Bellevue requires a building permit for fences over 6 feet under the Washington State Building Code. Fences 6 feet or less need no permit. Retaining walls over 4 feet also require permits.
Bellevue follows International Residential Code (IRC) thresholds as adopted in the Washington State Building Code. Fences 6 feet or less in height do not require a building permit provided they comply with zoning setbacks and sight triangles under LUC 20.20.400. Any fence over 6 feet in height requires a residential building permit through the Development Services Department, including structural review to ensure adequate post size and footing depth for wind loads. Retaining walls require a permit when the exposed face exceeds 4 feet from the bottom of the footing to the top. Combined fence-and-wall systems where the wall exceeds 4 feet also require a permit for the full assembly. Fences in critical areas (wetlands, steep slopes, shorelines) may require a separate Critical Areas permit under LUC 20.25H. Fences in the public right-of-way or encroaching onto city property require a Right-of-Way permit. Electrified fences and barbed wire are prohibited in residential zones. Apply for permits through the Bellevue MyBuildingPermit portal.
Unpermitted over-height fence: stop-work order plus double permit fees on permit application. Continued work without permit: escalating fines under code enforcement.
Bellevue, WA
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Bellevue, WA
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Bellevue, WA
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Bellevue, WA
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Bellevue, WA
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Bellevue, WA
Bellevue follows Washington State Building Code requiring smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level, plus CO alarms under RCW...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
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