Vancouver's new land use code took effect July 31, 2026. We build to it: front fences up to 5 feet with an open top foot, solid side and back fences up to 6 feet, and building review for anything taller.
Vancouver replaced its land use code on July 31, 2026. For homes in the LS, MS and MH zones, a fence in front of the house can be 5 feet if the top foot is at least 80% open, like wrought iron or chain link. Solid fences in side and back setbacks can be 6 feet. Any fence over 6 feet needs city building review.
Vancouver is big and varied, with 85,421 homes from old grid streets near downtown to 1990s subdivisions out east toward Fisher's Landing. East-side lots also feel the winter east wind out of the Columbia River Gorge, which NOAA notes can bring strong winds to the Portland–Vancouver area.