Federal Way, WA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Razor wire
- Prohibited citywide, no exceptions
- Barbed wire
- Only atop 6-ft fence or between farms
- Electrified fence default
- Not permitted unless specifically allowed
- Electrified fence max voltage
- 12 volts DC
- Electrified fence max height
- 10 feet
- Warning sign spacing
- 36 sq in sign every 15 feet
Summary
Federal Way bans razor wire fencing outright, allows barbed wire only atop a six-foot fence or wall or between two agricultural properties, and forbids electrified fences except in specific zones and use types under FWRC 19.125.120 through 19.125.140.
19.125.120 Barbed wire. Barbed wire is permitted only atop a fence or a wall at least six feet in height or between two agricultural uses. 19.125.130 Electrified fences. Electrified fences are not permitted, except as specifically permitted by this chapter. All electric fences shall be posted with permanent signs, which are a minimum of 36 square inches in area, at intervals of 15 feet along the fence stating that the fence is electrified. 19.125.140 Razor wire fences prohibited. Razor wire fences are prohibited in the city.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-1049, passed August 11, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Three back-to-back sections of the fence chapter set Federal Way's material rules. 120 limits barbed wire to two situations: strung atop a fence or wall that is already at least six feet tall, or used between two agricultural properties. 130 flatly states electrified fences are not permitted except as specifically allowed elsewhere in the chapter, and any electrified fence that is allowed must use equipment listed or labeled by a qualified testing agency, installed to manufacturer specifications, and posted with permanent warning signs at least 36 square inches in area every 15 feet along the fence.
Electrified fences containing large domestic animals between agricultural properties may sit anywhere on the lot, including on the property line, but in the commercial enterprise (CE) zone electrified fencing is limited to specific uses like manufacturing, warehousing, truck stops, hazardous waste facilities, and vehicle storage lots, plus government facilities in any zone. Where an electrified fence is otherwise allowed, it must sit at least six inches inside another six-foot fence or wall if within 20 feet of a property line, stand no taller than 10 feet, run on no more than 12 volts DC, and provide safe access for emergency responders.
140 closes the chapter with a flat ban: razor wire fences are prohibited in the city, with no exceptions listed for any zone or use.
Violations & Fines
Installing a noncompliant barbed wire, electrified, or razor wire fence is a code violation enforceable as a civil infraction under Chapter 1.15 FWRC. FWRC 1.15.110 sets the default penalty at $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second violation of the same nature, and $300 for a third or continuing violation, and the city can require removal or retrofit of the noncompliant fence in addition to the fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is razor wire legal on a Federal Way fence?
Can I put barbed wire on top of my fence?
Are electric fences allowed around my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
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Material Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle material restrictions.