Yakima, WA Fence Regulations: Fence Permit Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit-exempt height
- Up to 7 feet
- Governing code
- 2021 WA Residential Code, as amended
- Enforcing office
- Code administration division
- Applies to
- Fences and walls citywide
Summary
Yakima's Residential Code amendment exempts fences up to seven feet tall from a building permit; taller fences require a permit reviewed by the city's code administration division under Chapter 11.22.
Section R105.2 (Building) of the Washington State Residential Code is amended to read as follows: Building:
1. One-story detached non-habitable accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, play houses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet.
2. Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high.
3. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the retained material, unless supporting a surcharge.
4. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,920 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
5. Sidewalks and driveways.
6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
7. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.
8. Swings and other playground equipment.
9. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
10. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the main exit door required by Section R311.4. The remainder of Section 105.2 of the Washington State Building Code is adopted by reference. (Ord. 2016-011 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2016; Ord. 2021-001 § 4, 2021)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
Yakima Municipal Code § 11.22.R105.2 amends the state residential code's exempt-work list for the city: fences not over seven feet (2,134 mm) high need no building permit, alongside small accessory sheds, low retaining walls, and other listed work. Any fence exceeding seven feet falls outside the exemption and must go through the city's standard building permit process administered by the code administration division in the department of community development, in addition to meeting the separate height and setback limits in the zoning code's site design chapter.
Violations & Fines
Erecting an over-height fence without a permit can draw a stop-work order and code enforcement action from the code administration division until the required permit is obtained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a 6-foot fence in Yakima?
What if my fence is taller than 7 feet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
Compare Yakima to another location·View the Washington fence regulations overview
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