Snohomish County, WA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit-exempt fence height
- 8 feet or less
- Masonry limit without permit
- 6 feet
- Permit-exempt retaining wall
- 4 feet or less
- Permit authority
- Planning and Development Services
- Code section
- SCC 30.50.103
Summary
Unincorporated Snohomish County exempts fences up to eight feet high from a building permit, as long as they have no masonry or concrete above six feet. Taller fences, or those with masonry above six feet, require a permit from Planning and Development Services.
Fences not over eight feet (2,438 mm) high that do not have masonry or concrete elements above six feet (1,829 mm). This calculation shall not include wire strands on top of eight foot fences when permitted under this title. The fence shall be set back in accordance with this title.
(c) Retaining walls that are not over four feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III A liquids.
(d) Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one.
(e) Sidewalks and driveways.
(f) Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
(g) Prefabricated swimming pools regulated under the IRC that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.
(h) Prefabricated swimming pools regulated under the IBC that are accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy which are: less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,925 L), and are installed entirely above ground.
(i) Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.
(j) Window awnings for Group R-3 and U occupancies and structures regulated by the IRC that are supported by an exterior wall, do not project more than 54 inches (1,372 mm) from the exterior wall, and do not require additional support.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through legislation passed August 12, 2026).
Full Breakdown
SCC 30.50.103(1)(b) lists fence work exempt from a building permit: fences not over eight feet high that do not have masonry or concrete elements above six feet. Wire strands on top of an eight-foot fence are not counted in that measurement when permitted under Title 30, and the fence must still be set back in accordance with the code. Retaining walls up to four feet, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, are also permit-exempt unless they support a surcharge (SCC 30.50.103(1)(c)). Exempt status does not waive the setback, sight-triangle, or height standards elsewhere in Title 30.
Violations & Fines
Building or expanding a fence above the exempt threshold without the required permit is a code violation; PDS may issue a stop-work or correction notice and require permitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do wire strands count toward the eight-foot limit?
Where do I apply for a fence permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Snohomish County
Compare Snohomish County to another location·View the Washington fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.