Tiny home rules in Federal Way, WA — covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds — determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.
Federal Way allows tiny homes on permanent foundations as ADUs or primary dwellings under FWRC 19.200 and 19.265. Tiny homes on wheels are RVs and cannot be permanent dwellings on residential lots.
Federal Way distinguishes between tiny homes on permanent foundations and tiny homes on wheels (THOWs). Permanent-foundation tiny homes meeting the Washington State Residential Code and FWRC 13.22 are treated the same as any detached dwelling or ADU, meaning HB 1337 and FWRC 19.265 rules apply for ADUs on single-family lots (up to 1,000 sq ft, two per lot allowed). Permanent foundation tiny homes must still meet habitability standards: ceiling heights, egress windows, smoke/CO alarms, energy code, and plumbing/electrical requirements. Tiny homes on wheels built to ANSI 119.5 or NFPA 1192 RV standards are classified as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent residences on residential-zoned property in Federal Way under FWRC 19.200. RVs used as dwellings may be allowed in licensed RV parks or specific mobile-home parks only. Washington HB 1110 (middle housing) and HB 1337 (ADUs) have expanded options for small housing. The International Residential Code Appendix AQ (Tiny Houses) is adopted statewide for homes 400 sq ft or less.
Using a THOW as a permanent residence in a residential zone: civil infraction under FWRC 1.15 plus order to vacate. Building a non-compliant permanent tiny home: stop-work order and required remediation.
Federal Way, WA
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Federal Way, WA
Federal Way limits on-street RV and boat trailer parking to 72 hours. In residential zones, RVs on private property must be parked on a paved or gravel surfa...
Federal Way, WA
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