Fence permits in Kirkland: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a fence permit in Kirkland, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Kirkland Planning and Building Department.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to Kirkland's source.
When does a fence need a permit in Kirkland?
A building permit is required for any fence over 6 feet in height; fences 6 feet and under are exempt. Height is also limited in front-yard setbacks and sight-distance triangles per KZC 115.40. KMC 21.06.215(1)(B) exempts "Fences not over six feet high." None of this is exempt in a flood hazard area, a critical area or its buffer, or where the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code applies. KMC 21.06.215: "Permit exemptions shall not apply to areas of flood hazard or city land use critical areas and their required buffers, or locations subject to the construction requirements of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code."
From Kirkland's own code
“1. General. a. Fences not over six feet in height may be anywhere on the subject property except: 1) A fence may not be within 15 feet of any street curb, or the edge of the street pavement, if no curb exists; or 2) If the applicant can show with a survey, or other reasonable means, the location of his/her property line, the fence can be placed on the property line regardless of the distance from a street curb or the edge of the pavement. 3) A fence may not violate the provisions of KZC 115.135.”Source ↗verified 2026-09-06
Required submittals
- Site plan w/ heights and setbacks (if permit required)
Inspection sequence
- Final (if permit required)
Contractor specialties needed
General contractor
Who can do this work in Kirkland?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Kirkland and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the fence permit with Kirkland Planning and Building Department, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Kirkland fence quote.
Notes & caveats
Sight-distance triangle requirements at intersections + driveways (city zoning code). Setback requirements vary by zone.
Fence permit fee estimate in Kirkland
Worked example for a $6,000 fence project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $207.48 |
| Plan review | $134.86 |
| Technology surcharge | $11.98 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.50 |
| Estimated total | $360.82 |
Where a fence needs a building permit in Kirkland, it is priced on the value of the work: $113 for the first $2,000 plus $23.62 for each $1,000 more up to $25,000, with plan review at 65% of that fee where plans are reviewed and the $6.50 state building code fee. A 3.5% technology fee is added to the City's permit and plan review fees (Kirkland Building Services Fees, 2026). Apply via mybuildingpermit.com. Computed from Kirkland's adopted fee schedule · source ↗. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your fence in Kirkland — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline, critical-area or historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the document under Required submittals above.
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Kirkland Planning and Building Department ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (about $361 for a $6,000 project) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files with Kirkland Planning and Building Department, handles reviewer comments, and builds the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Fence permits in Kirkland — FAQ
When does a fence need a permit in Kirkland?
A building permit is required for any fence over 6 feet in height; fences 6 feet and under are exempt. Height is also limited in front-yard setbacks and sight-distance triangles per KZC 115.40. KMC 21.06.215(1)(B) exempts "Fences not over six feet high." None of this is exempt in a flood hazard area, a critical area or its buffer, or where the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code applies. KMC 21.06.215: "Permit exemptions shall not apply to areas of flood hazard or city land use critical areas and their required buffers, or locations subject to the construction requirements of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code."
How much does a fence permit cost in Kirkland?
For a $6,000 fence project, the estimated Kirkland permit fee is about $360.82 (building fee $207.48 + plan review $134.86 + surcharges) from Kirkland's adopted fee schedule. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.