Auburn, WA Fence Regulations: Permit Requirements (2026)

Auburn adopts the Washington State Building Code, which incorporates IRC R105.2. Fences not exceeding 6 feet in height do not require a building permit provided they comply with ACC 18.31.020 zoning limits, sight-triangle rules, and setback requirements. Any fence over 6 feet in height requires a residential building permit through Auburn Community Development, including structural review of post size, depth, and wind load. Retaining walls over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing require a permit and engineering review. Combined fence-and-wall systems where the wall alone exceeds 4 feet require a permit for the whole assembly. Fences in shoreline buffers (Green River and associated waterways), wetlands, or designated critical areas may require additional Critical Areas permits under ACC 16.10. Fences encroaching into the public right-of-way require a Right-of-Way permit from Public Works. Electric fences and barbed wire are restricted in residential zones. Permits apply online through the Auburn Permit Center or MyBuildingPermit.com portal.