A Resident's Guide to Federal Way's Local Ordinances

Federal Way, Washington may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 124 tracked ordinances across 42 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Solar Energy

HOA Restrictions: Washington RCW 64.38.055 bars homeowner associations from prohibiting solar collectors on homes, though they may adopt reasonable aesthetic rules. Federal Way has no stricter local preemption..

Home Business

Home Daycare: Federal Way permits family home child care in single-family homes. State-licensed providers caring for 12 or fewer children are allowed under RCW 35.63.185 and Federal Way Revised Code Title 19 zoning..

Also covered: Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate), Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (moderate). See the full home business guide for Federal Way for details.

Rental Property Rules

Just Cause Eviction: Washington RCW 59.18.650 requires just cause to end most residential tenancies. Federal Way landlords must identify one of the 16 statutory grounds and give the required written notice before filing eviction..

Also covered: Rent Control (permissive), Repairs & Habitability (moderate). See the full rental property rules guide for Federal Way for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: Federal Way bans possessing, using, selling, or discharging fireworks of any kind within city limits under FWRC 6.63.050, backed by a $300 civil infraction fine. Only a state-licensed pyrotechnic operator working under a city public display permit may set off fireworks, and reckless use creating serious injury risk is a gross misdemeanor..

Also covered: Smoke Detectors (strict), Propane Storage (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Federal Way for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Dispensary Zoning: Federal Way bans all cannabis retail, production, and processing businesses citywide under FWRC 19.280.010 following a permanent ban adopted by City Council in December 2015. No licensed dispensaries operate in the city..

Gambling & Gaming

Card Room Licensing: Federal Way lets any established food-or-drink business run social card games as a commercial stimulant once state-licensed under RCW 9.46, but taxes the activity at 10 percent of annual gross receipts under FWRC 3.40.040, with the city clerk administering collection under State Gambling Commission rules..

Hotels & Lodging

Transient Occupancy Tax: Federal Way imposes a special excise tax of 1 percent on lodging charges at any hotel, motel, rooming house, tourist court, or trailer camp under FWRC 3.25.010, layered on top of the state sales tax under Chapter 82.08 RCW..

Local Taxes & Fees

Business Tax Classification: Federal Way has no general business and occupation tax; instead FWRC 3.10.040 classifies specific utility-type businesses (telecom, cellular, gas, electric, cable, water, sewer, solid waste, storm drainage) and taxes each class at its own gross-income rate..

Property Maintenance

Property Blight: Federal Way deems a property "dangerous or unfit" and a public nuisance if it has trash or junk that attracts rats, unsecured inoperable vehicles, hazardous unsecured conditions, dilapidated structures, or over half its area covered in blackberries or noxious weeds. The improvement officer can order repair or demolition under FWRC 1.15.175 through 1.15.270..

Also covered: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (moderate), Vacant Lot Maintenance (moderate). See the full property maintenance guide for Federal Way for details.

Environmental Rules

Stormwater Management: Federal Way bans dumping contaminants into surface water, stormwater or groundwater citywide and sets numeric water-quality limits for anything leaving a property into the public storm system. New development adding 2,000 square feet of impervious surface or 7,000 square feet of land disturbance must meet the city's drainage review standards, and the Public Works surface water management division inspects facilities at least annually..

Also covered: Erosion Control (moderate), Boat Dock Permits (moderate), Flood Elevation Requirements (moderate). See the full environmental rules guide for Federal Way for details.

Public Conduct

Outdoor Smoking Restrictions: Federal Way bans smoking and vaping in city parks, facilities, and restrooms outright, and bars tobacco or vapor use within 50 feet of covered picnic shelters, swimming beaches, playgrounds, athletic fields, spectator areas during games, or concession areas under FWRC 4.05.370. Smoking indoors is likewise barred except where a building posts a designated area..

Also covered: Loitering Rules (restrictive), Public Marijuana Use (moderate), Public Urination (moderate). See the full public conduct guide for Federal Way for details.

Code Violation Reporting

Common Violations: Federal Way enumerates 21 specific conditions treated as public nuisances and code violations under FWRC 7.03.040, from junk storage and overgrown lots to abandoned shopping carts. Code enforcement officers and police can act on any of them, and each is a civil infraction under FWRC 1.15.110..

Outdoor Lighting

Light Trespass & Shielding: FWRC 7.05.030 makes glare from any artificial surface a public nuisance and code violation whenever it annoys, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, or safety of others. The rule is a development regulation violation as well as a nuisance, cross-referenced to the city's lighting standard at FWRC 19.105.030..

Noise from Specific Sources

Car Alarm Limits: FWRC 7.10.020(1) bans the frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounding of any motor vehicle horn or siren as a public disturbance noise, except as a genuine warning of danger or when specifically required by law. It is enforced citywide as a civil infraction..

Also covered: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (moderate). See the full noise from specific sources guide for Federal Way for details.

Noise Ordinances

Quiet Hours: FWRC 7.10.020(3) bars yelling, shouting, whistling, or singing on or near public streets between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., or at any time it unreasonably disturbs a neighbor's peace and comfort.

Also covered: Construction Hours (moderate), Decibel Limits (moderate), Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Federal Way for details.

Mobility & Curb Rules

Red-Light Cameras: Federal Way authorizes automated traffic safety cameras strictly for stoplight violations at two-arterial intersections and for school speed zones under FWRC 8.05.090, the ordinance required by RCW 46.63.170. Cameras capture only the rear license plate mid-infraction, never a driver's face, and posted signage must warn drivers before they enter a monitored zone..

Also covered: E-Bike Classes (limited), Bike Lane Rules (limited). See the full mobility & curb rules guide for Federal Way for details.

Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules

Obstruction Rules: Federal Way charges pedestrian interference as a misdemeanor under FWRC 6.35.030 for anyone who blocks a sidewalk, sits or lies on the pavement, misuses a bench or bus stop, or loiters on a road median or lane divider. The rule covers public rights-of-way and travel lanes, but officers cannot cite a first-time violator without warning them first..

Also covered: Sidewalk Repair (moderate), Encroachment Permits (moderate). See the full sidewalk & pedestrian rules guide for Federal Way for details.

Parking Rules

Abandoned Vehicles: Federal Way treats junk and junked vehicles as a public nuisance under FWRC 7.20.020, letting code enforcement or police impound them from public or private property. FWRC 7.20.010 requires 15 days' written notice to the property owner and registered owner before removal, with a right to request a hearing before the vehicle is towed..

Also covered: Snow Removal Parking Rules (moderate), Driveway Rules (moderate), RV & Boat Parking (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Federal Way for details.

Animal Ordinances

Exotic Pets: Federal Way bans keeping monkeys, big cats, bears, wolves, coyotes, foxes, badgers, lynx and poisonous reptiles, plus any other dangerous wild or exotic animal, unless the owner gets a permit from the animal services authority proving adequate safety controls..

Also covered: Dog Leash Laws (moderate), Pet Store Rules (moderate), Cat Rules (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Federal Way for details.

Business Licensing & Operations

Pawnbrokers: Federal Way requires a city clerk license before anyone runs a pawnshop, caps the number of pawnbroker licenses at one per 15,000 residents, and enforces set business hours plus record and background-check duties..

Also covered: Towing Companies (moderate), Adult Entertainment (restrictive), Secondhand Dealers (restrictive). See the full business licensing & operations guide for Federal Way for details.

Trash & Recycling

Illegal Dumping: Dumping solid waste or source-separated material on any street, public place or private property in Federal Way outside an approved collection container is unlawful under FWRC 11.20.020, punishable as a misdemeanor with up to a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail..

Also covered: Yard Waste Collection (moderate), Pickup Rules & Schedules (moderate), Recycling Requirements (moderate). See the full trash & recycling guide for Federal Way for details.

Special Events & Permits

Parade Permits: Federal Way requires a right-of-way activity permit for any parade, run, march, rally or similar activity of 25 or more people, or one that blocks traffic or public safety. The city clerk issues permits after police review; unpermitted activity is a gross misdemeanor..

Also covered: Block Party Permits (moderate), Park Event Permits (moderate), Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (limited). See the full special events & permits guide for Federal Way for details.

Soliciting & Door-to-Door

Solicitor Permits: Federal Way requires door-to-door sellers and other roving mobile vendors to obtain a temporary business registration from the city clerk before knocking on doors. Registration is capped at 90 total days and violations are a public nuisance under city code..

Garage & Yard Sales

Frequency, Duration & Permits: Federal Way does not cap how often a resident can hold a garage or yard sale, or require a permit for one. City code exempts "residential garage or yard sales of typical size and duration" from both temporary business registration and temporary use permitting..

Sign Regulations

Digital Billboards: Federal Way bans billboards outright in every zone under FWRC 19.140.085(2), except for signs already legally nonconforming under FWRC 19.140.092. An on-premise electronic changeable message sign, defined at FWRC 19.05 as a sign whose content changes through electronic programming, is not a billboard and is specifically exempted from the city's separate ban on flashing signs..

Also covered: Garage Sale Signs (moderate), Window Signs (limited), Freeway-Facing Signs (moderate). See the full sign regulations guide for Federal Way for details.

Landscaping Rules

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Federal Way requires a director-approved tree retention plan before anyone removes trees on a site, with narrow homeowner exemptions for small-diameter trees. Violators face civil penalties up to $1,000 per tree plus mandatory replanting..

Also covered: Composting (limited), Weed Ordinances (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Federal Way for details.

Drone Rules

Park Drone Restrictions: Federal Way bans flying drones and other remote-controlled aircraft in city parks outside areas the parks director designates and posts for that use, or without a director's permit. Model rocket launches also need a permit..

Curfew Laws

Park Curfew: Federal Way parks close at dusk and reopen at 5:00 a.m. or dawn, whichever is later.

Accessory Structures

Shed & Carport Rules: A storage shed in a required side or rear yard needs discretionary Process III approval in Federal Way, capped at eight feet high, 120 square feet, and a 10-foot facade, under FWRC 19.125.160(9). Front yards are off-limits entirely..

Also covered: ADU Impact Fees (moderate), ADU Rules (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Federal Way for details.

Tree Protection

Parkway Planting: Federal Way requires a right-of-way permit before anyone plants, prunes, removes, or otherwise works on vegetation, including street trees, in a public right-of-way under FWRC 4.35.030. Abutting property owners can perform routine maintenance without a permit, but plant replacement always needs one, and the city waives fees except where public notice is required..

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

Vending Zones: Federal Way sorts mobile food and retail vendors into three classes under FWRC 19.290.050, and where you can park depends on the class. Class I vendors can operate in any zone citywide, while Class III vendors that are the principal use on a site are limited to nonresidential zones..

Also covered: Food Truck Permits (moderate), Sidewalk & Mobile Vending (moderate). See the full food trucks & mobile vendors guide for Federal Way for details.

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses

Downtown Design Guide: Federal Way requires a Northwest contemporary architectural style for buildings inside the downtown architectural overlay under FWRC 19.115.090(5), covering roofline treatment, facade materials, articulation intervals and ground-floor transparency..

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing & Safety Requirements: Any Federal Way pool, hot tub, or spa deeper than 18 inches must be enclosed by a fence or solid structure at least five feet tall, with self-closing, self-latching gates that keep small children out at all times..

Also covered: Pool Permits (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Federal Way for details.

Building Safety

Childcare Center Rules: Federal Way requires commercial day care and school-type childcare centers to pass Process II site plan review under Federal Way Revised Code 19.210.020 before opening in the professional office zone and comparable commercial districts. The code mandates a fenced outdoor play area sized to enrollment and sets a floor-area-based parking ratio the Community Development Department checks at permit intake..

Also covered: Building Permits (moderate), Fire Sprinkler Requirements (moderate), Plumbing Permits (moderate). See the full building safety guide for Federal Way for details.

Building Setbacks & Zoning

Structure Height Limits: Federal Way caps detached houses in its single-family residential zones at 30 feet above average building elevation, per the RS-zone use chart at FWRC 19.200.010. FWRC 19.110.050 makes that ceiling absolute: no element of a structure may exceed the applicable limit except the narrow rooftop and antenna exceptions the code lists separately, so builders cannot argue extra height by default..

Also covered: Lot Coverage Limits (moderate), Setback Rules (moderate). See the full building setbacks & zoning guide for Federal Way for details.

Invasive Plant Rules

Prohibited Species: Federal Way's property maintenance code bans noxious weeds outright and caps other weed growth at six inches on developed property or 12 inches on vacant land under FWRC 13.43.030(20), amending the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code. The city's own zoning definition of "invasive species" points to the King County noxious weed control board's list to identify which plants count..

Also covered: Tree-of-Heaven Removal (moderate). See the full invasive plant rules guide for Federal Way for details.

Fence Regulations

Material Restrictions: Federal Way bans razor wire fencing outright, allows barbed wire only atop a six-foot fence or wall or between two agricultural properties, and forbids electrified fences except in specific zones and use types under FWRC 19.125.120 through 19.125.140..

Also covered: Retaining Walls (moderate), Height Limits (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Federal Way for details.

Right to Farm

Agricultural Zoning Protection: Federal Way confines commercial farming to the suburban estate (SE) zone under FWRC 19.195.030, where raising agricultural crops, community gardens, urban farms, farm stands and cottage food operations are permitted uses on a minimum five-acre lot. The operator must live on the property, and on-site commercial sales or pesticide runoff onto neighboring land are restricted..

Historic Preservation

Historic-Cultural Monuments: Federal Way protects historic landmarks by adopting King County's landmarks program under FWRC 19.285.020, with the county landmarks commission designating sites and issuing certificates of appropriateness for exterior work. Permit applications affecting a landmark are not complete without that certificate, and commission decisions can be appealed within 35 days..

Privacy & Surveillance

Recording & Consent Laws: Federal Way adopts Washington's all-party consent law, RCW 9.73.030, by reference in FWRC 6.55.030. Recording a private conversation or phone call without the consent of everyone involved is unlawful, and RCW 9.73.080 makes a violation a gross misdemeanor.

HOA Rules

Assessment & Dues: Federal Way HOAs may levy regular and special assessments under RCW 64.90 or 64.38. Unpaid assessments become liens and may be foreclosed after statutory notice and cure periods..

Also covered: Architectural Review (moderate). See the full hoa rules guide for Federal Way for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Short-Term Rental Permits: Federal Way STR operators must register with WA DOR through the Business Licensing Service, obtain a Federal Way business endorsement, and register local contact info under RCW 64.37..

What to Do With This Information

If you are moving to Federal Way, buying a home, or starting a project, use this as a starting point. Each category links to detailed pages with the full text, penalties, and FAQs. Verify anything time-sensitive with Federal Way's city hall or code enforcement office.