Landscaping Rules in Federal Way, WA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Federal Way or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Federal Way has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

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.

Key details: Permit required: Tree retention plan, FWRC 19.120.020(2). Min. tree density, RS zones: 25 tree units/acre. Min. tree density, BC/BN/CE/OP/PO: 20 tree units/acre. Min. tree density, RM zones: 30 tree units/acre. Homeowner exemption threshold: Under 6 inches dbh.

FWRC 19.120.270 sets civil penalties per tree under Table 19.120.270-1: $100 for removing a tree already approved for removal but before final plan approval, and $1,000 per tree, or up to its marketable value as set by a certified arborist, for removing or damaging a tree that was supposed to be retained or removing any tree without required city approval. Each unlawfully removed or damaged tree is a separate violation. Violators must also restore the site to its pre-violation condition and plant replacement trees equal to the tree unit credits lost, using a minimum 12-foot evergreen or 3-inch caliper deciduous tree, within a timeframe the director sets; the director can waive penalties for cooperative first-time violators who acted unintentionally.

This is one of the stricter rules in Federal Way's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Composting

Federal Way allows residents to compost vegetable waste, ashes, leaves, grass and other organic debris on their own property under FWRC 11.20.030, as long as the pile does not create odors, expose food waste, scatter debris or draw pests.

Key details: What may be composted: Vegetable waste, ashes, leaves, grass, cuttings. Where: On private premises. No odors: Site must not create odors. No exposed food waste: Food waste must be covered, not exposed. Nuisance ban: Nuisance/health-hazard composting is prohibited.

Composting that creates a public nuisance or health hazard is separately prohibited under FWRC 11.20.030 and can be treated as a public nuisance under FWRC 11.20.120. Absent a more specific penalty, a violation of the solid waste division defaults to a misdemeanor under FWRC 1.10.010, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both, with continuing violations counted separately by day; the city can also pursue civil abatement and monetary penalties under FWRC 1.15.040 and 1.15.080.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Federal Way gives residents more flexibility on composting.

Weed Ordinances

Federal Way caps weeds and plant growth at six inches on developed property under its amended International Property Maintenance Code, with noxious weeds prohibited outright regardless of height.

Key details: Height limit, developed property: 6 inches. Noxious weeds: Prohibited at any height. Exempt growth: Cultivated flowers and gardens. Governing code: 2021 IPMC as amended, FWRC 13.43. First penalty: $100.00, FWRC 1.15.040(5).

An uncorrected weed violation under FWRC 13.43.030(20) accrues a monetary penalty for each day it continues past the correction deadline in the notice and order: $100 for the first violation, $200 for a second violation of the same nature or a continuing violation, $300 for a third, and $500 for each additional violation beyond three, under FWRC 1.15.040(5). If the owner does not pay or correct within 30 days, the city can abate the growth itself and bring the cost, plus outstanding penalties, before the city council for confirmation and assessment as a lien on the property under FWRC 1.15.080.

The Bottom Line

Federal Way's landscaping rules 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.

This guide is based on Federal Way's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.