Height Limits: Kent vs Seattle
How do height limits rules compare between Kent, WA and Seattle, WA?
Kent and Seattle 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 →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 | Kent | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | 4 feet maximum | Max 4 ft in required setbacks |
| Side and Rear | 6 feet maximum | - |
| Over 6 Feet | Permit required | - |
| Clear Sight Corner | 30 inches within 10 ft | - |
| 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) |
| Wall + Fence | - | Combined max 9.5 ft |
| Permit | - | Not required if ≤ 8 ft (no masonry over 6 ft) |
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.
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.
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