Height Limits: Kent vs Kirkland
How do height limits rules compare between Kent, WA and Kirkland, WA?
Kent and Kirkland have similar restriction levels.
Kent, WA
King County
Kent limits front yard fences to 4 feet and side and rear yard fences to 6 feet under KCC 15.08. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit and structural review.
View full Kent 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 | Kent | Kirkland |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | 4 feet maximum | - |
| Side and Rear | 6 feet maximum | - |
| Over 6 Feet | Permit required | - |
| Clear Sight Corner | 30 inches within 10 ft | - |
| 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.
Kent FAQ
How tall can my fence be in Kent?
4 feet in the front yard and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Anything over 6 feet requires a building permit under KCC 15.08.
Are barbed wire fences legal in Kent?
Only in industrial and agricultural zones. Residential barbed wire or electric fences are prohibited under KCC 15.08.
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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