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 125 tracked ordinances across 29 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Environmental Rules

Stormwater Management: Federal Way is an NPDES Phase II city and enforces Department of Ecology stormwater standards. New development and redevelopment over 2,000 sf trigger mitigation under the 2019 stormwater manual..

Also covered: Erosion Control (strict), Grading & Drainage (strict), Shoreline Management (strict). See the full environmental rules guide for Federal Way for details.

Landscaping Rules

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Federal Way regulates tree removal under FWRC 19.120. Any tree 6 inches DBH or larger generally needs approval and must meet Tree Units per Acre standards in Table 19.120.130-1.

Also covered: Native Plants (permissive), Tree Trimming (moderate), Rainwater Harvesting (permissive). See the full landscaping rules guide for Federal Way for details.

Building Safety

Elevator Maintenance: Federal Way elevators are regulated by Washington Labor and Industries under RCW 70.87 and WAC 296-96. Annual inspection, licensed maintenance, and a current state operating certificate are required..

Also covered: Pest Control (moderate), Lead Paint (strict), Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed (moderate). See the full building safety guide for Federal Way for details.

Trash & Recycling

Bin Placement Rules: Federal Way requires garbage, recycling, and yard waste carts to be at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day and returned the same day.

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

Building Setbacks & Zoning

Lot Coverage Limits: Federal Way limits building and impervious coverage in residential zones and requires stormwater mitigation beyond certain thresholds under the Surface Water Design Manual..

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

Animal Ordinances

Livestock: Large livestock in Federal Way are restricted to Suburban Estate zones and larger rural lots under FWRC 19.195. Minimum acreage per animal required.

Also covered: Dog Leash Laws (moderate), Wildlife Feeding (moderate), Chickens & Livestock (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Federal Way for details.

Curfew Laws

Park Curfew: Federal Way parks are closed to the public from dusk (or posted hours) until 6 a.m. under FWRC Title 4 park rules.

Also covered: Juvenile Curfew (moderate). See the full curfew laws guide for Federal Way for details.

Fence Regulations

Pool Barriers: Federal Way requires a 4-foot minimum barrier around residential pools under IRC Appendix G and FWRC. Self-closing, self-latching gates required.

Also covered: Retaining Walls (moderate), Material Restrictions (permissive), Fence Requirements (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Federal Way for details.

Noise Ordinances

Industrial Noise: Industrial sources in Federal Way must meet WAC 173-60: 70 dBA at industrial receivers, 65 at commercial, and 60 day / 50 night at residential. Code Compliance enforces in areas along I-5 and 348th Street..

Also covered: Decibel Limits (moderate), Outdoor Music (moderate), Leaf Blower Rules (permissive). See the full noise ordinances guide for Federal Way for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Federal Way requires pool barriers at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates under IRC Appendix G. Barriers are mandatory for pools and spas deeper than 24 inches..

Also covered: Pool Permits (moderate), Above-Ground Pools (moderate), Hot Tub Rules (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Federal Way for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Federal Way prohibits exterior signage for home businesses under FWRC 19.270. The home-occupation rule bars any outside indication of the business.

Also covered: Cottage Food Operations (moderate), Home Occupation Permits (moderate), Zoning Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Federal Way for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Insurance Requirements: RCW 64.37.040 requires Federal Way STR operators to maintain at least 1 million dollars in liability insurance or rent only through a platform that provides equivalent coverage..

Also covered: Parking Rules (moderate), Night Caps (permissive), Occupancy Limits (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Federal Way for details.

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: Dispute Resolution (moderate), Board Procedures (moderate), CC&R Enforcement (strict). See the full hoa rules guide for Federal Way for details.

Parking Rules

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions: Commercial trucks over 10,000 pounds GVWR generally cannot park on Federal Way residential streets except for active loading. Industrial areas and truck routes have separate rules..

Also covered: Driveway Rules (moderate), EV Charging (moderate), Overnight Parking (permissive). See the full parking rules guide for Federal Way for details.

Outdoor Lighting

Dark Sky Rules: Federal Way has no International Dark-Sky ordinance but requires shielded, full-cutoff outdoor lighting on new commercial and multi-family projects under FWRC 19 landscape and design standards..

Also covered: Light Trespass (moderate). See the full outdoor lighting guide for Federal Way for details.

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

Vending Zones: Federal Way allows food truck operation in commercial, city center, and industrial zones. Residential zones are off-limits except for private catered events.

Also covered: Food Truck Permits (moderate). See the full food trucks & mobile vendors 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: Rental Registration (permissive), Rent Control (permissive). See the full rental property rules guide for Federal Way for details.

Property Maintenance

Property Blight: Federal Way prohibits blighted property including junk accumulation, broken windows, graffiti, and derelict structures under FWRC Titles 1 and 13 with civil penalties up to 500 dollars per day..

Also covered: Trash Bin Storage (moderate), Garage Sale Rules (permissive), Vacant Lot Maintenance (moderate). See the full property maintenance guide for Federal Way for details.

Sign Regulations

Political Signs: Federal Way permits political campaign signs on private property with the owner's consent under FWRC Title 19. No permit is required, but signs in the public right-of-way are prohibited and may be removed by city crews..

Also covered: Holiday Displays (permissive), Garage Sale Signs (moderate). See the full sign regulations guide for Federal Way for details.

Soliciting & Door-to-Door

Solicitor Permits: Door-to-door solicitors in Federal Way must obtain a Peddler/Solicitor/Transient Merchant License with a background check and Federal Way business registration. Permits include a photo ID badge that must be worn visibly..

Also covered: No-Knock Registry (moderate). See the full soliciting & door-to-door guide for Federal Way for details.

Garage & Yard Sales

Garage Sale Permits: Federal Way does not require a permit for residential garage or yard sales. Sales are generally limited to 3 per household per year lasting no more than 3 days each to avoid triggering business license requirements..

Drone Rules

Commercial Drones: Commercial drones in Federal Way require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification, Remote ID, and LAANC authorization for the SEA Class B airspace that covers most of the city. City park operations require a permit..

Also covered: Recreational Drones (moderate). See the full drone rules guide for Federal Way for details.

Accessory Structures

Carport Rules: Carports in Federal Way are accessory structures under FWRC Title 19 and generally need permits if over 200 sq ft. Setbacks, height, and lot-coverage apply.

Also covered: Tiny Homes (moderate), ADU Rules (permissive), Shed Rules (permissive). See the full accessory structures guide for Federal Way for details.

Fire Regulations

Smoke Detectors: Federal Way enforces WAC 51-51-0314 via FWRC 13.22. Smoke alarms required in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every floor.

Also covered: Backyard Fires (moderate), Wildfire Zones (moderate), Brush Clearance (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Federal Way for details.

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..

Also covered: Panel Permits (moderate). See the full solar energy guide for Federal Way for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Home Cultivation: Home cultivation of recreational cannabis is illegal in Federal Way and throughout Washington under I-502 and RCW 69.50. Qualifying medical patients may grow up to 6 plants at home under RCW 69.51A..

Also covered: Dispensary Zoning (strict). See the full cannabis regulations guide for Federal Way for details.

Tree Protection

Tree Removal Permits: FWRC 19.120.040 prohibits removing any trees on a site without first obtaining approval of a tree retention plan by the director. Clearing, grading, filling, or drainage alteration also requires city approval per FWRC 19.120.040(1)..

Also covered: Tree Replacement Requirements (moderate), Heritage & Protected Trees (moderate), Tree Ordinances (moderate). See the full tree protection guide for Federal Way for details.

Street Vending

Vending Zones: FWRC 19.290 governs where mobile vendors and vehicle-based sales may operate in Federal Way, with location standards keyed to the zoning district and proximity to existing uses. Public right-of-way vending also requires a permit under FWRC 4.30.050..

Also covered: Vendor Permits (moderate). See the full street vending guide for Federal Way for details.

Filming & Production

Street Closures: Any production that closes or partially closes a Federal Way street, lane, or sidewalk must obtain a Right-of-Way Activity Permit under FWRC 4.30.050, which requires a traffic-control plan and may require Public Works approval of detour routing..

Also covered: Location Permits (permissive). See the full filming & production guide for Federal Way for details.

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.