Sign Regulations in Federal Way, WA: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Federal Way or are thinking about moving there, sign regulations 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 sign regulations, and some of them might surprise you.
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.
Key details: Private Property: Allowed with owner consent. Residential Size: 6 sq ft max, 5 ft tall. Right-of-Way: Prohibited, removed by city. Permit: Not required.
Political signs in the public right-of-way are removed without notice. Repeated placement violations after warning may result in civil fines up to 250 dollars under FWRC Title 1. Property owners are not fined for signs on their own land within size limits.
The rules around political signs in Federal Way lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Holiday Displays
Federal Way does not restrict seasonal holiday lights, inflatables, or decorations on private residential property. Displays must comply with electrical safety codes and not obstruct sidewalks or the right-of-way.
Key details: Sign Code: Exempts seasonal decorations. Electrical: Must meet NEC, FWRC Title 13. Sound Limit: 55 dBA day, 45 dBA night. HOAs: May impose private rules.
No direct ordinance against holiday decorations. Related violations: noise citations under FWRC Title 7 (50 to 500 dollars), right-of-way encroachment under FWRC Title 4 (100 dollars), or fire and electrical hazards under FWRC Title 13.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Federal Way gives residents more flexibility on holiday displays.
Garage Sale Signs
Federal Way allows garage sale signs on private property during the sale but prohibits them in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, and on traffic signs. Signs must be removed within 24 hours of sale end.
Key details: Private Property: Allowed, up to 4 sq ft. Utility Poles: Prohibited. Planting Strip: Prohibited. Remove: Within 24 hours of sale end.
Signs in the public right-of-way are removed without notice. Chronic posting in prohibited locations can lead to civil infractions of 100 to 250 dollars under FWRC Title 1 and Title 19.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Federal Way gives residents more room on sign regulations. 2 of the 3 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.
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.