Eastern unincorporated King County (Skykomish, Snoqualmie, foothills) is mapped by WA DNR as moderate to high wildfire hazard. The Wildland Urban Interface code requires ignition-resistant materials and defensible space.
King County has adopted the 2021 International Wildland Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) via KCC Title 17 and the Washington State Building Code. The Washington Department of Natural Resources (WA DNR) maps wildfire hazard zones, with the eastern foothills, Snoqualmie River valley, Skykomish Valley, Vashon Island wildland areas, and the upper Cascades portions of unincorporated King County classified as moderate to high hazard. New construction and major remodels in designated WUI areas must use ignition-resistant exterior materials (Class A roofing, noncombustible or ignition-resistant siding, enclosed eaves, and ember-resistant vents meeting ASTM E2886). Defensible space is required: Zone 1 (0 to 5 feet) should be noncombustible; Zone 2 (5 to 30 feet) should be lean, clean, and green with reduced fuel loads; and Zone 3 (30 to 100 feet) should have thinned timber and removed ladder fuels. Burn bans are issued seasonally by Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and King County Fire Marshal (206-296-6533). Eastside Fire and Rescue, Mountain View Fire, Vashon Island Fire and Rescue, and other districts enforce local standards.
Non-compliant WUI construction: permit denial. Inadequate defensible space: correction order from fire marshal. Burning during ban: infraction and escalating fines.
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, fences 6 feet or less in height may be built on or within property lines without a building permit. Fences over 6 feet require...
King County, WA
Unincorporated King County's marine shoreline along Puget Sound and Vashon-Maury Island is regulated under the Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58), the King...
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, an above-ground pool that can hold water more than 24 inches deep is regulated as a swimming pool under the Washington State R...
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, a one-story detached storage shed of 200 square feet or less, accessory to a residential or agricultural use, is exempt from a...
King County, WA
Unincorporated King County requires private swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least five feet high under K.C.C. 16.70.020, with self-closing/self...
King County, WA
King County Ordinance 18467 (2017) limits county cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and Washington's Keep Washington Working Act (RCW 10.93.16...
See how King County's wildfire zones rules stack up against other locations.
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