Landscaping Rules in Federal Way, WA (2026)
3 verified landscaping rules for Federal Way, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Federal Way requires a director-approved tree retention plan before anyone removes trees on a site, with narrow homeowner exemptions for small-diameter trees. Violators face civil penalties up to $1,000 per tree plus mandatory replanting.
Federal Way Tree Removal Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsFWRC 19.120.020(2)
(2) Tree and vegetation retention plan approval required. No person shall remove any trees on a site without first obtaining approval of a tree retention plan by the director, except for those activities that are exempt as described in FWRC 19.120.030. Tree and vegetation removal may also require Class IV – General forest practices application approval as administered by the State Department of...
Weed Ordinances
Federal Way caps weeds and plant growth at six inches on developed property under its amended International Property Maintenance Code, with noxious weeds prohibited outright regardless of height.
Federal Way Weed Height Limit Ordinance
Some RestrictionsFWRC 13.43.030(20)
IPMC 302.4, Weeds, is hereby amended to read as follows: All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of six inches in height on development property or 12 inches in height on vacant land. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants, and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs; however, this term ...
Composting
Federal Way allows residents to compost vegetable waste, ashes, leaves, grass and other organic debris on their own property under FWRC 11.20.030, as long as the pile does not create odors, expose food waste, scatter debris or draw pests.
Federal Way Backyard Composting Rules
Light RestrictionsFWRC 11.20.030
Vegetable wastes, ashes, leaves, grass, plant cuttings and other organic debris may be composted on private premises provided the compost site is maintained so as not to create odors, expose food waste, allow debris to become scattered or increase the risk from pests. Composting any waste that creates a public nuisance or health hazard is prohibited.
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Federal Way city rules.
Landscaping Rules in King County →