Material Restrictions: Auburn vs Seattle
How do material restrictions rules compare between Auburn, WA and Seattle, WA?
Auburn and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Auburn, WA
King County
Auburn restricts electric and barbed-wire fences in residential zones under ACC 18.31.020. Wood, vinyl, chain link, and ornamental iron are allowed. RC agricultural zones may allow barbed wire.
View full Auburn rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle regulates fence materials through the Seattle Municipal Code. Residential zones allow wood, vinyl, composite, ornamental metal, and masonry. Chain-link is restricted in some front yard situations. Barbed wire is prohibited in residential areas.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Barbed Wire | Banned residential | Prohibited in residential zones |
| Electric Fence | Banned residential | - |
| Razor Wire | Prohibited citywide | - |
| Allowed | Wood, vinyl, chain link, iron | - |
| Allowed Materials | - | Wood, vinyl, composite, ornamental metal, masonry |
| Chain-Link | - | Discouraged in single-family front yards |
| Authority | - | SDCI (Dept. of Construction & Inspections) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Are electric fences legal in Auburn, WA?
Not in residential zones under ACC 18.31.020. Limited agricultural and industrial use may be allowed with review.
Can I have a barbed wire fence in Auburn?
Not in residential zones. Agricultural RC zones may allow top-mounted barbed wire on 6+ foot fences. Razor wire is banned citywide except at approved industrial facilities.
Seattle FAQ
Can I use chain-link fencing in Seattle?
Chain-link is generally discouraged in front yards of single-family zones but may be allowed in other areas. Check SMC Title 23 for your specific zoning district requirements.
What fence materials are banned in residential areas?
Barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fences are prohibited in residential zones in Seattle. Historic districts may have additional material restrictions.
Compare other topics
See how Auburn and Seattle compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool