Yakima's Title 15 YUAZO does not enumerate a closed list of prohibited fence materials. YMC 15.05.020(G) regulates fence location, height, and the clear view triangle, but does not list barbed wire, electric fence, plywood, or chain link as expressly prohibited materials. Fences over 6 feet must meet the International Building Code as adopted under WAC 51-50, which addresses structural and safety standards. Sitescreening fences used to buffer between zoning districts must meet the standards of YMC Chapter 15.07 (Sitescreening), including required materials and screening types. Fences in the public right-of-way require a right-of-way use license through City Codes.
Title 15 YUAZO's primary fence section, YMC 15.05.020(G), regulates fence height and location but does not include an enumerated prohibition list for materials such as barbed wire, electrified fencing, plywood, or sheet metal. Where fences are used as sitescreening between dissimilar zoning districts, YMC Chapter 15.07 (Sitescreening) sets material and design standards by sitescreening Type (Type A solid sight-obscuring fence/landscape, Type B less intensive screen, Type C combination), which typically require solid or sight-obscuring materials when a sight-obscuring screen is specified. All fences over 6 feet must meet the International Building Code per YMC 15.05.020(G) (adopted under WAC 51-50, YMC 11.04). The City of Yakima Planning FAQ does not impose a finished-side or material list for residential fences but does require that 'your fence must be on or behind your property line.' Right-of-way fences require a right-of-way use license with annual fees and a certificate of insurance filed with the Codes Division. Because Yakima Title 15 does not enumerate prohibited materials, owners considering barbed-wire, razor-wire, or electrified fencing should consult the Codes Division at (509) 575-6126 to confirm conformance with the Washington State Building Code and any nuisance provisions.
A sitescreening fence that does not meet the type-specific material and design standards of YMC Chapter 15.07 violates that chapter. A fence over 6 feet that does not meet the International Building Code (per YMC 15.05.020(G)) is non-compliant. A fence in the public right-of-way without a right-of-way use license must be removed at the owner's expense. Because Title 15 does not enumerate material prohibitions, owners must confirm with the Codes Division that proposed materials comply with the Washington State Building Code adopted under YMC 11.04.
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