Redmond's Fence Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles fence regulations a little differently. In Redmond, Washington, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Neighbor Fence Rules

Redmond has no city ordinance mandating cost-sharing between neighbors for boundary fences. Washington RCW 16.60 addresses spite fences and agricultural boundary fencing, otherwise civil disputes.

Key details: Cost-Sharing Mandate: None (civil). Spite Fence: Actionable in court. Survey: Strongly recommended. Code: RCW 16.60.

Civil disputes only. Courts can order removal or modification of spite fences and award damages; police do not intervene in property-line fence disputes.

Redmond is more permissive than most cities when it comes to neighbor fence rules. That said, there are still limits.

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls over 4 feet tall (measured from footing bottom to wall top) or supporting a surcharge require a building permit and engineered design in Redmond under IBC and RMC 15.06.

Key details: Permit Trigger: Over 4 ft from footing. Engineering: WA-licensed engineer. Critical Area: Extra environmental review. Code: RMC 15.06 / IBC.

Unpermitted retaining wall over 4 feet: stop-work, fines doubled or triple permit fee, and possible requirement to remove or redesign wall at owner expense.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Redmond actively enforces its retaining walls requirements.

Permit Requirements

Standard residential fences up to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in front yards do not require a building permit in Redmond. Permits are needed for taller fences, masonry, or pool barriers.

Key details: No Permit Up To: 6 ft side/rear, 4 ft front. Permit Required: Over 6 ft, pool barrier. Retaining Wall: Permit over 4 ft. Apply: Redmond ePermit.

Installing a regulated fence without a permit: stop-work order and a fine equal to double the permit fee, plus correction to compliance.

Material Restrictions

Redmond prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences in residential zones under RMC 21.54. Chain-link, vinyl, wood, and masonry are permitted subject to height, maintenance, and HOA rules.

Key details: Banned Materials: Barbed, razor, electric. Common Allowed: Wood, vinyl, chain-link. Masonry Over 4 ft: Permit required. Code: RMC 21.54.

Prohibited material installation: removal order and civil fine up to $500. Failure to maintain existing fence: notice of violation and 30-day correction period.

Pool Barriers

Redmond requires a 48-inch pool barrier with self-closing, self-latching gate for any pool or spa over 24 inches deep under RMC 15.06, adopting IRC Appendix G. Permits and inspection are required.

Key details: Barrier Height: 48 inches minimum. Gate: Self-close, self-latch. Latch Height: 54 inches minimum. Code: IRC Appendix G / RMC 15.06.

Unfenced pool or non-compliant barrier: stop-use order and fines $500 to $2,500. Drowning incidents at non-compliant pools may expose owners to civil liability.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Redmond actively enforces its pool barriers requirements.

Fence Requirements

Redmond fences must meet RMC 21.54 standards on height, setback, sight triangle, and material. Finished side typically faces neighbor, posts set below frost line, and HOAs may add style rules.

Key details: Finished Side: Faces neighbor. Post Footing: Below frost line. Barbed Wire: Banned in residential. ROW: Encroachment permit needed.

Non-compliant installation: stop-work order and civil fines starting at $250. Riparian buffer violations: Critical Area review with restoration requirements.

Height Limits

Redmond allows 6-foot fences in rear and side yards and 4-foot fences in front yards and corner-lot sight triangles under RMC 21.54. Taller fences require a permit and setback review.

Key details: Side/Rear Max: 6 feet. Front Max: 4 feet. Corner Sight Triangle: 30 in within 15 ft. Code: RMC 21.54.

Zoning violation: civil infraction $100 to $500 per occurrence. Non-compliant fences may be ordered modified or removed.

The Bottom Line

Redmond is tougher than many cities when it comes to fence regulations. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Redmond, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Redmond's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.