How tall can my fence be in Shoreline, WA?

Shoreline, 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 Shoreline, WA fence permit cost?

We have Shoreline, WA's fence ordinance on file but not a permit fee, so we do not publish an amount for it.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

Shoreline, WA fence permit site plan

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

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

Shoreline, WA fence rules

No permit is required unless the fence is over 7' tall, or the fence sits in an environmentally critical area such as near a steep slope, stream, or wetland.
A fence 6' or less may be built on the property line. Anything taller must be set back to the minimum yard setbacks for your zoning district.
The sight distance triangle must be kept clear between 30 inches and 8' above existing street grade. Fences placed 10' or more back from the front property line are generally outside the triangle.
Electric, razor wire, and barbed wire fences are prohibited.
These standards apply to neighborhood residential zones. Outside those zones, different fence height and material regulations apply — contact a Shoreline planner.
The City recommends, but does not require, that a front yard fence be no more than 3.5' tall to increase visibility.

Do you need a permit? Usually no. Shoreline's Residential Fences handout says no permit is required unless the fence is over seven feet high or the fence is located in an environmentally critical area, such as near a steep slope, stream, or wetland. (source)

Source: https://www.shorelinewa.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/2404

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FAQ

Do I need a permit to build a fence in Shoreline, WA?: Usually no. Shoreline's Residential Fences handout says no permit is required unless the fence is over seven feet high or the fence is located in an environmentally critical area, such as near a steep slope, stream, or wetland.
How tall can my fence be in Shoreline, WA?: Shoreline, 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 Shoreline, WA fence permit cost?: We have Shoreline, 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 Shoreline 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 Shoreline, WA building department before submitting.

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Plan a fence in Shoreline →

Shoreline, WA fence permit site plan

What you'll get for Shoreline, WA

Shoreline, WA fence rules

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