How Federal Way Handles Fence Regulations: A Practical Guide
Federal Way maintains 124 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with fence regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Federal Way falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Retaining Walls
Federal Way caps residential rockeries and retaining walls at six feet, measured from finished grade to the top of the wall, and requires a graduated setback from the house. Commercial and multifamily walls face the same six-foot cap under FWRC 19.120.120.
Key details: Max height, residential: 6 feet from finished grade. Max height, commercial/multifamily: 6 feet. Rear setback formula: 1 foot per foot of wall height. Commercial landscaped setback: 3 feet minimum at base. Right-of-way setback: 3 feet minimum.
Building a rockery or retaining wall over the six-foot cap, in a prohibited material, or without the required setback is a code violation the city's community development department can enforce through Chapter 1.15 FWRC's civil infraction process. FWRC 1.15.110 sets the default penalty schedule at $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second violation of the same nature, and $300 for a third or subsequent violation, plus fees and costs, with the city able to seek additional remedies including abatement.
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.
Key details: Razor wire: Prohibited citywide, no exceptions. Barbed wire: Only atop 6-ft fence or between farms. Electrified fence default: Not permitted unless specifically allowed. Electrified fence max voltage: 12 volts DC. Electrified fence max height: 10 feet.
Installing a noncompliant barbed wire, electrified, or razor wire fence is a code violation enforceable as a civil infraction under Chapter 1.15 FWRC. FWRC 1.15.110 sets the default penalty at $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second violation of the same nature, and $300 for a third or continuing violation, and the city can require removal or retrofit of the noncompliant fence in addition to the fine.
Compared to other cities, Federal Way takes a harder line on material restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Height Limits
Federal Way caps ordinary fences and railings in required yards at six feet, and electrified fences at 10 feet, under FWRC 19.125.160(5). Stack a fence with a retaining wall and the combined height is still capped at six feet, with a narrow safety-rail exception.
Key details: Standard fence/railing height: 6 feet maximum. Electrified fence height: 10 feet maximum. Fence + retaining wall combined: 6 feet maximum. With safety guardrail: Up to 9.5 feet combined. Safety rail design rule: Must have gaps, not solid surface.
A fence built over the six-foot cap, or an electrified fence over 10 feet, in a required yard is enforceable as a civil infraction under Chapter 1.15 FWRC. FWRC 1.15.110 sets the default penalty at $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second violation of the same nature, and $300 for a third or continuing violation, and the city can order the fence modified or removed to bring it into compliance.
The Bottom Line
Federal Way's fence regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Federal Way is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Federal Way can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.