Kirkland, WA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)

KZC 115.40 bans two specific fence materials outright, with narrow carve-outs. Barbed wire is permitted only atop a fence or wall that is itself at least six feet tall, under subsection (2); a stand-alone barbed wire fence, or barbed wire on anything shorter, isn't allowed anywhere in the city.

Electrified fences are prohibited across Kirkland except to contain large domestic animals, per subsection (3), which cross-references KZC 115.20(2)(c) for what qualifies. Where an electric fence is allowed, the code layers on safety requirements: every electric fence and its appliances, equipment, and connected materials must be listed or labeled by a qualified testing agency, installed to the manufacturer's specifications, and compliant with the current National Electrical Code. If the electrified fence runs along a property line next to a wood fence, it has to sit at least 18 inches inside that wood fence, keeping the live wire off the boundary itself. The code also requires warning signage: permanent signs at least 36 square inches must be posted along the fence at intervals of no more than 15 feet, each stating that the fence is electrified, so neighbors and passersby are put on notice before they touch it.

These material restrictions sit inside the same section, KZC 115.40, that sets Kirkland's general fence height limits, so a fence has to clear both the height rule and the material rule to be lawful.