Fence Regulations in Seattle, WA (2026)
3 verified fence regulations for Seattle, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In Seattle's Neighborhood Commercial and Commercial zones, SMC 23.47A.014.G.5 caps fences and freestanding walls inside a required setback at 6 feet, averaged over sloping grade in 6-foot segments but never exceeding 8 feet at any point. Retaining walls and bulkheads used to raise grade top out at 6 feet, and stacking a fence on a new bulkhead limits the combined height to 9.5 feet.
Fence Height Limits in Seattle Commercial Zone Setbacks
Some RestrictionsSeattle Municipal Code § 23.47A.014.G.5
a.Fences, freestanding walls, and other similar structures 6 feet or less in height above existing or finished grade, whichever is lower, are permitted in required setbacks. The 6-foot height may be averaged along sloping grade for each 6-foot-long segment of the fence, but in no case may any portion of the fence exceed 8 feet.b.Bulkheads and retaining walls used to raise grade may be placed in...
Fence Permit Requirements
Most residential fences in Seattle do not require a building permit. Fences 8 feet or shorter without masonry or concrete above 6 feet are exempt. Fences in flood-prone areas, shoreline zones, or environmentally critical areas may need additional review.
Fence Permit Requirements in Seattle
Few RestrictionsSDCI Fences — Permit Requirements (Seattle Residential Code R105.2)
What Permits Do You Need? You don't need a permit if you're building a fence with a total height of 8 feet high or less that doesn't have masonry or concrete elements over 6 feet. You will need a construction permit if the fence will be located in a flood-prone area. If you're building a taller fence, you need a construction permit. Most fences require only a construction subject-to-field-inspe...
Material Restrictions
Seattle prohibits placing or keeping a barbed wire or electric fence along the margin of any public place, the line where private property meets a street, alley, or sidewalk, if it could hazard a pedestrian. SMC 15.48.020 targets the fence's location and danger to foot traffic, not barbed wire generally, and SDOT enforces it as a Title 15 street-use violation.
Seattle Bans Hazardous Barbed Wire, Electric Fences
Some RestrictionsSeattle Municipal Code § 15.48.020
It is unlawful to place, or maintain, or allow to be placed, or maintained, any barbed wire or electric fence abutting upon the marginal line of any public place in a manner that may be hazardous to a pedestrian in the public place.
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Seattle city rules.
Fence Regulations in King County →