Bellevue prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fencing in residential zones; chain link is allowed but discouraged in front yards by design guidelines.
Bellevue Land Use Code restricts certain fencing materials in residential zones. Barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fencing are prohibited in all residential districts under LUC 20.20.075. Chain link fencing is permitted but Bellevue design guidelines discourage its use in front yards and along street frontages in favor of wood, masonry, or ornamental metal. In commercial and industrial zones, chain link with privacy slats is common but must be set back from public rights-of-way. Temporary construction fencing using chain link or plastic mesh is allowed during active permitted construction but must be removed upon project completion. Residential fences in Shoreline Overlay districts face additional material and transparency requirements under LUC 20.25E to protect views and habitat. Fences within critical area buffers may not use treated lumber that could leach chemicals into wetlands or streams.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Bellevue, WA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle material restrictions.
See how Bellevue's material restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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