Pool Fences in Everett, WA
A pool fence has rules of its own: a minimum height, small gaps and a gate that closes and latches by itself. The company should build to the local pool barrier code.
- Cedar privacy fence. Cedar boards handle Western Washington rain better than most wood, when posts are set to drain.
- Pressure-treated posts with cedar boards. Local trade advice is to use ground-contact treated posts because wet soil rots buried cedar.
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.