Do You Need a Fence Permit in Seattle?
Usually no
No permit is needed for a fence up to 8 feet total height without masonry or concrete elements over 6 feet, unless it is in a flood-prone area. Zoning can still limit height in required yards.
Source: Seattle SDCI: Fences
Seattle Fence Permits at a Glance
- Permits, last 12 months
- 10
- Issued, last 30 days
- 0
- Median application to issue
- 54 days
- Median declared job value
- $45,335
- Issuing office
- Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI)
- Rule last checked
- October 30, 2026
Permits Issued per Month
Counts are approximate: we match permit types and descriptions to fence work. Data from Seattle Building Permits, refreshed October 30, 2026.
What Seattle's Rules Say
- Exempt: fences up to 8 ft with no masonry over 6 ft.
- Permit required in flood-prone areas.
- Zoning height limits still apply.
Seattle Fence Permit Fees
We have not verified Seattle's fee for this work from an official fee schedule yet, so we don't quote one. The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) sets the fee when you apply.
Busiest Areas for Fence Permits
| ZIP code | Permits (12 mo) |
|---|---|
| 98118 | 3 |
| 98101 | 1 |
| 98105 | 1 |
| 98134 | 1 |
| 98107 | 1 |
| 98109 | 1 |
How to Get a Fence Permit in Seattle
- Confirm the rule for your exact job on the official page cited above. Size, height, structure and location (historic district, floodplain) can change the answer.
- Choose who applies. Many permits here must be pulled by a licensed contractor; ask any contractor to name the license they will use.
- Apply with the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) through the official department website.
- Schedule inspections as the permit requires, and keep the final approval with your house records.
Recent Seattle Fence Permits
| Issued | Address | Work |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-07-24 | 1913 2Nd Ave | Construct alterations to install security gate/fence at entrance to existing restaurant (We rise Wine) at ground level o |
| 2026-07-06 | 3959 Ne Surber Dr | Construct alterations to replace concrete driveway gates and fences grade for lawn and garden at north side of existing |
| 2026-05-28 | 7736 Seward Park Ave S | Construct retaining walls and fence accessory to existing one-family dwelling per plan |
| 2026-05-18 | 801 1St Ave S | Temporary use / permit for the WOSCA site to be used as charter bus staging for the FIFA World Cup June -July 2026. Scop |
| 2026-05-04 | 5044 Baker Ave Nw | Construct retaining wall patio and related fences at (east) rear yard of one-family dwelling per plan. |
| 2026-04-20 | 9277 Spear Pl S | Fence installation to a single dwelling unit subject to field inspection. |
| 2026-03-31 | 1901 Taylor Ave N | Remove and replace siding windows railings and site wood fences and repair roof per plan. |
| 2026-03-17 | 1800 E Olive Way | [Establish the use for Mobile food vendor using a trailer per land use code. see zoning activities notes under "Acitivie |
| 2026-01-13 | 6111 S Pilgrim St | Construct alterations to install geo grid slope stabilization measures and fence accessory to existing residence per pla |
| 2025-11-10 | 12215 Aurora Ave N | Installing 10' fence around perimeter of a commercial property. subject to field inspection. |
Addresses and work descriptions as published by the city. Owner names and phone numbers are removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fence permit in Seattle?
Usually no. No permit is needed for a fence up to 8 feet total height without masonry or concrete elements over 6 feet, unless it is in a flood-prone area. Zoning can still limit height in required yards.
How many fence permits does Seattle issue?
Seattle issued 10 permits matching fence work between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026, about 1 a month. The busiest month was May 2026 with 3.
How much does a fence permit cost in Seattle?
We have not yet verified Seattle's fee for this work from an official fee schedule, so we do not quote one. The fee is set by the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) when you apply.
How long does it take to get a fence permit in Seattle?
Based on the city's records, the median time from application to issue for these permits was 54 days over the last 12 months.
Who issues fence permits in Seattle?
The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI).
Related Permit Guides
- Seattle Roofing Permits
- Seattle HVAC Permits
- Seattle Deck Permits
- Chicago Fence Permits
- Austin Fence Permits
- Fence Permits by City
- Fence Permit Height Limits Compared Across 11 Cities
Sources
Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.
- Seattle SDCI: Fences (linked above) (seattle.gov)