City Guide · Verified 2026
Fence Installation Permits in Everett
Local Rule
City of Everett Planning and Community Development
Everett does not require a permit for a fence not exceeding 7 feet on private property, though it must still meet the Unified Development Code's height, material, and transparency standards; a fence over 7 feet, if allowed, needs a Public Works permit, as does any fence located in the public right-of-way. In residential zones, fence height is capped by location: 42 inches within 20 feet of the right-of-way abutting the front lot line, 6 feet within the street-side setback or abutting right-of-way, and 7 feet within the interior side or rear yard. Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in residential zones except around utility, communications, or government security facilities. A fence built on top of a retaining wall or rockery over 6 feet is capped at 42 inches.
Source · Verified September 2026
Everett Building Department
Office: City of Everett Planning and Community Development Department, Permit Services
Address: 3200 Cedar St., 2nd Floor, Everett, WA 98201
Phone: (425) 257-8810
Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.
How This Compares to Snohomish County
Everett's own rule is shown above (No permit under 7 sqft). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:
Snohomish County Planning and Development Services
County's own Assistance Bulletin (SCC 30.50.103) states textually that fences 8 feet or less in height are exempt from a building permit, provided they have no masonry or concrete elements above 6 feet, and are not located in a flood hazard or other critical area. Distinctively, at corner lots where the street corner angle sides measure 40 feet or less, no fence or freestanding wall over 4 feet is permitted within the required sight-clearance triangle (otherwise a general 42-inch sight-triangle limit applies). Fences built atop a retaining wall have height measured from the uphill side.
Nearby Cities with Verified Rules
Other cities near Everett with a confirmed fence installation rule:
FAQs
Which department handles Fence Installation permits in Everett?
City of Everett Planning and Community Development handles Fence Installation permits in Everett.
Is Everett different from Snohomish County on Fence Installation?
Yes. Everett's rule is "No permit under 7 sqft", while Snohomish County in general is "Depends on project scope". See the full breakdown of each below.
Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need
Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a fence installation project:
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