Clark County, WA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- No permit
- Fences 7 ft or less
- Permit needed
- Fences over 7 ft
- Wall permit
- Retaining walls over 4 ft
- Surcharge walls
- Any height needs permit
- Engineering
- WA registered engineer required
Summary
Unincorporated Clark County does not require a building permit for fences seven feet or less in height. Fences over seven feet, and retaining walls over four feet (or any wall carrying a surcharge), do require a permit.
Fences seven feet or less in height do not require a permit. ... A permit is needed for retaining walls over 4' in height or retaining walls at any height that carries a surcharge.
Full Breakdown
Per Clark County Community Development, fences seven feet or less in height do not require a permit (the footing must be inward-facing). Fences taller than seven feet trigger a permit and must meet setback requirements. Retaining walls over four feet in height, or retaining walls at any height carrying a surcharge, require a permit, and all permitted retaining walls must be engineered by a Washington State registered engineer. CCC 40.320.010(F)(1) notes that building codes specify when retaining walls and fences require building and grading permits, and changes to stormwater runoff from walls fall under Chapter 40.386.
Violations & Fines
Building without a required permit is a code-enforcement violation; the county may issue a stop-work order, require after-the-fact permits, engineering, or removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a permit required for a standard six-foot backyard fence?
When does a retaining wall need a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clark County
Compare Clark County to another location·View the Washington fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.