Fence Regulations in King County, WA (2026)

4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 7 cities in King County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of King County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Height Limits

In unincorporated King County, fences over 6 feet tall must meet the zone's street and interior setback lines, not just sit on the property line.

King County Fence Height Rules

Some Restrictions

King County Code § 21A.14.220

21A.14.220 Fences. Fences are permitted as follows: A. Fences exceeding a height of six feet shall comply with the applicable street and interior setbacks of the zone in which the property is located... D. Except as specifically required for the necessary security related to a nonresidential use, no barbed or razor-wire fence shall be located in any R-4 through R-48 zone.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Fence Permit Requirements

Unincorporated King County exempts fences up to 6 feet tall from a building permit under King County Code § 16.02.240, the county's local substitute for Section 105.2 of the International Building Code. Taller fences, and several other structures, fall outside that exemption and need a standard building permit before work starts.

King County Fence Permit Exemption Rule

Light Restrictions

King County Code § 16.02.240

16.02.240 Permits - Work exempt from permit. Section 105.2 of the International Building Code is not adopted and the following is substituted: Work exempt from permit (IBC 105.2). A building permit shall not be required for the following: Building: ... 3. Fences not over 6 feet (1.8 m) high. 4. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1.2 m) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Retaining Walls

Unincorporated King County requires a building permit for any retaining wall over 4 feet tall, or any wall of any height that holds back a surcharge or stores hazardous liquids.

King County Retaining Wall Permit Rule

Some Restrictions

King County Code § 16.02.240

Work exempt from permit (IBC 105.2). A building permit shall not be required for the following: ... 4. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1.2 m) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Material Restrictions

Unincorporated King County bans barbed and razor-wire fences in R-4 through R-48 zones and tightly regulates electric fences with voltage caps and required warning signs.

King County Barbed Wire & Electric Fence Rules

Some Restrictions

King County Code § 21A.14.220

C. Electric fences shall: 1. Be permitted in all zones, provided that when placed within R-4 through R-48 zones, additional fencing or other barriers shall be constructed to prevent inadvertent contact with the electric fence from abutting property; 2. Comply with the following requirements: a. An electric fence using an interrupted flow of current at intervals of about one secon...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗