Fence Requirements: Auburn vs Kirkland
How do fence requirements rules compare between Auburn, WA and Kirkland, WA?
Auburn and Kirkland have similar restriction levels.
Auburn, WA
King County
Auburn fences must be structurally sound, maintained, and built within property lines under ACC 18.31.020. Sight triangles cap 42 inches at driveways. Critical areas need extra review.
View full Auburn rules →Kirkland, WA
King County
Kirkland fences must meet KZC 115.40 height limits, sight triangles, and setbacks. Fences 6 feet or shorter need no permit, but shoreline and critical-area buffers require extra review.
View full Kirkland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Kirkland |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Required, sound condition | - |
| Setbacks | Sight triangle 42 in | - |
| Finished Side | Practice/HOA: outward | - |
| Code | ACC 18.31.020 | KZC 115.40 |
| Typical Height | - | 6 ft most locations |
| Permit Trigger | - | Over 6 ft |
| Banned Materials | - | Barbed and electric |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Does Auburn require the finished side of a fence face the neighbor?
ACC 18.31.020 does not mandate finished-side orientation, but HOA covenants and common practice put the smooth side outward.
Can my fence sit right on the property line in Auburn?
Only with written agreement from the neighboring owner. Otherwise build entirely within your lot. A survey is strongly recommended.
Kirkland FAQ
What are Kirkland basic fence requirements?
Keep residential fences at 6 feet or less, stay outside sight-distance triangles, avoid electric or barbed wire, and check shoreline and critical-area overlays if you are near water or a steep slope.
Does the fence finished side need to face my neighbor?
Kirkland code does not strictly require the finished side to face outward, but it is the customary neighborly practice and many HOAs require it.
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