Snohomish County, WA Fence Regulations: Neighbor Fence Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Boundary fence height (no setback)
- 6 feet or less
- Corner-lot obstruction limit
- 42 inches
- Sight-triangle measurement
- 15 feet each front lot line
- Cost/ownership rules
- Not set by county code
- Code sections
- SCC 30.28.040, 30.23.100
Summary
Snohomish County Code does not assign shared-fence cost or ownership between neighbors, but it does limit what can sit near a property line: fences over six feet must meet the building setback, and corner-lot fences must stay under 42 inches inside the sight-clearance triangle.
For safety purposes, all owners of corner lots shall maintain a sight clearance triangle in accordance with SCC Figure 30.23.100(1). The sight clearance triangle is formed by measuring 15 feet along the two front lot lines from their point of intersection (point A) and connecting the two endpoints (line B - C). Within the area comprising the triangle, no tree, fence, shrub, sign, or other physical obstruction higher than 42 inches above the established road network element grade shall be permitted.Figure 30.23.100(1). Corner Lot Sight Clearance Triangle [IMAGE: <30.23.100_001.png>] (Added by Amended Ord. 02-064, Dec. 9, 2002, Eff date Feb. 1, 2003; Amended by Amended Ord. 08-101, Jan. 21, 2009, Eff date Apr. 21, 2009; Amended by Amended Ord. 12-049, Oct. 3, 2012, Eff date Jan. 1, 2013).
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through legislation passed August 12, 2026).
Full Breakdown
The county regulates fence placement, not neighbor cost-sharing. Under SCC 30.28.040, a fence six feet or less may be built without a setback in any required yard, so a boundary fence is generally allowed; a site-obscuring fence over six feet must meet the required building setback. On corner lots, SCC 30.23.100 requires a sight-clearance triangle formed 15 feet along each front lot line where no fence, tree, shrub, sign, or obstruction over 42 inches is allowed. Disputes over ownership, cost, or a boundary line are civil matters under Washington common law, not county code.
Violations & Fines
Obstructing a corner sight-clearance triangle or exceeding placement standards is a code-enforcement matter; boundary and cost disputes between neighbors are resolved privately or in civil court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the county decide who pays for a shared fence?
Can I put a fence right on the property line?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Snohomish County
Compare Snohomish County to another location·View the Washington fence regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.