Kirkland, WA Privacy & Surveillance: Privacy Screening (2026)

King County's building code, based on the International Residential Code as adopted in Washington State, generally exempts fences from building permits when they are under 7 feet in height. However, King County zoning regulations (KCC Title 21A) impose height limits that are more restrictive than the building code exemption. Standard residential zones allow solid privacy fences up to 6 feet in side and rear yards, and fences up to 4 feet in front yards. Height is measured from the finished grade on the higher side. Retaining walls over 4 feet require a building permit with engineering calculations. Combined retaining wall and fence structures may have different total height allowances. In agricultural zones (A-10, A-35), fencing for livestock may have different standards. King County's Critical Areas Ordinance (KCC 21A.24) may affect fencing in environmentally sensitive areas — fences within wetland or stream buffers must not impede wildlife movement, and some areas may require wildlife-permeable fencing. In rural residential zones, electric fencing for livestock is common and subject to county standards. Privacy fencing materials common in King County include western red cedar (abundant and naturally rot-resistant in the Pacific Northwest), pressure-treated wood, vinyl, and chain-link with privacy slats. The region's heavy rainfall means drainage considerations are important — solid fences should not create ponding or redirect stormwater onto neighboring properties.