Fence permits in City of Tacoma: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a fence permit in City of Tacoma, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Tacoma Planning & Development Services.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to City of Tacoma's source.
When does a fence need a permit in City of Tacoma?
Fences ≤7ft high are exempt. Any fence over 7ft, OR any masonry wall over 4ft, requires a building permit. Fences in critical areas/buffers may also require a critical-areas permit (TMC 13.11). Fences over 3ft within sight-triangle areas are prohibited.
From City of Tacoma's own code
“Unless otherwise allowed, the maximum height of free-standing walls, fences, or hedges between any public street and building shall be 3 feet. b. Decorative fences up to 8 feet in height may be allowed between a public street and any residential use provided such fence is at least 50 percent transparent and features a planting strip at least 5 feet wide”Source ↗verified 2026-04-29
What City of Tacoma says in its own permit handout
From Fences, published by City of Tacoma. This is the jurisdiction's own guidance on its permit process, not the ordinance text — where the two differ, the code governs.
“Areas within clear sight triangles must be kept free from obstructions. Fences and structures over 3 feet high are not permitted within this area.”Handout ↗read 2026-09-05
Required submittals
- simple site plan
- sectional drawing with post type/spacing/depth/concrete-diameter, rail size/spacing, fence-board type, height, attachment method
Inspection sequence
- final (if permit required)
Contractor specialties needed
general
Who can do this work in City of Tacoma?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout City of Tacoma and Pierce County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the fence permit with Tacoma Planning & Development Services, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a City of Tacoma fence quote.
Notes & caveats
From Tacoma fence tip sheet: "Fences can be built up to seven feet in height without a permit, provided the fence is structurally sound, is located entirely upon private property, and does not block the view from vehicular traffic." And: "Any fence over seven feet in height, or any masonry wall over four feet in height requires a building permit, because they can be quite dangerous if built incorrectly." Tacoma's 7-ft threshold is HIGHER than WA baseline (typically 6-7ft).
Fence permit fee — Washington baseline, not City of Tacoma's own schedule
Worked example for a $6,000 fence project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $125.25 |
| Plan review | $81.41 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.5 |
| Estimated total | $213.16 |
Typically no fee unless permit required. We have not read City of Tacoma's adopted fee schedule, so this is not City of Tacoma's fee: it walks the standard valuation table most Washington cities adopt by reference, as a rough guide. The real numbers are in City of Tacoma's fee schedule ↗. Impact/utility fees may apply separately.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Tacoma fence — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (2).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Tacoma Planning & Development Services ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Typically no fee unless permit required.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull fence permits in City of Tacoma every month. We prepare the drawings and submittals, file with Tacoma Planning & Development Services, handle reviewer comments, and build the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Fence permits in City of Tacoma — FAQ
When does a fence need a permit in City of Tacoma?
Fences ≤7ft high are exempt. Any fence over 7ft, OR any masonry wall over 4ft, requires a building permit. Fences in critical areas/buffers may also require a critical-areas permit (TMC 13.11). Fences over 3ft within sight-triangle areas are prohibited.
How much does a fence permit cost in City of Tacoma?
For a $6,000 fence project, the estimated City of Tacoma permit fee is about $213.16 — building fee $125.25 + plan review $81.41 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.