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Fences Allowed without a Permit
Fences can be built up to seven feet in height without a permit, provided the fence is structurally sound, is located entirely upon private property, and does not block the view from vehicular traffic entering into or turning onto the street (see graphic on page 2 of this tip sheet).
**Fences that are located within critical areas or their buffers may also require a critical areas permit under TMC13.11
Fence Planning and Design
For an aerial photo of the site with approximate property lines shown, visit our Tacoma Permits Maps page: https://tacomapermits.org/projects/maps. Aerial views from our online maps can serve as a general guide to determine the location of property lines. The only way to be certain of a property line location, however, is to have a licensed surveyor conduct a survey. It is always beneficial to consult with adjacent property owners and come to an understanding of where and what you will build, prior to purchasing materials. Where there is some dispute about a property line location, or where the fence being installed is of a significant cost, a survey may be beneficial and/or necessary.
General Tips for Typical Fence Construction
- The first step in fence building is to dig cylindrical holes in the ground at intervals with an auger or post hole digger. Typically, holes are dug at 5-foot intervals and posts are buried 30 inches into the ground. The reason posts are set in deep holes is so they will not fall over or be pushed over in a windstorm.
- Fence posts suitable for burial (.60 pressure treated lumber if using wood), are then inserted into the holes and plumed and braced to vertical.
- Concrete is poured into the hole and allowed to set.
- A chalk line is stretched between the posts so the tops can be cut to the same height.
- Horizontal members (rails) are fastened to the posts, top and bottom as a support upon which to nail individual fence boards. The top and bottom rails are usually installed 6 inches above the ground and 6 inches below the top of the posts.
- Fence boards are then fastened to the horizontal rails.
Fences Requiring a Permit
Any fence over seven feet in height, or any masonry wall over four feet in height requires a building permit, because they can be quite dangerous if built incorrectly.
**Fences that are located within critical areas or their buffers may also require a critical areas permit under TMC13.11
Submittal checklist for a building permit:
- Simple site plan
- Sectional drawing with the following details
- Type, size and spacing of posts
- Depth below grade and concrete diameter
- Size and spacing of rails
- Type and spacing of fence boards
- Height of fence
- Method of attachment
Fence Example
Requirements by Fence Type
- Barbed or razor wire is limited to areas not visible to a public street or adjacent residential use
- Chain Link with our without site-obscuring slats is prohibited between the front of a building and public street except for wetland preservation and recreational uses. It cannot be used as required utility screening in X-Districts.
- Electrified fences are allowed only within the Industrial Districts (M-1, M-2, and PMI), and prohibited in all other zoning districts.
Fences and Property Lines
Front property lines generally do not extend all the way to the sidewalk. All stairs, fences and handrails shall be constructed no closer than 2 feet behind the back of sidewalk, the future back of sidewalk, the future back of sidewalk alignment, or the edge of the roadway. They shall also meet any applicable ADA, PROWAG and other federal, state and local requirements.
It is valuable to consider the aspect of crime prevention as well as the desire to enhance privacy when designing the fence. While a solid, high fence may seem like a good way to enhance privacy, it can also create a problem from the standpoint of theft because once inside, it provides a place to hide. A more open design may be preferable. To get a complete CPTED assessment by the City of Tacoma, contact 311 or make a request online.
* Sight Triangle: Corner Lots, Lots with a driveway accessing a street, Corner lots adjacent to an alley, Lots on an arterial street should contact Traffic Engineering at 253-213-3713 or email at trafficcontrolplans@cityoftacoma.org.
Clear sight triangles are areas next to intersections and driveways where a driver needs to be able to see when turning to avoid pedestrian and auto accidents. Areas within clear sight triangles must be kept free from obstructions. Fences and structures over 3 feet high are not permitted within this area. The dimensions of clear sight triangles are generally determined by the speed of the traffic on the abutting roadway and whether or not traffic is required to stop at the intersection.
Permits Required – Right-of-Way Work
Right-of-Way Construction (RCON) or Work Order (WO) permits are required for any construction within or alteration to the ROW. Right-of-Way Occupancy (ROCC) permits may be required.
