Tacoma, WA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit-exempt
- fences up to 7 feet
- Front-yard zoning cap
- generally 3 feet
- Decorative front fences
- up to 7-8 ft with conditions
- Side/rear yards
- can typically go higher
Summary
Tacoma doesn't require a building permit for a fence up to 7 feet tall, but zoning still limits height near the street regardless of permit status.
Fences not over 7 feet (1829 mm) high.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4946110; v22 updated 2026-07-28).
Full Breakdown
TMC § 2.02.090 exempts fences not over 7 feet high from a building permit as part of the city's amended IBC work-exempt list. That only waives the permit step: it doesn't override zoning. Under TMC § 13.06.090K, freestanding fences between a public street and a building are generally capped at 3 feet, with taller decorative fences up to 7 or 8 feet allowed only if they meet transparency and landscaping conditions. Side- and rear-yard fences can typically go higher without those conditions. Confirm your zoning district's height limit before assuming a tall fence needs no approval.
Violations & Fines
A fence built above the applicable zoning height cap is a zoning violation subject to code enforcement and a correction order, even when no building permit was required for its height.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Tacoma?
Can I build a 7-foot fence in my front yard without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
Compare Tacoma to another location·View the Washington fence regulations overview
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Fence Permit Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle fence permit requirements.