Issaquah, WA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Section 18.700.160 of the Issaquah Land Use Code sets front yard and fence standards for the Single-Family – Duplex zone. Its stated intent is a clearly defined, welcoming and safe entry for pedestrians from the street to the house, front yards that foster social interaction among neighbors, and natural elements and plants integrated into site design. Figure 18.700.160(A)(5) shows fence examples.

The fence rule is in subsection B(2). Front yards can include fences that meet three criteria. First, a low fence, no taller than four feet, can be located in the front yard. Second, the prominent entry of the dwelling must remain visible from the street if fencing is used. Third, privacy fences can be placed in front of or near the portions of the street-facing façade that are recessed, as long as a portion of the building and the entire front entry feature is not blocked by the privacy fence. The same section limits front yards to no more than 50 percent impervious surface unless the area is designed as a space for people, and in no case more than 70 percent.

Commercial and multifamily developments follow a separate section, LUC 18.600.090. Under subsection D(2), fences adjacent to pedestrian facilities and community spaces must be four feet or less in height and partially view-obscuring. Fences screening utilities, service, loading or waste must be the same height as the equipment being screened but not exceed eight feet. Under D(3), fences used to screen waste collection areas must be full height, six to eight feet tall, with articulation, artwork or landscape plantings added to soften the visual effect. Under D(4), a hedge or impenetrable landscape can be substituted for fencing, and height restrictions do not apply to it. Site walls next to pedestrian areas such as walkways, sidewalks and trails cannot be taller than four feet under C(1)(a), with terraced options of up to 10 feet when taller walls are required.