Fence permits in Lakewood: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a fence permit in Lakewood, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Lakewood Planning and Public Works Department.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to Lakewood's source.
When does a fence need a permit in Lakewood?
Permit NOT required for: front yard fences ≤4ft (unless along a principal arterial); rear yard fences ≤6ft. Permit required if exceeding these heights, or if located near or within a critical area, critical-area buffer, or Ordinary High-Water Mark.
Required submittals
- Site plan w/ heights and setbacks (if permit required)
Inspection sequence
- Final (if permit required)
Contractor specialties needed
General contractor
Who can do this work in Lakewood?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Lakewood and Pierce County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the fence permit with Lakewood Planning and Public Works Department, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Lakewood fence quote.
Notes & caveats
From Lakewood handout B4: "Fences: Located on private property; Front yard fences – 4 feet high and under unless along a principal arterial; Rear yard fences - 6 feet high and under; Exceptions: If located near or within a critical area, a critical area buffer or Ordinary High-Water Mark may also trigger the need for permits." Lakewood's split front/rear thresholds (4ft/6ft) are stricter than typical 6ft/7ft baseline.
Fence permit fee estimate in Lakewood
Worked example for a $6,000 fence project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $160 |
| Plan review | $120 |
| Administrative base fee | $90 |
| Technology surcharge (4%) | $14.80 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.50 |
| Estimated total | $391.30 |
A fence over 4 feet in a front yard or 6 feet in a rear yard, or near a critical area or the shoreline, needs a building permit in Lakewood, priced on the value of the work: $30 up to $500, $30 for the first $500 plus $4 for each $100 more up to $2,000, and $90 for the first $2,000 plus $17.50 for each $1,000 more up to $25,000. Every permit application carries the City's $90 administrative base fee, mechanical permits excepted, and a 4% technology fee (2026 Fee Schedule). Apply through Lakewood's Online Permit Center (app.oncamino.com/
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your fence in Lakewood — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline, critical-area or historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals: what Required submittals above lists.
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Lakewood Planning and Public Works Department ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (about $391 for a $6,000 project) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files with Lakewood Planning and Public Works Department, handles reviewer comments, and builds the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Fence permits in Lakewood — FAQ
When does a fence need a permit in Lakewood?
Permit NOT required for: front yard fences ≤4ft (unless along a principal arterial); rear yard fences ≤6ft. Permit required if exceeding these heights, or if located near or within a critical area, critical-area buffer, or Ordinary High-Water Mark.
How much does a fence permit cost in Lakewood?
For a $6,000 fence project, the estimated Lakewood permit fee is about $391.30 (building fee $160 + plan review $120 + surcharges) from Lakewood's adopted fee schedule. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.