Fences, walls and hedges are governed by the following requirements:
The height of a fence, wall or hedge is measured vertically from the natural or approved finished grade to the top of the fence, wall or hedge, immediately above. Where the fence, wall or hedge is located within three feet of a retaining wall, embankment or other grade separation facing a street or adjoining property, the measurement is from the base of the retaining wall, embankment or other grade separation.
(Ord. 1012 § 2 (Exh. B § 1), 2004)
A. 
The maximum height of fences and walls allowed within required yards shall not exceed the following:
1. 
Required front yard within all zoning districts except R-1-20,000 and R-1-40,000 Districts: Four feet, except as further restricted for vision clearance per HMC § 20.16.005(E). For corridor (i.e., flag) lots, this subsection shall apply to the portion of the access corridor (a.k.a. "flag") that adjoins the required front yard of the adjoining lot(s).
2. 
Required front yard in R-1-20,000 and R-1-40,000 Districts: Six feet, except as restricted for vision clearance under HMC § 20.16.005(E); and provided further, that the location and design of the fence complies with all of the following requirements:
a. 
The street frontage of the lot is not developed with a sidewalk nor is it designated by the General Plan for sidewalk development.
b. 
The fence is located 10 feet or more behind the property line fronting the street or the edge of the road, whichever is closer.
c. 
The fence is transparent, as defined in Chapter 20.28 HMC, Article IX.
Otherwise, walls or fences with opaque siding material (e.g., solid boards) exceeding four feet in height are not allowed within a required yard fronting a street.
3. 
Required rear yard and interior side yard: Six feet plus two feet of additional 50 percent open lattice.
4. 
Required side yard fronting a street: Six feet if located 15 feet or more behind the front wall of the main building. Otherwise, the maximum height of a fence or wall located within a side yard fronting a street shall not exceed four feet, except as further restricted for vision clearance under HMC § 20.16.005(E).
B. 
The maximum height of fences and walls allowed outside of required yards shall not exceed 12 feet.
(Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A § 1825), 1998; Ord. 1012 § 2 (Exh. B § 1), 2004; Ord. 1090 § 4 (Exh. B § 1825), 2009; Ord. 1231 § 13, 2023)
A. 
Within required front yards: Four feet, except as further restricted for vision clearance under 20.16.005(E). For corridor (i.e., flag) lots, this subsection shall apply to the portion of the access corridor (a.k.a. "flag") that adjoins the required front yard of the adjoining lot(s).
B. 
Within required side yard fronting a street: Six feet if located 15 feet or more behind the front wall of the main building. Otherwise, the maximum height of a hedge and other screening vegetation located within a side yard fronting a street shall not exceed four feet, except as further restricted for vision clearance per HMC § 20.16.005(E).
(Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A § 1825), 1998; Ord. 1012 § 2 (Exh. B § 1), 2004)
Fences, walls, hedges and other screening vegetation may exceed the maximum height allowed by HMC § 20.16.045 and § 20.16.050 under the following circumstances:
A. 
The planning and building director determines that a grade separation exists such that a property owner is denied private use of a lot; or
B. 
A building permit is required for fences exceeding seven feet in height.
(Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A § 1825), 1998; Ord. 1012 § 2 (Exh. B § 1), 2004; Ord. 1231 § 14, 2023)