Fence Installation Permits in Tacoma

Local Rule

City of Tacoma Planning and Development Services; Tacoma

Tacoma exempts fences not over 7 feet from a building permit, per the city's own Tacoma Permits FAQ and TMC 2.02.540; a fence over 7 feet, or any masonry wall over 4 feet, requires a building permit. A permit-exempt fence must still be structurally sound, located entirely on private property, and must not block visibility for vehicular traffic entering or turning onto the street (no fence or structure over 3 feet is allowed within the clear sight triangle). Fences located within a critical area or its buffer may also need a separate critical-areas permit under TMC 13.11, even if under the 7-foot building-permit threshold. A retaining wall not over 4 feet is also exempt unless supporting a surcharge; a fence supported by a retaining wall is itself considered a surcharge.

Source · Verified September 2026

Tacoma Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Pierce County

Tacoma's own rule is shown above (No permit under 7 sqft). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

City/County zoning

In Pierce County (Tacoma), Washington cities generally allow fences up to 8 feet without a building permit when no masonry or concrete section exceeds 6 feet; taller fences need a permit. Zoning limits front-yard fences to about 4 feet and solid side/rear fences to 6 feet. Washington's Good Neighbor Fence Act covers shared costs.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Tacoma with a confirmed fence installation rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a fence installation project:

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