Fence permits in Tacoma: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a fence permit in 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 Tacoma's source.
When does a fence need a permit in 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 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 Tacoma says in its own permit handout
From Fences, published by 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 contractor
Who can do this work in Tacoma?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout 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 Tacoma fence quote.
Notes & caveats
Tacoma's 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 entering into or turning onto the street", 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." The State's exemption is the same height: IRC R105.2 Building item 2, which TMC 2.02.010 adopts, exempts "Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high."
Fence permit fee estimate in Tacoma
Worked example for a $6,000 fence project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Combination permit fee, new structure (1.31% of valuation) | $78.60 |
| Plan review | $35.37 |
| Site development permit and review | $86.46 |
| Technology Program (5%) | $10.02 |
| Natural Resources Program (5%) | $10.02 |
| Reserve Fund (2%) | $4.01 |
| Emergency Preparedness (5% of permit fees) | $6.48 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.50 |
| Estimated total | $237.46 |
Where a fence needs a permit in Tacoma, such as one over 7 feet or a masonry wall over 4 feet, it is a building permit priced on the value of the work; the PDS Fee Schedule's minimum counter transaction fee is $94. Table 1 adds the technology (5%), emergency preparedness (5%) and reserve fund (2%) surcharges, and the natural resources program (5%) on building permits. Computed from Tacoma'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 Tacoma — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline, critical-area or historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 2 documents under Required submittals above.
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Tacoma Planning & Development Services ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (about $237 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 Tacoma Planning & Development Services, handles reviewer comments, and builds the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Fence permits in Tacoma — FAQ
When does a fence need a permit in 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 Tacoma?
For a $6,000 fence project, the estimated Tacoma permit fee is about $237.46 (building fee $78.60 + plan review $35.37 + site development $86.46 + surcharges) from Tacoma's adopted fee schedule. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.