Vancouver's Municipal Code Chapter 20.912 governs all fences, walls, and retaining walls citywide. Residential fences have tiered height limits by yard location; retaining walls under 4 feet are permit-exempt, while taller walls require a building permit.
Under VMC Ch. 20.912 and VMC 17.08.090, retaining walls under 4 feet (measured from footing bottom) are exempt from building permits; walls 4 feet or taller, or those supporting a building or parking surcharge, require a permit. For fences in residential zones, VMC 20.912.050 limits front-yard fences to 5 feet (top 1 foot must be at least 80% open to view, e.g., wrought iron or chain-link); solid fences in required side, street-side, and rear-yard setbacks are limited to 6 feet. In commercial and industrial zones, fences within required setbacks are capped at 6 feet. Fences and walls must not obstruct vision clearance at intersections; structures under 30 inches are generally exempt from the vision-clearance triangle requirement. Prohibited materials
Civil penalties under VMC 22.02.070 apply; violations are subject to daily monetary penalties until brought into compliance. Building Official may order removal of unpermitted structures.
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See how Vancouver's retaining walls rules stack up against other locations.
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