Before you build a block fence or retaining wall, check two things: how tall your city lets it be, and whether you need a permit. The City of Spokane and Spokane Valley have very different rules. Here is a plain-English summary; confirm with the city before you build.
City of Spokane fence rules
- Permit required for any new or replaced fence, regardless of height or material. Repairing an existing fence does not need a permit (City of Spokane residential fence handout).
- Height: a 6-foot fence can start at the end of the front yard setback, which is 10 feet behind the front property line in residential zones.
- Next to a neighbor’s back yard: where your front property line meets a neighbor’s rear property line, fencing is limited to 42 inches or must be set at a diagonal of at least 7 feet.
- Corners: inside the clear-view triangle, fences must be 36 inches or less.
- Streets: a fence can sit at the back of the sidewalk on a residential street, but never closer than 12 feet to the curb of an arterial street.
Spokane Valley fence rules
- Front yard: 3 feet or less for solid fences, 4 feet or less for see-through fences like chain link (Spokane Valley fence guidelines).
- Side and rear yards: up to 8 feet behind the front setback line.
- Permit: residential fences up to 7 feet need no permit. Anything over 7 feet, up to 8 feet, needs a permit and engineering.
- Corners: fences must stay out of the clear-view triangle.
Footings and frost depth
Spokane City and County require footings at least 24 inches below finished grade to stay below the frost line (the Spokane City/County frost depth policy). For a block wall, that footing is what prevents frost heave from cracking or tilting the wall.
Retaining walls
Retaining walls are handled separately from fences. Taller walls, walls holding back a slope, or walls near a driveway or building usually need a permit and an engineered design. Call your city’s permit center with your address and wall height before you start.
Liberty Lake, Cheney and Spokane County
Liberty Lake, Cheney, Airway Heights and unincorporated Spokane County each set their own fence and permit rules. Check with the local permit office first, 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 Spokane.
Planning a block wall, fence or retaining wall in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Cheney or north Spokane? Request a free quote or call (509) 438-4570.