Federal Way caps residential building height at 30 feet in RS zones with modest bonuses for steep lots. Downtown city center and commercial zones allow much taller structures.
Under FWRC Title 19 the basic height limit in Single-Family Residential zones (RS 35.0 through RS 5.0) is 30 feet measured to the midpoint of a sloped roof. Chimneys, antennas, and small rooftop appurtenances may extend a few feet higher. Multi-family zones (RM 3600, RM 2400, RM 1800) step up to 30 to 35 feet, and the City Center Core (CC-C) and City Center Frame (CC-F) zones support taller mid-rise buildings with height bonuses up to 95 feet or more for mixed-use projects offering affordable housing or structured parking. Commercial enterprise zones west of I-5 support 40 to 55 feet for warehouses and office buildings. Airport Influence Area height limits from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport FAR Part 77 surface apply in parts of Federal Way, potentially capping structures lower than zoning would otherwise allow. Accessory structures (detached garages, sheds, ADUs) are held to 15 to 24 feet depending on size and lot.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Federal Way, WA
Federal Way permits construction under WAC 173-60.050 exemptions between 7 AM and 10 PM. Sunday work near homes is typically restricted. Work outside the win...
Federal Way, WA
Federal Way prohibits dogs that bark or howl continuously and disturb neighbors under FWRC Title 9. Typical threshold is 20 minutes of continuous noise. Comp...
Federal Way, WA
Outdoor music events in Federal Way need a special event permit on public property or when amplified beyond neighborhood levels. Receiving limits at residenc...
Federal Way, WA
Federal Way limits on-street RV and boat trailer parking to 72 hours. In residential zones, RVs on private property must be parked on a paved or gravel surfa...
Federal Way, WA
Federal Way follows Washington State Building Code EV-ready requirements for new multifamily and commercial buildings. Public chargers exist at the Transit C...
Federal Way, WA
Under RCW 46.55, Federal Way police can tag and tow a vehicle left on a public street for more than 72 hours. On private property, owners follow state impoun...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle structure height limits.
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