Fence Permit in Seattle, Washington

Permit required?

Sometimes, depending on the project.

Typical threshold: fences under 8 feet with no masonry or concrete elements exceeding 6 feet do not require a permit.

When a permit is usually needed

Before building a fence over 8 feet or with masonry elements over 6 feet in Seattle

Permit cost and what affects it

Fees are set by the locality and are not published here. See the official fee schedule or contact the office for current amounts.

Permit costs generally depend on the project valuation, the scope of work, and the inspections required. Ask the office how the fee is calculated for your specific project.

Where to apply

• Official permit page
• Permit portal

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a fence permit in Seattle?

Fences under 8 feet tall with no masonry or concrete elements exceeding 6 feet do not require a building permit in Seattle. Fences over 8 feet or with concrete or masonry exceeding 6 feet require a subject-to-field-inspection construction permit from SDCI. Front and side setback height limits also apply under Seattle zoning code. The typical threshold is fences under 8 feet with no masonry or concrete elements exceeding 6 feet do not require a permit. Always confirm with the office before starting.

How much does a fence permit cost in Seattle?

Fees are set by Seattle and are not published here. Contact the office for current amounts.

How long does a fence permit take in Seattle?

Processing time for a fence permit in Seattle varies by workload and project scope. Contact the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections for a current estimate.

Where do you apply for a fence permit in Seattle?

You can apply through the Seattle permit portal or contact the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections directly. The links are listed on this page.

Official sources

• https://www.seattle.gov/sdci/permits/common-projects/fences
• https://www.seattle.gov/sdci/permits/do-you-need-a-permit