Height Limits: Auburn vs Seattle
How do height limits rules compare between Auburn, WA and Seattle, WA?
Auburn and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Auburn, WA
King County
Auburn caps fences at 42 inches in front setback areas under ACC 18.31.020. Interior fences may reach the zone maximum building height. A 6 percent measurement tolerance applies.
View full Auburn rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Under SMC 23.44.014, fences in single-family zones may be up to 6 ft solid in side/rear yards. Above 6 ft, fences must be predominantly open (50%+ open); total max is 8 ft. Front yard fences: max 4 ft in required setbacks. Fence + retaining wall combined max: 9.5 ft.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Front Setback | 42 inches max | - |
| Side/Rear | Up to zone max height | - |
| Sight Triangle | 42 inches at driveway | - |
| Tolerance | 6 percent | - |
| Code | - | SMC 23.44.014 |
| Side/Rear (Solid) | - | Max 6 ft without permit |
| Total Max Height | - | 8 ft (above 6 ft must be 50%+ open) |
| Front Yard | - | Max 4 ft in required setbacks |
| Wall + Fence | - | Combined max 9.5 ft |
| Permit | - | Not required if ≤ 8 ft (no masonry over 6 ft) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
How tall can my backyard fence be in Auburn?
Up to the maximum building height of the zone, which in most residential zones allows practical 6 foot and sometimes 8 foot rear fences under ACC 18.31.020, subject to any HOA rules.
What is the front yard fence height limit in Auburn?
42 inches within the required front setback under ACC 18.31.020, with a 6 percent measurement tolerance.
Seattle FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Seattle?
Under SMC 23.44.014, fences in single-family zones may be up to 6 ft solid in side/rear yards. Above 6 ft, fences must be predominantly open (50%+ open); total max is 8 ft. Front yard fences: max 4 ft in required setbacks. Fence + retaining wall combined max: 9.5 ft.
What is the maximum fence height for front yards in Seattle?
Code: SMC 23.44.014. Side/Rear (Solid): Max 6 ft without permit. Total Max Height: 8 ft (above 6 ft must be 50%+ open). Front Yard: Max 4 ft in required setbacks.
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