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Walla Walla is the county seat of Walla Walla County in southeast Washington, near the Oregon line and the Blue Mountains.
Fence services in Walla Walla
What to know before you hire in Walla Walla
Permit: The city code says every fence on a lot needs a fence permit before you build. It is handled as a Level I permit. You send in a site plan that shows where each section goes and how tall it is. The owner has to find the property line. The city's older fence form listed a $30 application fee, so confirm today's fee with the city.
- Every fence on a lot needs a fence permit before construction. It is processed as a Level I permit (WWMC 20.110.030).
- Fences up to 6 ft are allowed in side and rear yards, but they cannot extend into the front yard setback.
- In the front yard area between the setback and the front property line, chain link, woven wire and split rail fences can be up to 5 ft.
- Solid or sight-obscuring fences in that front area can be up to 3.5 ft.
- Fences and plantings between 3 ft and 8 ft tall are not allowed inside the sight distance triangle at corners.
- The permit application needs a site plan. The owner must identify the property line when building on it.
- The city's guide says a fence may be built up to the property line.
- The permit form asks for the fence material, height, whether it is see-through, and whether it sits on a retaining wall.
What holds up in Walla Walla
Walla Walla has cold winters, hot dry summers and about 21 inches of rain and melted snow a year. Wind off the Blue Mountains can be strong.
- Wood privacy fence (6 ft). A 6 ft wood fence fits the side and rear yard limit, and posts can go below the 24 inch frost line.
- Chain link fence. It is the one style the code lets you run 5 ft tall in the front area.
- Low solid front fence (3.5 ft). Solid fences in the front area are capped at 3.5 ft.
- Vinyl fence. It handles freeze and thaw and hot sun with little upkeep.
- Wrought iron or open metal fence. Open fences keep sight lines clear at corners and driveways.
Questions Walla Walla homeowners ask
Do I need a permit for a fence in Walla Walla?
Yes. The city code says every fence on a lot needs a fence permit before you build. It is a Level I permit with a site plan. Call Development Services at (509) 524-4710 to confirm the current fee.
How tall can my fence be?
Side and rear yard fences can be up to 6 feet, but not into the front yard setback. In the front area, chain link can be 5 feet and solid fences 3.5 feet.
What about a corner lot?
The city's guide says fences and plants between 3 and 8 feet tall are not allowed in the sight distance triangle. Ask Development Services to mark that area on your lot.
How deep should fence posts go?
The city lists a 24 inch frost depth for building design. Posts for a fence are commonly set below that. Ask your pro, since rocky or hardpan soil can change the plan.
Will wind be a problem for my fence?
It can be. The city uses a 110 mph design wind speed, and Walla Walla has seen gusts near 78 mph. Solid privacy panels need strong posts, deep holes and good bracing.
Who do I call before I dig post holes?
Call 811 at least 2 business days before you dig. It is free. You can also file online at digsafewashington.com.
Can I build right on the property line?
The city's guide says yes. But the owner has to find the line, and the city may ask for a survey. Talk to your neighbor first, and build a little inside the line if you are not sure.
Does my HOA matter?
If your subdivision has recorded covenants, they can be stricter than the city. Check them first, then apply for the city permit.
Areas we serve
Walla Walla and nearby: College Place, Milton-Freewater, OR, Waitsburg, Touchet, Prescott, Burbank. See the service area