Permit Requirements: Bellevue vs Kent
How do permit requirements rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Kent, WA?
Bellevue and Kent have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue requires a building permit for fences over 6 feet under the Washington State Building Code. Fences 6 feet or less need no permit. Retaining walls over 4 feet also require permits.
View full Bellevue rules →Kent, WA
King County
Kent requires a building permit for fences over 7 feet tall or for any fence on critical area or shoreline parcels. Fences under 7 feet generally do not require a permit but must meet KCC 15.08 height limits.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Trigger | Over 6 feet | - |
| Retaining Walls | Over 4 feet need permit | - |
| Electric/Barbed | Prohibited residential | - |
| Apply | MyBuildingPermit portal | - |
| No Permit Needed | - | Under 7 feet |
| Permit Needed | - | Over 7 feet or critical area |
| Planning Desk | - | (253) 856-5454 |
| Code | - | KCC 15.08 / WAC 51-50 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
Do I need a permit for a 6-foot fence in Bellevue?
No. Fences 6 feet or shorter generally do not require a permit as long as they meet LUC 20.20.400 zoning rules.
How do I apply for a fence permit?
Apply through the MyBuildingPermit.com portal. Fees vary by fence value; structural review is required for fences over 6 feet.
Kent FAQ
Do I need a permit for a fence in Kent?
Only for fences over 7 feet tall or in shoreline or critical area zones. Most residential fences under 7 feet are permit-exempt but still zoning-regulated.
Who do I call about Kent fence rules?
Kent Current Planning Division at (253) 856-5454 for zoning questions and sight-triangle checks before installation.
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