Federal Way's Shoreline Master Program is codified in FWRC Title 15, primarily Chapter 15.05. All uses and development in shoreline jurisdiction must conform to RCW 90.58 and the city's SMP regardless of whether a permit is otherwise required.
FWRC 15.05 implements the Washington Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58) for Federal Way's shoreline jurisdiction, which includes Puget Sound and the regulated lakes (Star, Steel, Dolloff, North, Geneva, Killarney, and Five Mile). The chapter sets environment designations, use regulations, buffer and setback standards, and shoreline permit requirements (Substantial Development, Conditional Use, and Variance). All shoreline projects must incorporate stormwater BMPs and address geologic hazards including seismic, landslide, steep slope, and erosion areas. All salt-water shorelines in the city are classified as critical salmonid habitat, which triggers heightened review standards.
Violations of the SMP are enforced under FWRC 1.15 and RCW 90.58. Penalties under RCW 90.58.210 can reach up to $1,000 per day per violation, plus restoration costs, and may include criminal misdemeanor charges for willful violations.
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 shoreline management.
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