GUIDELINES & FAQs FOR FENCES
The fence standard for homes in Heritage Hills are 6 feet tall cedar fences on the side and back yards, sometimes with clear or natural stain. Pressure-treated posts are also acceptable. Alternate materials may also be acceptable to provide a more open look, although vinyl will not be accepted.
Before you install a fence, a few things to consider:
This is in no way meant to be a complete list nor a verification of accuracy. Owners must verify details with the City of Sammamish as well as the HHHOA and submit for approval from the Architectural Chair on the Owner Portal/Requests/New Fence Approval.
Q: Do I need approval from the Architecture Chair to put up a fence?
A: Yes, you need to contact Architectural Chair directly, have your lot drawings, and you need to verify where your lot lines are. The form to use for your application to the Architectural Chair is located on the Owner Portal/Requests/New Fence Approval.
Q: Do I need a permit for a fence?
A: No, but the City of Sammamish does utilize 3 guidelines.
a) Residential fencing is no greater than 6’ tall.
b) No fence may interfere with safe site-lines for pedestrians and automobiles (for homes on corners and on main streets). You can put a hedge no taller than 42”.
c) Depending on your lot plat, you may have easements, check with the city for verification.
Q: I would like to replace my fence. It sits on the property line but, my neighbor does not want to share in the cost.
A: Your neighbor is not required to share in the cost of the fence replacement. You may put up a fence at your own personal cost.
Q: Can I put a new fence directly in front of an existing old fence on my side of the property (double up the fence line) in my back yard?
A: In the past, in rare instances, this has been done when owners could not agree on placement, design and cost. You would want to build it at least 3” inside your property line to avoid any questions of ownership.
Q: My fence fell, I think it is my neighbor’s fault. Can I get them to be neighborly and share in the cost?
A: The HHHOA can only approve the fence design and materials. We do not confirm lot lines, nor do we take sides in disputes between neighbors.
Q: Does Heritage Hills have a standard fencing design policy or guidelines?
A: Traditionally, fences are 6 feet tall cedar, sometimes with clear or natural stain, sometimes with pressure treated posts. Alternate materials may also be acceptable to provide a more open look, although vinyl will not be accepted. We recommend you review your plan with your neighbors, and you must submit your plan to the Architectural Chair for review and approval.
Before you install a fence, a few things to consider:
- A property line survey is required if adjacent to Common Property (such as the trail). On lines common with a neighboring property, it is best to involve the neighbor, to ensure both are on the same page.
- If building a fence without your neighbor’s involvement, the fence should be placed on your side of the property line with the “good” side out.
- Confirm property corners, with a survey if necessary. Sometimes, when the wood stake is gone, a steel pin may be buried under some topsoil.
- No fencing forward of the front corner of the house. On corner lots we try to avoid fences along streetside property lines; those that are currently present as such will be considered grandfathered in. Fences along the street tend to destroy the community character of a neighborhood, unless it is along a major arterial, such as 228th.
This is in no way meant to be a complete list nor a verification of accuracy. Owners must verify details with the City of Sammamish as well as the HHHOA and submit for approval from the Architectural Chair on the Owner Portal/Requests/New Fence Approval.
Q: Do I need approval from the Architecture Chair to put up a fence?
A: Yes, you need to contact Architectural Chair directly, have your lot drawings, and you need to verify where your lot lines are. The form to use for your application to the Architectural Chair is located on the Owner Portal/Requests/New Fence Approval.
Q: Do I need a permit for a fence?
A: No, but the City of Sammamish does utilize 3 guidelines.
a) Residential fencing is no greater than 6’ tall.
b) No fence may interfere with safe site-lines for pedestrians and automobiles (for homes on corners and on main streets). You can put a hedge no taller than 42”.
c) Depending on your lot plat, you may have easements, check with the city for verification.
Q: I would like to replace my fence. It sits on the property line but, my neighbor does not want to share in the cost.
A: Your neighbor is not required to share in the cost of the fence replacement. You may put up a fence at your own personal cost.
Q: Can I put a new fence directly in front of an existing old fence on my side of the property (double up the fence line) in my back yard?
A: In the past, in rare instances, this has been done when owners could not agree on placement, design and cost. You would want to build it at least 3” inside your property line to avoid any questions of ownership.
Q: My fence fell, I think it is my neighbor’s fault. Can I get them to be neighborly and share in the cost?
A: The HHHOA can only approve the fence design and materials. We do not confirm lot lines, nor do we take sides in disputes between neighbors.
Q: Does Heritage Hills have a standard fencing design policy or guidelines?
A: Traditionally, fences are 6 feet tall cedar, sometimes with clear or natural stain, sometimes with pressure treated posts. Alternate materials may also be acceptable to provide a more open look, although vinyl will not be accepted. We recommend you review your plan with your neighbors, and you must submit your plan to the Architectural Chair for review and approval.
