Fence Regulations in Federal Way, WA (2026)
7 verified fence regulations for Federal Way, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Federal Way allows fences up to 6 feet in residential side and rear yards and up to 4 feet in front yards under FWRC 19.125.160. Corner lot sight-triangle rules apply. Taller fences require permit review.
Federal Way Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsPermit Requirements
Fences up to 6 feet in residential zones do not require a permit in Federal Way. Fences over 6 feet, retaining walls over 4 feet, and critical area or shoreline fences require permits.
Federal Way Fence Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsNeighbor Fence Rules
Federal Way does not mandate shared cost for boundary fences. Owners build on their own side of the line. Washington RCW 7.28 governs boundary disputes. Spite fences may be actionable under common law.
Federal Way Neighbor Fence Rules
Few RestrictionsRetaining Walls
Retaining walls over 4 feet tall require a building permit and engineering in Federal Way under IBC 1807. Walls with surcharge (driveway, pool) require permits at any height. Geohazard areas add review.
Federal Way Retaining Wall Permits
Some RestrictionsPool Barriers
Federal Way requires a 4-foot minimum barrier around residential pools under IRC Appendix G and FWRC. Self-closing, self-latching gates required. Pools 24 inches deep or more trigger the barrier rule.
Federal Way Pool Barrier Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsFence Requirements
Federal Way fences must meet zoning standards for height, setback, and sight triangles under FWRC 19.125. Front yard 4 ft, rear/side 6 ft. Barbed wire is restricted in residential zones.
Federal Way General Fence Requirements
Some RestrictionsMaterial Restrictions
Federal Way permits common fence materials (wood, vinyl, chain link, wrought iron, composite) in residential zones. Barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences are prohibited residentially.
Federal Way Fence Material Restrictions
Few RestrictionsLooking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Federal Way city rules.
Fence Regulations in King County →