Planning Division
**ANNOUNCEMENT** – LAND USE DEVELOPMENT FEES INCREASE EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2023
The Community Development Department Planning Division contracted with FCS Group to conduct a comprehensive fee analysis to determine the cost of service and set an appropriate fee schedule for land use development fees. On February 7, 2023, the Yakima City Council approved Resolution No. R-2023-024 to increase the land use development fees, effective March 1, 2023.
Any questions may be referred to the Planning Division at (509) 575-6183 or by e-mail at: ask.planning@yakimawa.gov.
ONLINE SUBMITTAL
Land use applications can be emailed to: ask.planning@yakimawa.gov. Once submitted, we will confirm receipt of the materials and guide you to our online permit center to pay the application fee. You may also mail your application (and include a check payable to the City of Yakima if you are not paying online) to: City of Yakima Planning Division, 129 N 2nd St, Yakima, WA 98901.
In an effort to maintain a quick response time, we encourage you to submit your questions and concerns via email to: ask.planning@yakimawa.gov. Emails are checked frequently.
Recent Issues in Planning
Stay Up-to-Date
- Report of Current Planning Applications Under Review
- Public Hearing Notices
- Online Permit Center – search for application details and public notices
- I saw a yellow “land use action” sign in my neighborhood – what’s going on?
Question of the Moment
Where can I put my fence on my property and how tall can it be?
The first step in determining where you can put your fence is to know the exact location of your property lines. Property owners may hire a land surveyor to mark their property lines for them, as surveyors have the knowledge and resources to accurately depict these points (note: city staff does not provide this service; a private land surveying company must be hired).
The next step is to review the regulations in Yakima Municipal Code (YMC) § 15.05.020 (G) for fence height and location. Generally, fence height limitations are dependent upon:
a) The zoning of your property;
b) Which yard the fence is in; and
c) Whether the fence is within the required setback area or behind it (see setback requirements in YMC § 15.05.030 Table 5-1)
Please note that your fence must be on or behind your property line. If you have a corner lot, any fencing within the clearview triangle cannot be taller than 2 and ½ feet for safety vision purposes (see additional information on the clearview triangle in YMC § 15.05.040 and images below). Fences in the right-of-way may be allowed by obtaining a right-of-way use license, which requires annual fees and a certificate of insurance to be filed with City Codes each year.
In some circumstances, it may be permissible to construct a fence that is taller than what the code allows. This may be allowed through an Administrative Adjustment application process in which the applicant must provide answers to the narrative questions in the application packet demonstrating the need and compatibility for such adjustment (download application here). A building permit is also required for the fence if it is over 7 feet in height.
