Vancouver prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electrically charged fences as accessories to residential uses. In commercial and industrial zones these materials are only permitted as the top portion of a security fence, limited to 2 feet of wire angled inward atop a 6-foot fence.
VMC Ch. 20.912, specifically § 20.912.060 (Prohibited Fences and Fencing Material), bars barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences in residential settings. Commercial and industrial properties may use up to 2 ft of barbed or razor wire angled toward the enclosure atop a 6-ft security fence. Chain link and wrought iron are cited examples of acceptable open materials. Fences exceeding 6 ft require a building permit under VMC § 20.912.030. All barbed/razor wire is fully prohibited in the City Center (CX) District. Enforcement falls under VMC Title 22 (Code Compliance).
Violations enforced under VMC Title 22. City may issue correction notices, impose civil monetary penalties, issue stop-work orders, or refer cases to the city prosecutor for criminal prosecution.
Vancouver, WA
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Vancouver, WA
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Vancouver, WA
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Vancouver, WA
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Vancouver, WA
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Vancouver, WA
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See how Vancouver's material restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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