Residential fences up to 7 feet in Spokane generally do not require a building permit under SMC 17F.040. Fences over 7 feet, retaining walls over 4 feet, and any fence in a critical area require permits.
Standard wood, vinyl, chain-link, and wrought iron fences up to 7 feet in residential zones are exempt from building permits under the International Residential Code as adopted in SMC Title 17F. However, electrical components (gate openers, electric pet fencing low voltage excepted) may require electrical permits. Fences over 7 feet in height are treated as walls and require structural permits. Retaining walls exceeding 4 feet measured from bottom of footing require permits and engineering. In Shoreline, Critical Area, or Aquifer Protection Area overlays common near the Spokane River and Latah Creek, any fence needs a Critical Area review. HOA approval may be separately required.
Building without a required permit is 200 dollars plus double permit fees. Stop-work orders are common.
Spokane, WA
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See how Spokane's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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