How tall can my fence be in Auburn, WA?

Auburn, WA does not set a single height cap — the limit depends on the yard, the zoning district, and how the fence is built. The fence rules above quote the ordinance.

How much does a Auburn, WA fence permit cost?

We have Auburn, WA's fence ordinance on file but not a permit fee, so we do not publish an amount for it. Ask the building department what a fence permit costs before you apply.

What does a fence plot plan need to show?

Your property outline, location of the proposed fence, total linear feet, height, material, distance from any street/sidewalk, and (in most cities) the location of your house. Fence Plotter generates this automatically from a satellite image and your fence drawing.

Can I draw my plot plan myself?

Yes — most building departments accept owner-drawn plot plans as long as they're clear, dimensioned, and to scale. Fence Plotter produces a permit-ready plot plan + elevation sketch in two minutes.

Auburn, WA fence permit site plan

Plan your fence on a satellite map of your Auburn, WA property and get a permit-ready PDF in 2 minutes. Free, no sign-up.

If Auburn's form asks for a site plan and this page says plot plan, they are the same drawing for a fence application: a to-scale overhead view of your lot with the property lines, the existing structures and the proposed fence dimensioned on it. A surveyed site plan is the one genuinely different document, and only a licensed surveyor can seal one. What a fence permit site plan has to show.

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What you'll get for Auburn, WA

✓ Satellite site plan — top-down map of your property with the fence drawn on it, every side dimensioned.
✓ Fence elevation — side view showing height, panel count, and gates.
✓ Real lot lines — pulled from county GIS so your fence sits on the actual property boundary.
○ Filled Auburn, WA permit form — pending. Until then you get the universal plot plan + a checklist of what to handwrite on the city's form.
✓ Auburn, WA ordinance check — height limits, setbacks, and neighbor-consent rules specific to Auburn, WA.

Auburn, WA fence rules

Fences in the front setback may not exceed 42 inches, but chain link, wrought iron, or similar materials that provide visibility may be 72 inches.
A building permit is required for any fence exceeding 84 inches in height.
These height limits apply in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-MHC, R-F, I, C-1, C-2, C-AG, and DUC zones, and only within the required setback areas. Fences and walls built interior of the required setback areas may be as high as the maximum building height allowed in the applicable zone.
No portion of a fence may reduce the sight distances established by the engineering design standards for vehicular and nonmotorized transportation facilities.
Barbed wire, concertina, and razor wire are prohibited outside the P-1, M-1, and M-2 zones, except on pasture areas of at least one acre.
A fence on or elevated by a retaining wall is measured from the base of the retaining wall, and a building permit may be required.

Do you need a permit? Usually no. Auburn City Code 18.31.020(B)(3) requires a building permit only for a fence exceeding 84 inches in height. An ordinary residential fence sits under that: the same section caps a fence at 42 inches in the front setback and 72 inches at the side, rear and street side. A fence built on or elevated by a retaining wall is measured from the base of the wall, and the code says a permit may be required for one of those. (source)

Source: https://auburn.municipal.codes/ACC/18.31.020

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FAQ

Do I need a permit to build a fence in Auburn, WA?: Usually no. Auburn City Code 18.31.020(B)(3) requires a building permit only for a fence exceeding 84 inches in height. An ordinary residential fence sits under that: the same section caps a fence at 42 inches in the front setback and 72 inches at the side, rear and street side. A fence built on or elevated by a retaining wall is measured from the base of the wall, and the code says a permit may be required for one of those.
How tall can my fence be in Auburn, WA?: Auburn, WA does not set a single height cap — the limit depends on the yard, the zoning district, and how the fence is built. The fence rules above quote the ordinance.
How much does a Auburn, WA fence permit cost?: We have Auburn, WA's fence ordinance on file but not a permit fee, so we do not publish an amount for it. Ask the building department what a fence permit costs before you apply.
What does a fence plot plan need to show?: Your property outline, location of the proposed fence, total linear feet, height, material, distance from any street/sidewalk, and (in most cities) the location of your house. Fence Plotter generates this automatically from a satellite image and your fence drawing.
Can I draw my plot plan myself?: Yes — most building departments accept owner-drawn plot plans as long as they're clear, dimensioned, and to scale. Fence Plotter produces a permit-ready plot plan + elevation sketch in two minutes.

Not sure what Auburn means by “site plan”? See the nine things a plan reviewer checks — the same list whatever city you are applying in.

Do I need a survey?·Free template — which kind?·Do I need a permit?·Why permits get rejected

Fence Plotter is informational only. Always confirm specific requirements with the Auburn, WA building department before submitting.

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Auburn, WA fence permit site plan

What you'll get for Auburn, WA

Auburn, WA fence rules

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