Fence Regulations in Kirkland, WA (2026)
3 verified fence regulations for Kirkland, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Fences in Kirkland can be up to 6 feet tall almost anywhere on a lot, but not within 15 feet of a street curb unless a survey fixes the property line, and single-family or middle housing fences in the required front yard along a neighborhood access or collector street are capped at 3.5 feet, under KZC 115.40(1).
Kirkland Fence Height Limits by Location
Some RestrictionsKZC 115.40(1) (Fences - General)
a. Fences not over six feet in height may be anywhere on the subject property except: 1) A fence may not be within 15 feet of any street curb, or the edge of the street pavement, if no curb exists... 4) A Detached Dwelling Unit or middle housing development abutting a neighborhood access or collector street may not have a fence over 3.5 feet in height within the required front yard... b. Fences...
Retaining Walls
Kirkland caps rockeries and retaining walls in a required yard at four feet high. Where a fence sits within five feet of a retaining wall, the combined height of both may not exceed six feet, per KZC 115.115(3)(g).
Kirkland Retaining Wall Height Limits
Some RestrictionsKZC 115.115(3)(g)
g. Rockeries and Retaining Walls. 1) Rockeries and retaining walls may be a maximum of four feet high in a required yard. The Planning Official may approve a modification to that height limit if it is necessary because of the size, configuration, topography or location of the subject property... 2) The combined height of fences and retaining walls within five feet of each other in a required ya...
Material Restrictions
Barbed wire is barred in Kirkland except when it tops a fence or wall that's already at least 6 feet tall, and free-standing electrified fences are banned outright except to contain large domestic animals, under KZC 115.40(2)-(3). Any permitted electric fence needs UL-listed components, must sit 18 inches inside a wood fence, and needs warning signs every 15 feet.
Kirkland Barbed Wire and Electric Fence Rules
Significant RestrictionsKZC 115.40(2)-(3) (Fences - Barbed Wire and Electrified Fences)
2. Barbed Wire. Barbed wire is permitted only atop a fence or a wall at least six feet in height. 3. Electrified Fences. Electrified fences are not permitted in Kirkland, except to contain large domestic animals (see KZC 115.20(2)(c))... electrified fences must be located at least 18 inches on the inside of wood fences when located along any property line. In addition, all electric fences shall...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Kirkland city rules.
Fence Regulations in King County →