Height Limits: Bellevue vs Seattle
How do height limits rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA?
Bellevue and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue caps fences at 4 ft in front yards and 6 ft in side and rear yards under LUC 20.20.400. Corner visibility triangles limit height to 3 ft. Fences over 6 ft need a permit.
View full Bellevue 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 | Bellevue | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | 4 feet max | Max 4 ft in required setbacks |
| Side/Rear | 6 feet max | - |
| Sight Triangle | 3 feet within 15 ft | - |
| Code | LUC 20.20.400 | SMC 23.44.014 |
| Side/Rear (Solid) | - | Max 6 ft without permit |
| Total Max Height | - | 8 ft (above 6 ft must be 50%+ open) |
| Wall + Fence | - | Combined max 9.5 ft |
| Permit | - | Not required if ≤ 8 ft (no masonry over 6 ft) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Bellevue?
4 feet in the front yard and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit.
Are corner lots treated differently?
Yes. Fences within 15 feet of a street intersection are capped at 3 feet for visibility under LUC 20.20.400.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Bellevue 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