How Federal Way Handles Tree Protection: A Practical Guide

Federal Way maintains 125 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with tree protection. 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.

Tree Replacement Requirements

FWRC 19.120.130 requires single-family residential sites to maintain a minimum of 25 tree units per acre, and multifamily/commercial/industrial sites to maintain a minimum of 20 tree units per acre. Replacement plantings must meet the size and species standards set in FWRC 19.120.130(4).

Key details: Code Section: FWRC 19.120.130. Single-Family Minimum: 25 tree units per acre. Multifamily/Commercial Minimum: 20 tree units per acre. Replacement Size: 1.5" caliper deciduous / 6 ft evergreen.

Failure to plant required replacement trees or to satisfy mitigation conditions is a civil code violation under FWRC Chapter 1.15, with monetary penalties and the potential for permit revocation.

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).

Key details: Code Section: FWRC 19.120.040. Permit Required: Tree retention plan before removal. Exemptions: FWRC 19.120.030. Mitigation: Fee-in-lieu to urban forestry account.

Violations are enforced as civil code violations under FWRC Chapter 1.15, with monetary penalties typically beginning at $100-$500 per day per violation and escalating for continued non-compliance. Stop-work orders may be issued.

Compared to other cities, Federal Way takes a harder line on tree removal permits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Federal Way does not have a dedicated heritage-tree program, but FWRC 19.120 protects "significant trees," defined under FWRC 19.05.190 as trees of 12-inch DBH or greater for evergreens and most deciduous species (excluding red alder, cottonwood, and big-leaf maple).

Key details: Definition Section: FWRC 19.05.190. Significant Tree DBH: 12 inches or greater. Excluded Species: Red alder, cottonwood, big-leaf maple. Heritage Registry: Not adopted in Federal Way.

Removal of a significant tree without an approved tree retention plan is a civil code violation under FWRC Chapter 1.15, with daily monetary penalties and required replacement/mitigation under FWRC 19.120.140.

Tree Ordinances

FWRC Chapter 19.120 is Federal Way's comprehensive tree and vegetation retention ordinance. It regulates clearing, grading, tree removal, replacement, and protection during construction citywide.

Key details: Code Section: FWRC Chapter 19.120. Tree Retention Plan: Required before any removal. Protection Standards: FWRC 19.120.160. Critical Areas Overlap: FWRC 19.145.

Civil code violations under FWRC Chapter 1.15. Monetary penalties typically begin at $100-$500 per day and may be combined with restoration orders requiring planting of replacement trees on or off site.

The Bottom Line

Federal Way's tree protection 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.