Federal Way's Property Maintenance: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles property maintenance a little differently. In Federal Way, Washington, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

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.

Key details: Code: FWRC Titles 1 and 13. Graffiti: Remove promptly after notice. Penalties: 100 to 500 dollars per day. Report: 253-835-2641 Code Compliance.

Blight violations start with a courtesy notice, then escalate to a Notice and Order with 100 to 500 dollars per day penalties under FWRC Title 1. Failure to abate can trigger city cleanup with costs recorded as a property lien.

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.

Trash Bin Storage

Federal Way requires trash, recycling, and yard waste carts to be stored out of public view between collection days. Permanent front-yard or curbside storage is a property maintenance violation under FWRC Title 1.

Key details: Storage Rule: Not visible from right-of-way. Dumpsters: Enclosed per FWRC Title 19. Lids: Must be closed. Fine: 100 dollars per day.

Storing carts permanently in view of the street can result in a courtesy notice followed by civil infractions starting at 100 dollars per day under FWRC Title 1. Repeat violations may be referred to the city attorney.

Garage Sale Rules

Federal Way allows residential garage sales without a permit but limits them to keep the activity non-commercial. Items, tables, and signs must be removed within 24 hours of the sale end.

Key details: Permit: Not required. Frequency: 3 sales per year, 3 days each. Cleanup: Within 24 hours of end. No Commercial: Ongoing retail needs license.

Operating more than 3 garage sales per year or leaving merchandise displayed between sales can be cited under FWRC Title 19 as unauthorized commercial activity in a residential zone with fines starting at 250 dollars. Recurring violators may need a business license.

The rules around garage sale rules in Federal Way lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Federal Way requires vacant lots to be maintained free of debris, tall weeds, and nuisance conditions under FWRC Title 13. Owners must keep vegetation under 12 inches and remove junk within 30 days of notice.

Key details: Vegetation: Under 12 inches. Debris: Must be removed. Secure Structures: Board or lock openings. Abatement Notice: 30 days typical.

Failure to maintain a vacant lot after notice leads to civil penalties of 100 to 500 dollars per day under FWRC Title 1, plus city abatement costs recorded as a lien against the property.

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Federal Way does not have a citywide ordinance requiring homeowners to shovel snow from public sidewalks. Sidewalks must be kept clear of obstructions year-round under FWRC Title 4.

Key details: Snow Ordinance: None in Federal Way. Sidewalk Obstruction: Prohibited, FWRC Title 13. City Plowing: Arterials only. Civil Liability: Under RCW 7.72.

No direct snow-clearing penalty. Sidewalk obstruction violations (overgrown hedges, blocking carts) are citable under FWRC Title 13 with fines starting at 100 dollars. Slip-and-fall civil liability is separate from city enforcement.

The rules around snow & sidewalk clearing in Federal Way lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Federal Way gives residents more room on property maintenance. 2 of the 5 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

All of the above reflects Federal Way's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.