Standard residential fences under 6 feet in Vancouver generally do not require a building permit. Fences over 6 feet, retaining walls, and masonry walls require permits.
Under Vancouver's building code, standard wood, vinyl, or chain link fences under 6 feet in side and rear yards typically do not require a building permit. Permits are required for fences over 6 feet, masonry walls, retaining walls over 4 feet (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall), and any fence with electrical components. Front yard fences over 4 feet require a building permit. All fences must comply with zoning setback requirements regardless of permit status.
Fences built without required permits may result in code compliance action and required removal or retroactive permitting.
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver prohibits leaving any vehicle parked on a public street for more than 24 consecutive hours. Officers attach a notification sticker; if the vehicle ...
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver has no dedicated local ordinance banning wildlife feeding. Washington state law prohibits feeding large wild carnivores and, since May 2025, feedin...
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver allows hens, ducks, geese, rabbits, and similar domestic animals in all zoning districts for hobby use with no minimum lot size. Roosters, turkeys,...
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver's Land Use and Development Code (VMC Chapter 20.925) encourages but does not universally mandate native plants. For development projects, native an...
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver allows residential lawn ornaments and yard art without permits provided they do not exceed the 8-foot residential accessory-structure height standa...
Vancouver, WA
Vancouver does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size, type, or theme. Continuously running blower motors are subject to VMC 7.05.01...
See how Vancouver's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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