Most residential fences here go up without a permit, but not all of them. Height and where the fence sits are what decide it. Here is the short version before you dig a post hole.
The height rule most cities use
Around Snohomish County, a fence up to about six feet in the back and sides usually does not need a permit, while anything taller often does. Front-yard fences are typically held lower, closer to three or four feet, for sight lines at the street.
Corner lots and sight triangles
Corner lots have a catch. Cities keep a clear sight triangle near the intersection so drivers can see, which caps how tall and how close to the corner your fence can be. Everett, Marysville, and Mukilteo all enforce some version of this.
Check the line before you build
Know where your property line actually is, not where the old fence sat. Building on a neighbor line or over an easement is the kind of mistake that gets a fence torn out. A quick look at your plat or a survey pin saves the headache.
Who pulls the permit
If your fence needs one, we file it as part of the job and spare you the morning at the permit counter. We build to the height your lot allows and keep it clean with the inspector.
Common questions
Send the height you want and a photo of the line, and we'll check your city's rule before anything gets dug. If a permit applies, we handle the filing so the fence goes up right the first time.
