Privacy & Surveillance in Seattle, WA (2026)
5 verified privacy & surveillance rules for Seattle, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Security Camera Rules
Seattle allows residential security cameras on private property but Washington's strict two-party consent law (RCW 9.73.030) applies to audio recording. Video-only recording of public areas is generally permitted. Cameras must not record areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Security Camera Rules in Seattle
Some RestrictionsRecording & Consent Laws
Washington is a two-party (all-party) consent state under RCW 9.73.030. Recording any private conversation without consent from all parties is a gross misdemeanor. This applies to phone calls, in-person conversations, and audio features on security cameras.
Recording Laws in Seattle and Washington State
Heavy RestrictionsRCW 9.73.030 — Intercepting, recording, or divulging private communication
RCW 9.73.030 — Intercepting, recording, or divulging private communication — Consent required — Exceptions. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, it shall be unlawful for any individual, partnership, corporation, association, or the state of Washington, its agencies, and political subdivisions to intercept, or record any: (a) Private communication transmitted by telephone, telegraph...
Privacy Screening
Seattle allows privacy fences up to 6 feet in residential zones without a building permit. Fences up to 8 feet (with architectural features like trellises) may be permitted. No permit is needed for fences 8 feet or shorter that are not masonry or concrete above 6 feet.
Privacy Fence Regulations in Seattle
Few RestrictionsSDCI Fences — Zoning Code fence height limits (Seattle Residential Code R105.2)
Fences — A fence is a free-standing wall used for privacy or protection; it may or may not be attached to a building. 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, yo...
Facial Recognition Ban
Seattle SMC 14.18 (2017, expanded 2018) makes Seattle one of the first US cities to require City Council approval and a Surveillance Impact Report before any city department acquires or deploys surveillance technology, including facial recognition.
City Surveillance Tech Ordinance Requires Council Approval
Heavy RestrictionsLicense Plate Readers
Seattle Police use of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) is governed by SMC 14.18 surveillance rules. SPD's ALPR program required a Surveillance Impact Report, City Council approval, and is bound by data-retention limits.
ALPRs Require Surveillance Impact Report and Council Approval
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Seattle city rules.
Privacy & Surveillance in King County →