Federal Way allows up to 4 small domestic fowl (hens) on residential lots under 35,000 sq ft, with larger limits on bigger lots. Roosters are restricted. Coops need 10-foot setbacks from property lines under FWRC 19.260.
Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC) 19.260 governs keeping of animals in residential zones. On residential lots under 35,000 square feet, residents may keep up to four small domestic fowl (chickens, ducks) as pets. On lots between 35,000 sq ft and one acre, up to eight fowl are permitted. On lots of one acre or more, there is no specific cap but the keeping must remain incidental to residential use. Roosters are generally prohibited or strongly discouraged in residential single-family zones due to crowing noise. Coops and enclosures must be located at least 10 feet from all property lines and at least 10 feet from the nearest residence on an adjoining lot. Coops must be kept clean and not create odors or attract rodents. Slaughter of fowl on residential premises is prohibited. Larger livestock (goats, pigs, cattle, horses) are generally restricted to Suburban Estate (SE) zones or larger rural lots and require minimum acreage per animal. Contact Federal Way Community Development at (253) 835-7000 to verify zoning.
Code Compliance handles chicken and livestock complaints. First notice is typically a warning with 30-day cure period. Continued violations carry fines up to $250 per day.
Federal Way, WA
Federal Way permits construction under WAC 173-60.050 exemptions between 7 AM and 10 PM. Sunday work near homes is typically restricted. Work outside the win...
Federal Way, WA
Federal Way prohibits dogs that bark or howl continuously and disturb neighbors under FWRC Title 9. Typical threshold is 20 minutes of continuous noise. Comp...
Federal Way, WA
Outdoor music events in Federal Way need a special event permit on public property or when amplified beyond neighborhood levels. Receiving limits at residenc...
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
Federal Way follows Washington State Building Code EV-ready requirements for new multifamily and commercial buildings. Public chargers exist at the Transit C...
Federal Way, WA
Under RCW 46.55, Federal Way police can tag and tow a vehicle left on a public street for more than 72 hours. On private property, owners follow state impoun...
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