12.14.150 Fences and freestanding walls.
Fences and freestanding walls may be erected in any zone district as provided below:
A. Fences and/or freestanding walls six feet or less in nominal height shall be consistent with the following:
1. Shall be placed behind any landscape buffer required by Chapter 12.18 BMC.
2. Where no landscape buffer is required, fences and freestanding walls may be allowed without a setback within any front, rear or side yard.
3. Fence and freestanding wall height shall be measured from the horizontal projection of the predominant ground level of either the city-approved finish grade where such grade has been established, or from the horizontal projection of the predominant existing grade in the vicinity of the fence.
4. Fence and freestanding wall height shall be measured to the upper surface of the fence or freestanding wall panel.
5. Where the International Residential Code (IRC) or the International Building Code (IBC) requires a guard on top of a retaining wall or retaining structure, any fence or freestanding wall so located shall meet the minimum guard height and construction requirements of the IRC or IBC, as applicable.
6. No fence or freestanding wall shall be placed closer than three feet to or may obscure the vision of any fire hydrant.
7. All fences and freestanding walls shall comply with the sight distance requirements of the Bothell Standards.
B. Fences and freestanding walls that exceed a nominal height of six feet shall comply with any required front, side, and rear yard setbacks.
C. Electric fences shall:
1. Be permitted only within the R 40,000, R 9,600, R 8,400, R 7,200, R 5,400d, R 5,400a, R 4,000 and R 2,800 zone classifications and only for the raising and keeping of animals for agricultural purposes or pasturing;
2. Be posted with permanent signs a minimum of two square feet in area at 50-foot intervals stating that the fence is electrified;
3. Be placed no closer than six feet to any fire hydrant.
D. Barbed wire fencing is permitted in association with animal husbandry or pasturing and for security purposes to protect sensitive locations or facilities as identified by the chief of police.
E. Razor wire fencing is prohibited; provided, however, that military or police services may install razor wire to protect sensitive locations or facilities as identified by the chief of police. (Ord. 2269 § 6, 2018; Ord. 1997 § 2, 2008; Ord. 1946 § 2, 2005; Ord. 1815 § 1, 2000; Ord. 1629 § 1, 1996. Formerly 12.14.160).