Kennewick, WA Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)

Kennewick's KMC Chapter 18.27 sets fence height, location, and post requirements but does not resolve private disputes between neighbors - those are governed by Washington State law. RCW Chapter 16.60 (the historical 'lawful fence' and partition-fence chapter) addresses livestock-fence cost-sharing and lawful-fence definitions, which retain significance in agricultural and rural-residential settings on Kennewick's southern edges. Washington courts recognize a common-law cause of action for 'spite fences' - structures erected primarily to annoy a neighbor with no legitimate purpose - as a private nuisance under RCW 7.48, and the injured owner may sue for damages and an injunction. The plaintiff must show malicious purpose (not screening, privacy, or wind block) and lack of legitimate utility. The 'good side out' convention (finished side facing the neighbor) is a Kennewick zoning/handout requirement, not a state statute. Boundary encroachment - even by inches - can trigger an adverse-possession claim under RCW 7.28.050 (10-year adverse possession period in Washington) or RCW 7.28.070 (7 years with color of title and payment of taxes), so a current survey is critical before installing. Disputes between neighbors are most efficiently resolved by recorded boundary-line adjustment, written easement, or small-claims/superior-court litigation in Benton County Superior Court.