How tall can my fence be in Bellevue, WA?

Bellevue, 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 Bellevue, WA fence permit cost?

We have Bellevue, WA's fence ordinance on file but not a permit fee, so we do not publish an amount for it.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.

Bellevue, WA fence permit site plan

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

If Bellevue'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 Bellevue, 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 Bellevue, WA permit form — pending. Until then you get the universal plot plan + a checklist of what to handwrite on the city's form.
✓ Bellevue, WA ordinance check — height limits, setbacks, and neighbor-consent rules specific to Bellevue, WA.

Bellevue, WA fence rules

Max height (front of building line): 4'6"

A fence over 8' requires a building permit. Below that height, a residential fence still needs one if it is in a critical area or critical area buffer, or is built of concrete blocks or similar material.
A fence in the required front-yard setback may not exceed 4'6"; a fence outside that setback may be taller. The depth of the required front-yard setback depends on your zoning district.
A fence must not violate the sight-obstruction restrictions at street intersections and driveways, which vary by intersection type and driveway conditions.
The 4'6" front-setback limit can be exceeded if the fence is perpendicular to the right-of-way and needed for screening, is on an arterial, or is on one side of a corner lot, and also meets four criteria: no more than the minimum height needed for privacy, security, screening, or noise; no hazardous traffic situation; genuinely necessary for the property; and in character with the neighborhood with the finished side facing out. A Development Services land use planner decides whether a property qualifies.
A fence need not be set back from the property line unless the property contains a critical area (wetland, stream, steep slope) or lies in the Shoreline Overlay District. The front-yard setback is measured from the property line, not the pavement or sidewalk -- the right-of-way often extends across landscaping the owner maintains.
Height is measured from finished grade on the exterior side of the fence to its top, and a fence on a berm or wall counts the combined height. On sloping ground the fence must follow or step with the slope so it never exceeds the limit at any point.

Do you need a permit? Usually no. Bellevue's Fences page says you do not need a permit unless your fence exceeds 8 feet in height, the fence will be located within a critical area or critical area buffer, or the fence is to be constructed out of concrete blocks or similar material. A wall is a different structure from a fence, and a permit is required for a wall taller than 48 inches. (source)

Source: https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/development/zoning-and-land-use/zoning-requirements/fences

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FAQ

Do I need a permit to build a fence in Bellevue, WA?: Usually no. Bellevue's Fences page says you do not need a permit unless your fence exceeds 8 feet in height, the fence will be located within a critical area or critical area buffer, or the fence is to be constructed out of concrete blocks or similar material. A wall is a different structure from a fence, and a permit is required for a wall taller than 48 inches.
How tall can my fence be in Bellevue, WA?: Bellevue, 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 Bellevue, WA fence permit cost?: We have Bellevue, 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 Bellevue 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 Bellevue, WA building department before submitting.

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Bellevue, WA fence permit site plan

What you'll get for Bellevue, WA

Bellevue, WA fence rules

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