part of the jointly-administered Yakima urban area zoning ordinance in Yakima County, Washington. In the required front yard setback, fences top out at four feet; behind that setback, residential fences and walls may reach six feet on the front, side, and rear property lines (eight feet where the rear yard abuts a designated arterial). Commercial and industrial fences may reach eight feet in the front, side, and rear yards. No fence, hedge, or wall over two and one-half feet is allowed within the clear view triangle established under § 15.05.040, and fences over six feet must meet International Building Code provisions.
Violations & Fines
Fences exceeding the standard height or built within the clear view triangle violate YMC § 15.05.020(G) and are enforced as zoning code violations subject to correction under Yakima's development permit process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can I build a fence in my Yakima front yard?
Are taller fences allowed for Yakima businesses?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
How Yakima compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Yakima to another location·View the Washington fence regulations overview
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