Island County, WA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Section 17.06.540.F.1.a restricts walls and fences in Freeland to masonry (brick or stone), ornamental metal, or wood, or a combination of the three, and expressly bars chain link, plastic, wire fencing, and eco-blocks. Subsection F.1.e prohibits any wall or fence within the corner visibility triangle illustrated in Figure 17.06.520.E.6, the same figure that caps vegetation and other obstructions in that triangle at 24 inches so drivers can see cross traffic. Subsection F.1.f then sets the numeric front-yard cap: no wall or fence within the required front yard setback may exceed four feet in height, shown in Figure 17.06.540.F.1.f.

Masonry screening walls must be finished equally on both sides (F.1.b), and any gate installed in a required screening wall or fence must match its height and screening characteristics (F.1.d). Where a fence meets a wall of a different height, Section 17.06.540.F.2.d requires the height to transition gradually over a distance of no less than 20 feet rather than stepping abruptly. Screening walls longer than 24 feet must break up their length with staggered centerlines, pilasters, varying heights, exterior plantings, or berms under F.2.e.