📋 Key Rule
King County is among the higher-cost permit jurisdictions in the US. Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond each have their own rules. Unincorporated King County also requires permits for fences over 6 ft. Washington has a partition fence statute (RCW 16.60) governing boundary fence cost-sharing.
Permit Thresholds
| Situation | Permit Required? | Typical Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Backyard fence under 6 ft | Generally not required | — |
| Fence 6 ft and over | Required | $100–$180 |
| Front yard fence over 4 ft | Required | $100–$180 |
| Any fence in FEMA flood zone | Required + floodplain review | $100–$180 + review |
How to Apply
- Confirm your jurisdiction — Use your county parcel search to verify whether city, county, or township rules apply to your address.
- Gather documents — Application form, site plan showing fence location and setbacks from property lines, property survey or plat map, HOA approval letter (if applicable).
- Submit and pay — King County DPER: (206) 296-6600. Fee: $100–$180 for most standard residential fences.
- Build and inspect — Post permit at job site. Build to approved plans. Schedule final inspection when complete.
Setback Rules
Most King County, WA residential zones allow fences at the rear and side property lines (0 ft setback). Front yard fences must sit behind the right-of-way line — not at the curb. Corner lots face sight triangle restrictions. Use our Setback Calculator for estimates by zone type, or call your local building department to confirm your specific parcel’s rules.
HOA Rules in Seattle
The Seattle metro has significant HOA coverage. HOA approval and a building permit are separate requirements — get written HOA approval first, then apply for the permit. See our HOA Rules guides for homeowner protections in Washington.
Free: Fence Permit Application Checklist
Every document and step for your application — printable and fillable.
⬇ Download Free PDFFrequently Asked Questions
Standard residential fence permits typically take 3–10 business days. Flood zone or variance applications take 3–6 weeks. Submit your application before ordering materials or scheduling your contractor.
Yes, if both apply. They are completely separate processes. Get written HOA approval first, then apply for the building permit. One does not substitute for the other.