Environmental Rules in Federal Way, WA (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Federal Way, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Federal Way bans dumping contaminants into surface water, stormwater or groundwater citywide and sets numeric water-quality limits for anything leaving a property into the public storm system. New development adding 2,000 square feet of impervious surface or 7,000 square feet of land disturbance must meet the city's drainage review standards, and the Public Works surface water management division inspects facilities at least annually.
Federal Way Stormwater Discharge Rules
Significant RestrictionsFWRC 16.50.020
It is unlawful for any person to discharge contaminants into surface water, stormwater, groundwater, or the Puget Sound. Contaminants include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) Trash or debris; (2) Construction materials; (3) Petroleum products including but not limited to oil, gasoline, grease, fuel oil, heating oil; (4) Antifreeze and other automotive products; (5) Metals in either p...
Erosion Control
FWRC 7.05.020 makes it a public nuisance and code violation for a property owner to allow erosion, undermining, or sediment deposition that spreads onto a neighboring parcel. The rule applies during construction and any time site conditions cause off-site erosion damage.
Federal Way Erosion and Sediment Control Rule
Some RestrictionsFWRC 7.05.020
It is a development regulation violation, a public nuisance, and a violation of this Code for the owner of the subject property to create, allow or perpetuate conditions on the subject property which cause the erosion or undermining of adjacent property. It is also a development regulation violation, a public nuisance, and a violation of this Code for the owner of the subject property to create...
Flood Zones
Federal Way requires a floodplain development permit under FWRC 19.142.060 before any construction, fill, or development begins in a mapped area of special flood hazard, and the floodway subset of that hazard area bars new or reconstructed residential structures outright except for narrow repair exceptions. The city administers the rule against FEMA's Flood Insurance Study and rate maps for King County.
Federal Way Floodplain Development Permit
Significant RestrictionsFWRC 19.142.060(1); 19.142.160(2)
(1) Floodplain development permit required. A floodplain development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in FWRC 19.142.050(1). The permit shall be for all structures including manufactured homes, as set forth in FWRC 19.142.040, and for all development including fill and other activities, also as set forth in FW...
Boat Dock Permits
Federal Way regulates piers, docks, floats, and mooring buoys under its Shoreline Master Program. A single-family dock on Puget Sound tops out at 75 feet from the ordinary high water mark, and new construction needs city shoreline review before it goes in the water.
Federal Way Boat Dock Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsFWRC 15.05.050(2)
(b) Residential piers, docks, floats, or mooring buoys may be permitted accessory to a single-family residence, or as common use facilities associated with a subdivision, short subdivision, or multifamily development, in accordance with this chapter and the following limitations: (i) Residential mooring buoys are preferred over docks and piers on the Puget Sound shoreline. Applicants for a resi...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Federal Way requires new and substantially improved residential structures in AE flood zones to elevate the lowest floor, including any basement, at least one foot above the base flood elevation. A floodplain development permit and an elevation certificate from a licensed engineer or surveyor are mandatory before and after construction.
Federal Way Base Flood Elevation Rules
Some RestrictionsFWRC 19.142.140
(1) Residential construction in zone AE. (a) New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated one foot or more above the base flood elevation (BFE). (b) Fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor that are subject to flooding are prohibited, or if used solely for parking, access or storage, shall be designed to...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Federal Way city rules.
Environmental Rules in King County →