King County has no breed-specific dog restrictions. Dangerous dog designation under KCC 11.04 and RCW 16.08 is behavior-based. Washington state (RCW 16.08.090) preempts any municipal breed ban.
King County Code 11.04 (Animal Control) aligns with Washington state law RCW 16.08, which establishes behavior-based dangerous and potentially dangerous dog designations rather than breed-specific restrictions. RCW 16.08.070 defines a dangerous dog as one that has inflicted severe injury on a human, killed a domestic animal without provocation, or been previously found potentially dangerous after aggressive behavior. Washington state does not permit municipalities to enact breed-specific legislation (RCW 16.08.090 preempts breed bans). Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and other breeds sometimes targeted in other states are not restricted in King County. Dangerous dog designation requires muzzling in public, secure enclosure at home, 250,000 dollar liability insurance or surety bond, microchip, and registration with King County Regional Animal Services. Violating dangerous dog conditions is a class C felony if the dog attacks again. Landlord and HOA private restrictions on breeds are separate from county code and enforceable as lease or covenant terms.
Misdemeanor under KCC 11.04 for violating dangerous dog conditions. Class C felony under RCW 16.08.100 for subsequent attacks. Fines 100-5,000 dollars plus impoundment costs.
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, fences 6 feet or less in height may be built on or within property lines without a building permit. Fences over 6 feet require...
King County, WA
Unincorporated King County's marine shoreline along Puget Sound and Vashon-Maury Island is regulated under the Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58), the King...
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, an above-ground pool that can hold water more than 24 inches deep is regulated as a swimming pool under the Washington State R...
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, a one-story detached storage shed of 200 square feet or less, accessory to a residential or agricultural use, is exempt from a...
King County, WA
Unincorporated King County requires private swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least five feet high under K.C.C. 16.70.020, with self-closing/self...
King County, WA
King County Ordinance 18467 (2017) limits county cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and Washington's Keep Washington Working Act (RCW 10.93.16...
See how King County's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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