A building permit is not required for fences 6 feet or under in unincorporated Pierce County. Fences taller than 6 feet require a building permit and must meet setbacks. Retaining walls over 4 feet also need a permit under the county's adopted residential building code.
Pierce County adopts the International Residential Code in PCC Chapter 17C. PCC 17C.30.040 amends IRC Section R105.2 to exempt fences not over 6 feet high and retaining walls not over 4 feet high (measured bottom of footing to top, unless supporting a surcharge). Anything taller requires a building permit from Pierce County Planning & Public Works. Zoning rules in PCC 18A.15.040 still apply regardless of permit status. Cities within the county issue their own fence permits under their own codes.
Building a fence over 6 feet or a retaining wall over 4 feet without the required permit is a code violation and may require a permit after the fact, corrections, or removal. Fines escalate for uncorrected work.
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