All fencing shall be standard 6’ cedar with a top rail and placed vertically as shown in the image. Fence post caps are optional. Stain color must be clear, tan or light brown.

Updated 6/21/2026 - Retaining walls are discouraged. Retaining walls less than 2’ high will be considered when visible from the street. Owner is responsible for providing an updated drainage plan and ensuring that fence is same height for any adjoining fence. There are no exceptions for 6’ cedar fencing, this includes when retaining walls are requested.

Updated 6/17/2024 - Spacing for vertical cedar boards must be between 0” - 1/4” for initial installation realizing that spacing will increase as boards cure. For reference, back and side yards should not be visible from the street.

Summer Ridge CC&Rs – Section 8

  • “No fence, wall, hedge, or mass planting shall be permitted to extend nearer to any street than the foundation setback line of the residence.”

  • “No fence, wall, hedge, or mass planting shall exceed six (6) feet in height.”

City of Sammamish – R‑4 Zoning Standards

  • See below

Design Guidelines – Fencing, Landscaping & Visibility Standards

Purpose

To maintain neighborhood safety, visibility, and architectural consistency, all fences, hedges, and landscaping elements must comply with both City of Sammamish regulations and the Summer Ridge CC&Rs. Where differences exist, the CC&Rs take precedence, provided they do not conflict with City code.

1. Sight‑Distance Triangle

To ensure safe visibility for vehicles and pedestrians:

  • A 15‑foot by 15‑foot sight‑distance triangle must be maintained at all driveways and street intersections.

  • The triangle is measured from the point where the driveway edge meets the street curb.

  • Within this triangle, no fence, wall, hedge, or vegetation may exceed 42 inches (3.5 feet) above the adjacent street grade.

  • These requirements comply with SMC 21.04.030(W) and SMC 21.06.010(E).

2. Front Yard Fencing and Landscaping

  • No fencing of any kind is permitted in front yards.

  • No fence, wall, hedge, or continuous shrub row may extend past the front of the house.

    • For clarity: the garage is not considered the front of the house for this requirement.

  • Decorative plantings and low accent shrubs are permitted up to a maximum height of 6 feet, provided they:

    • Do not obstruct visibility,

    • Do not violate the 42‑inch height limit within the sight‑distance triangle, and

    • Do not form a continuous hedge or barrier extending past the front of the house.

3. Side and Rear Yard Fencing

  • Fences and hedges located in side and rear yards may not exceed 6 feet (72 inches) in height.

  • All fences must remain behind the front plane of the house and outside the sight‑distance triangle.

  • Materials and colors must be consistent with community standards and require ACC approval.

4. ACC Authority

  • The ACC may grant exceptions to CC&R requirements for design harmony, aesthetics, or unique lot conditions.

  • However, no exception may override City code or create a safety hazard.

  • All exceptions must be documented and approved through the ACC review process before installation.

5. Maintenance Requirements

Homeowners are responsible for maintaining all fencing and vegetation in a safe and compliant condition.

  • Vegetation must be trimmed to prevent growth onto or obstruction of sidewalks, driveways, or public right‑of‑way.

  • Vegetation exceeding height limits or obstructing visibility must be corrected promptly.

  • The ACC may issue notices of non‑compliance and require corrective action within ten (10) days.