Neighbor Fence Rules: Federal Way vs Redmond
How do neighbor fence rules rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Redmond, WA?
Federal Way and Redmond have similar restriction levels.
Federal Way, WA
King County
Federal Way does not mandate shared cost for boundary fences. Owners build on their own side of the line. Washington RCW 7.28 governs boundary disputes. Spite fences may be actionable under common law.
View full Federal Way rules →Redmond, WA
King County
Redmond has no city ordinance mandating cost-sharing between neighbors for boundary fences. Washington RCW 16.60 addresses spite fences and agricultural boundary fencing, otherwise civil disputes.
View full Redmond rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Redmond |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Sharing | Not required by code | - |
| Property Line Fence | Joint ownership | - |
| Adverse Possession | 10 years (RCW 7.28) | - |
| Spite Fence | Common law remedy | Actionable in court |
| Cost-Sharing Mandate | - | None (civil) |
| Survey | - | Strongly recommended |
| Code | - | RCW 16.60 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Federal Way FAQ
Does my Federal Way neighbor have to pay half the fence cost?
No. Washington does not require cost sharing. If you want them to contribute, get a written agreement before building.
What if my Federal Way neighbor fence is on my property?
Hire a licensed surveyor to confirm the boundary. If the fence encroaches, you can request removal through civil action, though adverse possession may apply if it has been there 10+ years.
Redmond FAQ
Does my neighbor have to help pay for our shared fence?
Not under Redmond or Washington law unless you have a written agreement. Cost-sharing is a civil matter between neighbors.
Can I sue over a spite fence?
Yes. Washington courts recognize spite-fence claims where a fence is built primarily to annoy a neighbor with no legitimate purpose.
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