Fence Regulations in Bothell, WA (2026)
3 verified fence regulations for Bothell, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In the City of Bothell, Washington, a fence or freestanding wall of six feet or less in nominal height can go up without a setback wherever no landscape buffer is required. Anything taller must meet the front, side, and rear yard setbacks. Every fence stays three feet clear of fire hydrants and must meet the sight distance requirements of the Bothell Standards.
Fence Height and Placement Rules in Bothell, WA
Some RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 12.14.150
Fences and freestanding walls may be erected in any zone district as provided below: A. Fences and/or freestanding walls six feet or less in nominal height shall be consistent with the following: 1. Shall be placed behind any landscape buffer required by Chapter 12.18 BMC. 2. Where no landscape buffer is required, fences and freestanding walls may be allowed without a setback within any front, ...
Retaining Walls
In the City of Bothell, Washington, retaining structures inside rear and front yard setbacks cannot exceed four feet and side yard setbacks cannot exceed six feet. Outside the setbacks the maximum is 12 feet. Walls four feet or more get textured facing, and the building code exempts walls of four feet or less from a building permit.
Retaining Wall Height and Setback Rules in Bothell, WA
Some RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 12.14.152
Retaining walls, rockeries, modular block walls, rock walls, or any other structures which retain soil, retain earth surcharge, protect an exposed soil face, or serve as a gravity retaining wall, shall, for the purposes of this chapter, be known as retaining structures. Retaining structures shall be consistent with the following: ... b. Within rear and front yard setback areas, retaining struct...
Material Restrictions
In the City of Bothell, Washington, electric fences are allowed only in residential zones and only for raising and keeping animals or pasturing, with warning signs every 50 feet. Barbed wire is permitted for animal husbandry, pasturing, and security of sensitive sites the chief of police identifies. Razor wire is prohibited outside military and police use.
Electric, Barbed and Razor Wire Fence Rules in Bothell, WA
Significant RestrictionsBothell Municipal Code § 12.14.150
C. Electric fences shall: 1. Be permitted only within the residential zone classifications and only for the raising and keeping of animals for agricultural purposes or pasturing; 2. Be posted with permanent signs a minimum of two square feet in area at 50-foot intervals stating that the fence is electrified; 3. Be placed no closer than six feet to any fire hydrant. D. Barbed wire fencing is per...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bothell city rules.
Fence Regulations in King County →