Clark County, WA Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Cost sharing
- Private matter, not county-set
- Neighbor waiver
- Written consent to exceed limits
- Same owner
- Walls between own lots exempt
- Right-of-way
- Fences prohibited without approval
- Livestock fences
- RCW 16.60 partition fences
Summary
Clark County does not set a cost-sharing rule for boundary fences; that is a private matter under Washington law. County code does let neighbors agree in writing to exceed height limits within setbacks, and lets walls or fences between commonly owned lots exceed those limits.
Permission to exceed the height limits within the setback is granted in writing from the abutting property owner.
Full Breakdown
Clark County Code sets height and setback standards but leaves fence cost-sharing between neighbors to private agreement and Washington common law. CCC 40.320.010(F)(4)(f) allows a fence or retaining wall to exceed the height limits within a setback where written permission is granted from the abutting property owner, and 40.320.010(F)(4)(e) allows walls/fences constructed between lots under the same ownership. Construction of private fences within public rights-of-way is prohibited without Public Works Director approval (40.320.010(F)(2)). Washington's partition-fence statute (RCW 16.60) governs some rural livestock-fence responsibilities between adjoining owners.
Violations & Fines
Boundary disputes are generally civil matters; county enforcement applies only to height, setback, sight-distance, and right-of-way violations of CCC 40.320.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my neighbor and I agree to a taller boundary fence?
Does Clark County decide who pays for a shared fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clark County
Compare Clark County to another location·View the Washington fence regulations overview
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