Fence Repair in Everett, WA
Most fences fail at the posts first. A good repair company fixes the cause, like rotted posts or loose footings, not just the boards you can see.
- Pressure-treated posts with cedar boards. Local trade advice is to use ground-contact treated posts because wet soil rots buried cedar.
- Fence repair and post replacement. Rotted posts and wind damage are common after wet winters and storms.
Wet ground is the main enemy. Posts rot at the ground line first, so use ground-contact rated posts and gravel at the bottom of the hole.
Cedar posts set in wet soil can rot in 15 to 20 years. Treated posts with cedar boards above ground often last longer.
Everett plan reviews use 18 inches as the minimum frost depth for building footings. Fence post depth is set by the installer, not this figure.
Windstorms have hit Paine Field with gusts of 60 to 76 mph. Solid panels catch wind, so strong posts and good bracing matter. Falling trees are the bigger risk to a fence.
Everett rules that apply
The city's fence handout says a fence 7 feet tall or less on private property does not need a permit. It still must meet the city's height, material and see-through rules. A fence over 7 feet, where allowed, or any fence in the public right-of-way needs a Public Works permit. Permit Services at 3200 Cedar Street handles questions.
- In a residential front setback or next to the public right-of-way, a fence can be 42 inches tall.
- A front-setback fence can go up to 6 ft if it is at least 10 ft from the sidewalk, at least 70 percent see-through between 3 ft and 6 ft high, and not chain link or a similar material.
- In the street-side setback, a fence can be 6 ft tall.
- In interior side and rear setbacks, a fence can be 7 ft tall. The limit was 6 ft before the November 2020 code update.
- On a corner lot or double-fronting lot, the front and street-side or rear heights can be switched if the front of the house faces the street side or rear.
- Chain link fences are not allowed in the MU and UR4 zones or in historic overlays.
- Keep a fence at least 4 ft from utility mains (or as Public Works decides) and at least 2 ft from utility service lines.
- City Public Works permits for fences near roads have limited fences to 36 inches inside the 15 ft sight triangle at street and alley corners.
Questions
Will wind knock my fence down?
Puget Sound windstorms have sent gusts of 60 mph or more to the Everett area. Strong posts and good bracing help. Trees falling on a fence are a bigger risk than the wind alone.
Who do I call before I dig post holes?
Call 811, at least 2 business days before you dig. It is free. Marks last about 45 days.