Understanding local laws and regulations is essential when erecting a fence in Washington State. Making sure your fence conforms with Washington State standards is essential, whether you're a business protecting your facilities or a household securing your land. An outline of the main fencing regulations in Washington is given in this article, along with some advice to assist you organize the installation of your fence.
For reliable installations that comply with local laws, trust our commercial fence company to secure your property with expertise and quality materials.
Before installing a fence, one of the first steps is identifying property boundaries. According to Washington State law, fences should generally be placed within the boundary of your property. Installing a fence on your neighbor's land, even by a small margin, could lead to disputes and potential legal issues.
To avoid problems, it is suggested to get a professional survey done, especially if you’re not sure about your property lines. Inline security fence can help with installing fences within accurate boundary lines, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
Washington State has regulations regarding fence heights to ensure that they do not obstruct views or create safety hazards:
Residential Areas: The typical height limit is usually about 4 feet for residential zones in front yards, while the backyards' fences can be as high as 6 feet. However, there are certain rules that probably apply depending on the local zoning regulations in a specific city or county.
Commercial and Industrial Properties: Commercial properties usually have more flexibility with fence height. Businesses often allocate taller fences, focusing mainly around storage areas, to enhance security. However, these may require permits, depending on the height and location.
A crucial step is to check with your local zoning office or Inline security fence for guidance on height regulations specific to your area.
Whether a permit is necessary or not, it will depend on the location, type, and height of your fence. Generally in Washington:
Fences under 6 feet: In most residential fences under 6 feet in height, a permit is not required. However, it would be wise to verify that with local authorities.
Fences over 6 feet: Because a fence over 6 feet can be considered an erection that would pose a threat in case of a public safety breach, it normally requires a permit often.
Commercial fence: Because of the safety and liability problems, commercial fence often requires permits. There is a need to obtain permits especially if electric fencing or barbed wire is included in the installation.
Permits give assurance that fences are safe to maintain and minimize hazards both for property owners and the public. Inline Security Fence can be consulted on navigating permit requirements to ensure that your fence meets all law standards.
Washington has laws governing so-called "partition fences," or shared fences between neighbors. If you and your neighbor share a boundary fence, in general, both parties are responsible for its maintenance. Washington law encourages neighbors to talk and divide the costs and responsibilities for repairs or replacement.
Here are some key points about shared fences in Washington:
Cost Sharing: Washington law allows neighbors to split the cost of installing or maintaining a shared fence. This should be agreed upon in writing to avoid disputes.
Notification: If you plan to install a fence along a shared boundary, you should notify your neighbor beforehand. This is especially important if you expect them to share in the costs.
Disputes: In cases where one neighbor is unwilling to contribute, the other can take legal action to recover part of the installation or maintenance costs.
Clear communication and written agreements with neighbors can help you avoid conflicts. For assistance with shared fence issues, Inline Security Fence offers consultation services to ensure smooth installations.
Washington does not impose strict regulations on fence materials, allowing property owners to select options based on personal preferences and budget. Common materials include wood, vinyl, with reasonable chain link fence cost, each offering different advantages
For properties requiring extra security, such as commercial areas, Washington allows the use of barbed wire or electric fences, though with restrictions:
Barbed Wire Fences: These are allowed in commercial and agricultural areas but typically not in residential zones. Local ordinances often restrict barbed wire fences within city limits to prevent injury to the public.
Electric Fences: Electric fences are generally permitted for agricultural purposes, such as containing livestock. However, they may not be permitted in residential or high-traffic areas due to safety concerns.
In some cases, Washington State law has specific rules for certain fence types. For example:
Privacy Fences: Although privacy fences are very common in residential areas, they too have to accommodate some height restrictions. Moreover, if your privacy fence touches someone else's property, it is polite to inform your neighbors about it.
Swimming Pool Fences: Fencing around a swimming pool, required by Washington state, aims to avoid drowning accidents in swimming pools. The height is a minimum of 4 feet and must be self-locking for safety purposes.
Selecting the best fencing firm is crucial to guarantee adherence to Washington State regulations. Inline Security Fence is a reputable supplier in Seattle that offers superior materials and knowledgeable advice. We are the perfect partner for any fencing job because our staff is knowledgeable with Washington's fencing laws. To serve them better but within the lines of the law, we actually work in close cooperation with our clients. To learn more or to make an appointment for free consultation with respect to fencing project in Seattle, Inline Security Fence is your best source.