Fence permits in Mercer Island: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a fence permit in Mercer Island, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Mercer Island Community Planning & Development.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to Mercer Island's source.
When does a fence need a permit in Mercer Island?
Fences not over 6 feet (1,829 mm) high are exempt. Maximum fence height per Mercer Island Permit FAQ: 6 feet.
From Mercer Island's own code
“1. Fences. No fence shall be located in any improved street. Fences may be allowed in unimproved public streets subject to approval of the city engineer and the granting of an encroachment agreement as required by MICC 19.06.060.”Source ↗verified 2026-04-29
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 Mercer Island?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Mercer Island and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the fence permit with Mercer Island Community Planning & Development, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Mercer Island fence quote.
Notes & caveats
From MICC 17.14.010 §105.2: "Fences not over 6 feet (1,829 mm) high" are exempt from permit. The Mercer Island Permit FAQ confirms 6 feet as the maximum fence height in the city. Fences in critical areas / flood hazards may require permit review per MICC 17.14.010 critical-area override.
Fence permit fee estimate in Mercer Island
Worked example for a $6,000 fence project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $211.79 |
| Plan review | $148.25 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.50 |
| Estimated total | $366.54 |
Where a fence needs a permit on Mercer Island, such as one over 6 feet, it is a building permit priced on the value of the work: $40.06 up to $500, and $118.83 for the first $2,000 plus $23.24 for each $1,000 more up to $25,000; plan check adds 70% of that fee where plans are reviewed (2026 Fee Schedule). Computed from Mercer Island's adopted fee schedule · source ↗. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your fence in Mercer Island — 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: Mercer Island Community Planning & Development ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (about $367 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 Mercer Island Community Planning & Development, handles reviewer comments, and builds the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Fence permits in Mercer Island — FAQ
When does a fence need a permit in Mercer Island?
Fences not over 6 feet (1,829 mm) high are exempt. Maximum fence height per Mercer Island Permit FAQ: 6 feet.
How much does a fence permit cost in Mercer Island?
For a $6,000 fence project, the estimated Mercer Island permit fee is about $366.54 (building fee $211.79 + plan review $148.25 + surcharges) from Mercer Island's adopted fee schedule. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.