Bainbridge Island permit guide
Do you need a permit for a fence on Bainbridge Island?
Quoted from Bainbridge Island's own pages, with the date we read them: October 13, 2026.
Short answer
Depends on the project
The City of Bainbridge Island lists "Fences not over 7 feet high" as work that does not need a building permit. A fence taller than that is not on the exempt list. A fence is still subject to zoning, critical-area and shoreline rules. Source [1]Source [2]
The rule, quoted
From the "Work Exempt from Permitting" bulletin, IRC R105, "Permits shall not be required for the following":
Fences not over 7 feet high.
From the "When Do I Need a Building Permit?" handout, under "a building permit is not required for":
Fences not over 7 feet in height
All development within 200’ of ordinary high water requires the submittal of a Shoreline Substantial Development Exemption prior to the submission of a building permit.
What to submit
If you do need a permit, the Permitting page says a complete application "will include" the Assessor's Tax Parcel Number, owner information, the project site address, contractor information, and submittals "including Site Plan, Plan Sets, and other required information." Source [4]
Worth knowing
- The Building Division says that even where a building permit is not required, "the project must conform to building code requirements, zoning setbacks, critical areas, and other applicable regulations." Source [3]
- "Projects within a critical area or shoreline designation typically require additional land use permits from the Planning Division." Source [3]
Sources
Where this comes from
Compiled from Bainbridge Island's published rules; last checked
JKM pulls the permit as part of the job
Call Ian Laughlin at (206) 226-1988, or send the address and the scope. We find the right office and take it from there.