Federal Way allows fences up to 6 feet in residential side and rear yards and up to 4 feet in front yards under FWRC 19.125.160. Corner lot sight-triangle rules apply. Taller fences require permit review.
Federal Way Revised Code 19.125.160 (or equivalent fence section in Title 19 zoning) sets fence standards for residential zones. In rear and interior side yards, fences may reach 6 feet in height without a permit. In front yards (between the street and the primary building setback), fences are limited to 4 feet and typically must be at least 50 percent open (picket or ornamental) if taller than 3 feet. On corner lots and near driveways, fences taller than 3 feet cannot be placed within the sight-distance triangle at intersections (typically a 30-foot triangle from the curb corner) to preserve visibility. Fences taller than 6 feet require a building permit and must comply with IBC structural requirements. Nonresidential zones permit taller fences (commonly 8 feet) with permit review. Pool barriers are a separate category requiring 4-foot minimum height with self-closing gates. Shorelines under the Federal Way Shoreline Master Program (Hylebos, Steel Lake, Mirror Lake, North Lake) have additional review.
Over-height fences are zoning violations. Code Compliance can order modification or removal. Fines start at $100 per day after cure period.
Federal Way, WA
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Federal Way, WA
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Federal Way, WA
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Federal Way, WA
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