Before you build a block fence or a retaining wall in the Tri-Cities, check two things: how tall your city lets it be, and whether it needs a building permit. Here is a plain-English summary of the rules in Kennewick and Richland. Rules change, so confirm with the city before you build.
Kennewick fence rules
- No permit for a residential fence, according to the City of Kennewick building FAQ (source).
- Front yard: up to 36 inches above the top of the curb in the required front yard.
- Elsewhere on the lot: up to 6 feet above grade.
- Sight triangles: nothing over 30 inches near street corners and driveways.
- Wind: fences over 36 inches must be built to withstand at least an 80 mph wind load. Masonry walls are an allowed fence material (Kennewick fence guidelines).
Kennewick retaining wall rules
- No permit for a retaining wall up to 48 inches tall, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, with no slope above or below it.
- Permit and engineered drawings for walls over 48 inches, or over 2 feet when the wall carries extra load such as a driveway or slope above it.
- Sloped yards: any wall with a slope above or below it needs a review by the Building Department.
- Guardrail: a retaining wall 60 inches or more above the adjacent grade along a lot line needs a fence or rail at least 36 inches high on top.
Richland fence rules
- No permit for a fence, but location and height rules still apply (City of Richland fence handout).
- Front yard: solid fences, including block, up to 3 feet; open fences that are at least 50% see-through up to 4 feet.
- Rest of the lot: up to 6 feet.
- Corner lots: a 6-foot fence must sit at least 5 feet inside the property line or 10 feet from the back of the sidewalk, whichever is greater.
- Badger Mountain South has its own fencing rules.
Richland retaining wall rules
Richland exempts a retaining wall, including rockeries and landscape block, from a permit only if all of these are true (City of Richland retaining wall handout):
- Exposed height is 42 inches or less above grade
- There is no slope below the wall
- The slope above the wall is no steeper than 3:1
- No driveway, building or pool sits within 10 feet 6 inches of the wall
Anything else needs a permit, a geotechnical report and an engineered design. Questions go to Richland Development Services at (509) 942-7794.
Pasco and West Richland
Pasco and West Richland set their own fence heights and permit rules. Call the city’s planning or building department with your address before you start, especially for corner lots and walls near the street.
Need help with a wall or fence?
We build block fences and retaining walls to these rules and can tell you early whether your project needs a permit. Curious about price? Read how much a block wall fence costs in the Tri-Cities.
Planning a block wall, fence or retaining wall in Kennewick, Richland, Pasco or West Richland? Request a free quote or call (509) 438-4570.