3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in King County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Security cameras are legal on private property in King County. Washington is a strict two-party (all-party) consent state for audio recording under RCW 9.73.030. Video-only surveillance of public areas is generally permitted. Cameras with audio recording require consent of all parties being recorded. Cameras must not record areas with a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Washington is a strict two-party (all-party) consent state under RCW 9.73.030. Recording any private conversation β in person, by phone, or electronically β without the consent of all parties is a gross misdemeanor. Victims can also sue for civil damages including $100/day or $1,000 minimum plus attorney's fees.
In unincorporated King County, fences generally do not require a building permit unless they exceed certain height thresholds. The King County zoning code (KCC Title 21A) regulates fence height by zone. Standard residential zones allow 6-foot side/rear fences and 4-foot front yard fences. Critical area buffers may restrict fencing.
1 cities in King County have their own privacy & surveillance rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for King County β parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
King County Ordinance Hub β