Spokane Valley, WA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)

020(B) already caps residential fences at eight feet on flanking, side and rear yards with no permit pathway to go higher, so the CUP question only arises in nonresidential zoning districts. Subsection (C) sets that trigger directly: a nonresidential fence over eight feet needs a conditional use permit, unless it falls under the electric fence exception in subsection (H), which lets a nonresidential electric fence enclosing outdoor storage reach 10 feet without that separate CUP. 010, explains that a CUP is required for uses classified as conditional because of size, infrequency, special requirements, safety hazards, or potential effects on surrounding properties, and that the permit is subject to specific review during which additional conditions may be imposed to assure compatibility of the use with other uses in the vicinity.

A request can be denied outright if the applicant can't clearly demonstrate that the proposed height is compatible with neighboring uses. In practice, this means a warehouse, industrial yard, or commercial property owner who wants a fence taller than eight feet, for security, screening, or storage, has to file a CUP application, go through the City's public notice and hearing process for conditional uses, and secure hearing examiner or administrative approval before building rather than simply pulling a fence permit.