Height Limits: Kirkland vs Seattle
How do height limits rules compare between Kirkland, WA and Seattle, WA?
Kirkland and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Kirkland | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| General Max | 6 feet | - |
| Front Yard Arterial | 3.5 feet | - |
| Street Curb Zone | 15 ft limit | - |
| Code | KZC 115.40 | 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 |
| Wall + Fence | - | Combined max 9.5 ft |
| Permit | - | Not required if ≤ 8 ft (no masonry over 6 ft) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
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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