King County, WA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Barbed/razor wire
- banned in R-4 to R-48
- Electric fence intermittent limit
- 2,000 volts / 17 mA
- Electric fence continuous limit
- 1,500 volts / 7 mA
- Warning signs
- 36 sq in, every 50 feet
Summary
Unincorporated King County bans barbed and razor-wire fences in R-4 through R-48 zones and tightly regulates electric fences with voltage caps and required warning signs.
C. Electric fences shall:
1. Be permitted in all zones, provided that when placed within R-4 through R-48 zones, additional fencing or other barriers shall be constructed to prevent inadvertent contact with the electric fence from abutting property;
2. Comply with the following requirements:
a. An electric fence using an interrupted flow of current at intervals of about one second on and two seconds off shall be limited to 2,000 volts at 17 milliamp;
b. An electric fence using continuous current shall be limited to 1,500 volts at seven milliamp;
c. All electric fences in the R-4 through R-48 zones shall be posted with permanent signs a minimum of 36 square inches in area at 50 foot intervals stating that the fence is electrified; and
d. Electric fences sold as a complete and assembled unit can be installed by an owner if the controlling elements of the installation are certified by an A.N.S.I. approved testing agency; and
D. Except as specifically required for the necessary security related to a nonresidential use, no barbed or razor-wire fence shall be located in any R-4 through R-48 zone. (Ord. 16267 § 32, 2008: Ord. 12987 § 5, 1998: Ord. 11621 § 50, 1994: 10870 § 382, 1993).
21A.14.225 Hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines - equity impact review.
Full Breakdown
King County Code 21A.14.220 bans barbed or razor-wire fencing in R-4 through R-48 residential zones except where needed for security at a nonresidential use. Electric fences are allowed countywide but must use additional barriers in R-4 through R-48 zones to prevent accidental contact, cap voltage at 2,000 volts (intermittent current) or 1,500 volts (continuous current), and carry 36-square-inch warning signs every 50 feet in those zones. This applies only to unincorporated King County -- Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Federal Way, Auburn, Redmond, Kirkland, Sammamish and other cities enforce their own municipal codes.
Violations & Fines
Code compliance enforces through the Department of Local Services; noncompliant fences can be ordered removed or modified, with civil penalties for continued violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put barbed wire on my fence in unincorporated King County?
Are electric fences legal in unincorporated King County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in King County
Compare King County to another location·View the Washington fence regulations overview
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