Washington has no shared fence cost statute. Spokane property owners are not legally required to split fence costs with neighbors. RCW 7.28 covers boundary disputes; most neighbor issues are civil matters.
Unlike California's Civil Code 841, Washington does not impose a statutory obligation for adjoining owners to share fence costs. Each property owner is responsible for fencing on their own property. Neighbors can voluntarily agree to share costs and maintenance, and a written agreement recorded at the County Auditor is recommended. Boundary disputes are handled under RCW 7.28 (quiet title), typically requiring a survey. Encroachment onto a neighbor's property by even a few inches can become a civil claim. Spokane does not mediate private fence disputes. Spite fences (fences built purely to annoy) can be challenged under common law nuisance doctrine.
Not applicable at city level. Civil remedies via Spokane County Superior Court for boundary or nuisance claims.
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