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

Marysville's fence standards in Marysville Municipal Code § 22C.010.380 cover "walls, fences, trellises, arbors and screens of all types whether open, solid, wood, metal, wire, masonry or other material," so a decorative arbor or trellis is reviewed the same as a solid privacy fence. Barbed and razor wire are banned citywide except to confine livestock, protect public facilities, transmitter and transformer sites, or secure government installations where security or public safety is required.

Height limits depend on the street type. On an access street, a front-lot-line fence tops out at four feet if solid or six feet if fully open-work; side and rear lot lines allow six feet. On an arterial street, a front-lot-line fence can reach six feet, but the top two feet must be open-work construction. Height is measured from the natural grade at the base to the top surface, board, rail or wire, and where grade differs on either side, the city measures from the higher side.

Setbacks apply only to solid front-yard fencing: a solid fence over four feet must sit back at least 20 feet from the street right-of-way, though the city engineer can waive or modify that setback if the design will not block sightlines for drivers or pedestrians. Side and rear lot lines carry no setback. Fences near fire hydrants must also clear MMC § 14.03.050(2) and the International Fire Code.

Any fence over six feet requires a city building permit under § 22C.010.380(5)(c)(iv). Owners who want to exceed the standard height or setback apply for an administrative variance from the community development director, who weighs sightline safety, easement conflicts, and impact on neighbors before deciding, and must mail or hand-deliver written notice of the request to adjoining property owners describing the proposed height and location.