Port Townsend, WA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- fences over 6 feet
- Governing standard
- International Residential Code
- Discretion
- 90% open wire fences to 8 ft
- Unpermitted work
- double permit fee
- Civil penalty
- $250 per day
Summary
Fences in Port Townsend can rise to eight feet depending on location and openness, but a building permit under the International Residential Code is required once a fence tops six feet.
Fences, walls, arbors, hedges and other partially or totally sight-obscuring installations or features may be permitted within any required front, side, or rear setback area specified in Table 17.16.030, or along the edge of any yard; provided, that they meet the requirements below. Building permits may be required for fences over six feet in height or as adopted through the International Residential Code.
A. Not Permitted in Open or Unopened Public Street Rights-of-Way. No fence, wall, arbor, hedge or other partially or totally sight-obscuring installation or feature shall be allowed within any public right-of-way. Exceptions:
1. A right-of-way has been vacated by law.
2. Unless erected by a public entity for the purpose of security and/or public safety.
B. Clear Vision Area. No fence, wall, arbor, hedge or other partially or totally sight-obscuring installation or feature over 30 inches in height which poses a traffic safety hazard shall be located within a clear vision area, defined as a 20-foot-by-20-foot sight triangle measured from the sidewalk, edge of pavement or rolling surface; see illustration below.
C. Maximum Heights. The following maximum heights do not apply to hedges or arbors but apply to fences, walls, and other sight-obscuring installations or features:
1. When within a setback abutting an open or unopened public street right-of-way, the maximum height of eight feet is subject to the following (see illustrations below):
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 3364, passed May 18, 2026).
Full Breakdown
PTMC 17.68.030 sets tiered fence heights: solid fencing tops out at four feet within a setback facing a street right-of-way, stepping up to eight feet once the fence is at least 90 percent open above six feet. Any fence over six feet falls under the International Residential Code, adopted citywide via PTMC 16.04, meaning a building permit applies. Subsection G lets the building official exempt a 90 percent open wire fence up to eight feet tall from that permit requirement, but the exemption doesn't excuse compliance with the chapter's other height, setback, and clear-vision rules.
Violations & Fines
Starting fence work before obtaining a required permit doubles the permit fee under PTMC 1.20.075, and the city can also assess civil penalties of $250 per day plus misdemeanor fines up to $1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a 6-foot backyard fence need a permit in Port Townsend?
Can I build a taller open wire fence without a permit?
What happens if I build an unpermitted fence over 6 feet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Port Townsend
Compare Port Townsend to another location·View the Washington fence regulations overview
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