Kennewick, WA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Kennewick regulates fence height through KMC Chapter 18.27 (Accessory Buildings, Structures and Uses), administered by the Community Planning Department and the Building Division. In residential ('R') districts, fences, hedges, walls, and similar barriers may not exceed: (a) 30 inches above top-of-curb grade within a sight-distance (visibility) triangle at street intersections and driveway approaches; (b) 36 inches above top-of-curb grade in any required front yard; and (c) 6 feet above grade on all other parts of the site. Chain-link fences taller than 6 feet are permitted only around basketball courts, tennis courts, and similar recreational uses, and only if all underlying zoning setbacks are met. All fences exceeding 36 inches in height must be constructed using steel posts or pressure-treated wood posts (KMC 18.27.050). Sight-triangle dimensions for corner lots and driveways follow the city engineering standards and the MUTCD reference standards. Fences taller than the by-right maximums, fences in sight triangles, or fences in front of a required setback line require an administrative variance under KMC Title 18 or a sight-distance waiver from the City Engineer. Pool barriers are subject to a separate, stricter standard under the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as adopted by the Washington State Building Code Council in WAC 51-50 (see swimming-pools/fencing-requirements).