Height Limits: Federal Way vs Kirkland
How do height limits rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Kirkland, WA?
Federal Way and Kirkland have similar restriction levels.
Federal Way, WA
King County
Federal Way allows fences up to 6 feet in residential side and rear yards and up to 4 feet in front yards under FWRC 19.125.160. Corner lot sight-triangle rules apply. Taller fences require permit review.
View full Federal Way rules →Kirkland, WA
King County
Under KZC 115.40, Kirkland fences may be up to 6 feet except within 15 feet of a street curb. Properties on a neighborhood access or collector street are capped at 3.5 feet in the front yard.
View full Kirkland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Kirkland |
|---|---|---|
| Rear/Side Yard Max | 6 feet | - |
| Front Yard Max | 4 feet | - |
| Sight Triangle | 3 ft at corners | - |
| Permit Above | 6 feet | - |
| General Max | - | 6 feet |
| Front Yard Arterial | - | 3.5 feet |
| Street Curb Zone | - | 15 ft limit |
| Code | - | KZC 115.40 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Federal Way FAQ
How tall can my Federal Way backyard fence be?
Up to 6 feet in rear and side yards without a permit. Taller fences require a building permit under FWRC 19.125.160.
Can I put a solid 6-foot fence in my front yard in Federal Way?
No. Front yard fences are limited to 4 feet. Fences taller than 3 feet in front yards must be at least 50 percent open (picket style).
Kirkland FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Kirkland?
6 feet in most locations. Lots on neighborhood access or collector streets are limited to 3.5 feet in the front yard, and fences cannot exceed 3.5 feet within 15 feet of a street curb.
Does the 6-foot rule include a retaining wall underneath?
If the retaining wall and fence are within 5 feet of each other in a required yard, their combined height cannot exceed 6 feet under KZC 115.40.
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