Federal Way, WA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Retail
- Banned citywide, FWRC 19.280.010
- Production
- Banned citywide
- Ban Adopted
- December 2015, permanent
- State Buffer
- 1,000 ft from schools
Summary
Federal Way bans all cannabis retail, production, and processing businesses citywide under FWRC 19.280.010 following a permanent ban adopted by City Council in December 2015. No licensed dispensaries operate in the city.
elementary or secondary school, playground, recreation center or facility, child care center, public park, public transit center, or library, or any game arcade admission to which is not restricted to persons aged 21 years or older. (b) A city, county, or town may permit the licensing of premises within 1,000 feet but not less than 100 feet of the facilities described in (a) of this subsection, except elementary schools, secondary schools, and playgrounds, by enacting an ordinance authorizing such distance reduction, provided that such distance reduction will not negatively impact the jurisdiction's civil regulatory enforcement, criminal law enforcement interests, public safety, or public health.
Full Breakdown
Federal Way took a strongly restrictive approach to commercial cannabis after the passage of Initiative 502. The city first adopted a moratorium in 2011 on medical marijuana dispensaries, extended and reinstated it in 2013, 2014, and 2015, and in December 2015 the City Council voted to permanently prohibit cannabis retail, production, and processing businesses within city limits following an advisory vote. 010 and related Title 19 zoning provisions, which state that marijuana (cannabis) producers, processors, and retailers are not permitted in any zone within Federal Way.
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board allotted a handful of retail licenses to Federal Way, but the city has maintained its ban and no licensed dispensaries operate within the city limits. 331, which further constrains siting if the ban were ever lifted. Medical cannabis patients and adult recreational users in Federal Way must shop at licensed retailers in neighboring jurisdictions such as Tacoma, Fife, Lakewood, and unincorporated King County areas that permit retail. Delivery of cannabis products is not currently authorized in Washington except for limited medical patient delivery. Contact Federal Way Community Development at 253-835-2607 for current zoning status.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unlicensed cannabis retail, processing, or production business in Federal Way is both a state felony under RCW 69.50.401 and a zoning violation under FWRC 19.280 subject to daily civil penalties and closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a marijuana dispensary in Federal Way?
Where is the closest legal dispensary to Federal Way?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
Compare Federal Way to another location·View the Washington cannabis regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Dispensary Zoning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle dispensary zoning.