Shoreline Fence Contractor
Shoreline was built out largely in the 1950s and 60s, and many of its fences date from the second or third round of replacements on those lots. Ramblers in Ridgecrest, Echo Lake and Parkwood sit on level ground; in Richmond Beach and along the bluffs above Puget Sound, lots drop sharply toward the water.
We replace worn-out wood fences, build new privacy fences and front-yard fences, and repair storm damage across Shoreline — with a code that, since 2025, is one of the simpler ones in the area to plan around.
Schedule your no-obligation on-site consultation today.
Shoreline Lots and Neighborhoods
Mid-century blocks
Ridgecrest, Echo Lake, Parkwood, Meridian Park and Ballinger: rectangular lots, detached garages and back fences shared with three or four neighbors.
Richmond Beach and the bluffs
Slopes above the Sound bring landslide-hazard critical areas, where a fence needs a permit and the line has to respect the slope.
New housing near the light rail
Around the new light rail stations, townhomes and cottage housing are replacing single houses, bringing short, shared fence runs.
Shoreline Fence Rules in Brief
Property-line fences: 6 feet
In neighborhood residential zones, fences along a property line may be up to 6 feet, subject to sight-clearance rules.
Front yard: 3½ feet recommended
Between the front building setback line and the front property line, the code recommends — rather than requires — fences no taller than 3 feet 6 inches. Some older summaries still describe it as mandatory.
Walls and sight clearance
On a retaining wall, the fence is measured from the finished grade at the top of the wall, up to 6 feet. Street and driveway sight areas must be kept clear between 30 inches and 8 feet.
Permits and banned fences
No permit unless the fence is over 7 feet or in an environmentally critical area; over 6 feet, it must meet yard setbacks. Electric, razor wire and barbed wire fences are prohibited. More in fence height rules by city.
Fence Ideas for Shoreline Homes
Cedar that lasts longer
Replacing a fence that failed at the posts? Steel or ground-contact posts under new cedar boards address the cause. See how long cedar lasts.
Friendly front fences
Picket or low horizontal fences at about 3½ feet that follow the city’s recommendation and keep sight lines at driveways open.
Open fences on view lots
Aluminum along bluff edges keeps the view and lets wind through.
Shoreline Jobs
Back fences shared by several yards
Replacing a line that borders more than one neighbor, section by section as each agrees. See fence replacement.
Garage and side gates
Wide gates to detached garages and side yards, rebuilt on steel frames. See gate repair.
Refinishing sound fences
Cleaning and staining fences with good posts. See staining and sealing.
Shoreline Fence Questions
Is a 6-foot front-yard fence allowed in Shoreline?
In neighborhood residential zones the code recommends 3½ feet in the front yard rather than requiring it, and sight clearance rules still apply at streets and driveways. Check with the city before building a tall fence in front.
Do I need a permit for a fence in Shoreline?
Not unless it is over 7 feet or in an environmentally critical area, according to the city’s fence handout.
Can I put barbed wire on my fence?
No. Shoreline prohibits electric, razor wire and barbed wire fences.
My lot is on a slope near Richmond Beach. What changes?
If it is in a landslide-hazard critical area, a fence needs a permit, and the design has to work with the slope.
Sources
- Shoreline Municipal Code — SMC 20.50.110, fences and walls City of Shoreline
- Residential fences handout City of Shoreline
Links and figures last checked against these sources: . Codes change — confirm the current rule with the city before you build.