Everett, WA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Barbed/razor wire
- Banned in residential zones
- Street-fronting fences
- No wire, chain link or sheet metal
- Chain link
- Banned in MU, UR7, historic zones
- Electric fences
- AG zone livestock use only
Summary
Everett bans barbed wire, razor wire and similar materials on residential fences (except around utility, communications or government security facilities) and bars chain link and wire fencing on street-facing lot lines, in MU/UR7 zones, and in historic overlays.
A. Barbed wire, razor wire and other such materials are not permitted in any residential zone except for security facilities around utility or communications facilities, or government facilities. In commercial and industrial zones, these fencing materials are permitted only atop a fence or wall at least six feet in height... B. Wire, excluding chain link, corrugated, nondecorative sheet metal, or other similar type fencing is prohibited along a street fronting lot line in all zones. C. Chain link fences are prohibited in the MU zones and UR7 zone, and in the historic overlays.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4194-26, passed July 29, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Everett splits fence-material rules by zone and location. Barbed wire and razor wire are barred outright in residential zones, with an exception only for security fencing around utility, communications or government facilities; in commercial and industrial zones they're allowed only atop a wall or fence at least six feet tall, and never within 10 feet of a residentially zoned property. Wire, chain link, corrugated and nondecorative sheet metal fencing can't run along any street-fronting lot line, in any zone. Chain link is banned entirely in the MU and UR7 zones and in historic overlays. Electric fencing is limited to the AG zone for livestock control, and can't border a right-of-way or serve as a lot-line fence.
Violations & Fines
Installing prohibited fencing material, barbed wire in a residential zone, chain link along a street frontage, or an unpermitted electric fence, is a zoning violation under EMC 19.41.020, enforced via Chapter 1.20 EMC with removal orders and civil penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put barbed wire on my fence in an Everett residential zone?
Is chain link allowed on an Everett front fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Everett
Compare Everett to another location·View the Washington fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Material Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle material restrictions.