Bothell, WA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

BMC 12.14.150(C) through (E) controls the three wire-type fence materials the City of Bothell names, and each has its own condition.

Electric fences are permitted only within the residential zone classifications and only for the raising and keeping of animals for agricultural purposes or pasturing. A decorative or security electric fence on a commercial lot, or on a residential lot with no animals kept or pastured, does not fit the permitted use. Where an electric fence is allowed it must carry permanent signs of at least two square feet in area, posted at 50-foot intervals, stating that the fence is electrified. It must also sit no closer than six feet to any fire hydrant, which is double the three-foot clearance that applies to every ordinary fence under BMC 12.14.150(A)(6).

Barbed wire fencing is permitted in association with animal husbandry or pasturing, and for security purposes to protect sensitive locations or facilities as identified by the chief of police. The Bothell Police Department chief therefore decides which sites qualify for the security use.

Razor wire fencing is prohibited. The single carve-out is that military or police services can install razor wire to protect sensitive locations or facilities as identified by the chief of police. A private owner, business, or contractor has no equivalent route.

These material rules sit alongside the height and placement rules of the same section: a fence over a nominal six feet must meet the front, side, and rear yard setbacks, and all fences must meet the sight distance requirements of the Bothell Standards.