Clark County, WA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- In easement
- Walls 4 ft or less allowed
- Over 4 ft
- Must meet zone setbacks
- Stepped walls
- Separate 8 ft, ground cover
- Height measured
- To grade at wall bottom
- Code section
- CCC 40.320.010(F)
Summary
Clark County allows retaining walls four feet or less (and fences seven feet or less) within easements. Walls over four feet, or fences over seven feet, must meet the underlying zone's setbacks, with specific exceptions. Walls over four feet need a permit and engineering.
The construction of retaining walls in excess of four (4) feet in height and fences in excess of seven (7) feet in height shall meet the setback requirements of the underlying zone, except as authorized below. The height of a fence on top of retaining walls shall be measured to the grade at the bottom of the wall.
Full Breakdown
Under CCC 40.320.010(F)(3)-(4), retaining walls four feet or less and fences seven feet or less may be built within easements; taller walls and fences must meet the underlying zone's setback requirements. Fence height on top of a retaining wall is measured to the grade at the bottom of the wall. Exceptions include stepped walls four feet or less separated by at least eight feet (total height in a setback not exceeding eight feet), exposed faces directed toward the lot interior, and non-sight-obscuring fences (chain link or wrought iron) seven feet or less atop walls no greater than four feet. Walls over four feet require a permit and Washington-engineer design.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted or over-height retaining walls face stop-work orders and after-the-fact permitting; walls carrying a surcharge or over four feet without engineering must be corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close to the property line can a retaining wall be?
Can I stack walls to hold a tall slope?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clark County
Compare Clark County to another location·View the Washington fence regulations overview
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