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Thurston County, WA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
TCC § 21.81.020
"Structure" includes
fences, walls, signs (§ 21.06.740)
Permit issued by
Thurston County planning department
No-permit remedy
correction notice, stop-work order

Summary

Thurston County's zoning code defines a fence as a "structure," so putting one up without a permit from the planning department is a code violation, not a gray area.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Thurston County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No building or other structure shall be erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered without a permit therefor, issued by the department. No building permit shall be issued by the department unless the use:

A. Conforms to the requirements of this title; or

B. Has been approved by the department as a "similar or related" use as described in the several zoning districts; or

C. Has been approved by the hearing examiner as a special use as defined in Chapter 21.66 ; or

D. Has been granted a variance by the hearing examiner.

(Ord. 11499 § 28, 1997: Ord. 11274 § 1 (part), 1996)

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 77).

Full Breakdown

Thurston County Code § 21.06.740 defines "structure" to include "buildings, fences, signs and walls." Section 21.81.020, in the zoning title's enforcement chapter, then bars erecting, moving, adding to, or structurally altering any "building or other structure" without a permit issued by the department, and ties permit issuance to conformance with the zoning title or an approved similar-use, special-use, or variance determination.

Violations & Fines

Erecting, extending, or replacing a fence without an issued permit is a zoning violation; the department can issue a written correction notice and a stop-work order under TCC § 21.81.010 until the fence is permitted or removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Thurston County require a permit to build a fence?
Yes. The zoning code defines fences as "structures," and § 21.81.020 bars erecting or altering any structure without a permit from the department.
What if I build a fence without one?
The department can issue a written notice of violation and order the work stopped under § 21.81.010 until the fence is permitted, altered, or removed.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Thurston County

Height LimitsSome RestrictionsRetaining WallsSome RestrictionsMaterial RestrictionsHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesSome Restrictions

All Thurston County rules

Compare Thurston County to another location·View the Washington fence regulations overview

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