Lakewood, WA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

090(B)(12). Two situations change that. First, under (B)(12)(c)(iii), any fence exceeding six feet must first obtain a variance and a building permit, unless it is part of an approved design review permit application for commercial or industrial development, in which case the taller fence is allowed outright without a separate variance. Second, under (B)(12)(e), an electric fence of any height needs a director's determination application, reviewed as a building permit, before installation or use, and is allowed only in the C1, C2, C3, TOC, IBP, I1, I2, and P/I zones, never in a residential district.

The electric fence application must include a site plan, fence details showing both the electrified fence and its required nonelectrical perimeter barrier, and manufacturer documentation and monitoring-service certification. Beyond the building permit, an electric fence installer must also complete a separate registration with the Fire Department using forms from the Fire Chief under (B)(12)(e)(xi), and install a key box meeting West Pierce Fire and Rescue standards so emergency crews can disable the fence. The electric fence permit process sits on top of, not instead of, the standard electrical permit for the energizer and wiring, since the fence must be inspected for both building code and electrical code compliance before it can be energized.