Spokane County, WA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Building permit trigger
- Fence over 7 feet
- No permit needed
- Fence 7 feet or under
- Zoning cap still applies
- Yes, SCC 14.812.100
- Front-yard sight-obscuring cap
- 36 inches
- Contact
- Building & Planning, 509-477-3675
Summary
In unincorporated Spokane County, fences over 7 feet in height require a building permit. Fences at or under 7 feet do not need a building permit, but must still meet the zoning height limits in SCC 14.812.100.
Fences over 7 feet in height require building permits. The height of fences that obstruct sight is limited to 36 inches within residential front and flanking street yards. Cyclone and other fences that do not obstruct sight may be 48 inches in these areas.
Full Breakdown
Spokane County's Department of Building and Planning states that fences over 7 feet in height require building permits. A fence 7 feet or shorter needs no building permit, but it must still comply with the SCC 14.812.100 zoning limits (6 feet residential / 8 feet nonresidential, and the reduced 3-4 foot front-yard limits). Because the zoning cap for residential fences is 6 feet, a taller residential fence needs a variance first, and any fence over 7 feet also triggers a building permit. Retaining walls and walls used as fences are treated separately. Always confirm current requirements with the Division of Building and Planning at 509-477-3675.
Violations & Fines
Building without a required permit can result in a stop-work order and after-the-fact permit fees; zoning-height violations are enforced by Building and Planning code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a standard 6-foot backyard fence need a permit?
What are the front-yard sight limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane County
Compare Spokane County to another location·View the Washington fence regulations overview
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