Moving to Federal Way, WA?

Industrial sources in Federal Way must meet WAC 173-60: 70 dBA at industrial receivers, 65 at commercial, and 60 day / 50 night at residential. Code Compliance enforces in areas along I-5 and 348th Street.

Federal Way applies the WAC 173-60 EDNA table. Residential receivers: 55 dBA day / 45 dBA night. Commercial: 60/55. Industrial: 70/65. Limits are measured at the receiving property line, not the source.

Outdoor music events in Federal Way need a special event permit on public property or when amplified beyond neighborhood levels. Receiving limits at residences are 55 dBA day and 45 dBA night.

Federal Way has no dedicated leaf blower ordinance. Residential yard equipment is exempt 7 AM to 10 PM under WAC 173-60.050. Outside those hours blowers must meet 55/45 dBA at property lines.

Federal Way limits amplified music under FWRC Title 7 and WAC 173-60. Receiving limits at residential property lines are 55 dBA day and 45 dBA night. Outdoor venue events require special event permits.

Federal Way lies under Sea-Tac flight paths. Aircraft noise is preempted by federal FAA law and the Sea-Tac Part 150 program. Local rules cannot regulate flights; Port of Seattle runs mitigation programs.

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 window must meet 55/45 dBA limits.

Federal Way noise ordinance quiet hours are 10 PM–7 AM under FWRC Title 7.10 (adopts WAC 173-60). Residential receiving limit drops from 55 dBA daytime to 45 dBA nighttime. Construction noise prohibited 8 PM–7 AM weekdays and 8 PM–9 AM weekends (FWRC 7.10.020). Complaints: (253) 835-6701.

Federal Way prohibits dogs that bark or howl continuously and disturb neighbors under FWRC Title 9. Typical threshold is 20 minutes of continuous noise. Complaints go to King County Regional Animal Services.

Federal Way STRs must provide off-street parking under FWRC Title 19. On-street overflow should not create congestion and unpaved parking of guest vehicles is not permitted.

Federal Way does not currently impose an annual night cap on short-term rentals. Unlike Seattle, there is no local limit on how many nights per year a property may be rented for stays under 30 days.

Federal Way STRs follow building code occupancy standards, generally two persons per bedroom plus two additional. RCW 64.37 requires operators to post maximum occupancy inside the unit.

STR guests in Federal Way follow the citywide noise ordinance in FWRC Chapter 7.10. Quiet hours are typically 10 PM to 7 AM and operators must maintain a 24-hour local contact under RCW 64.37.

Federal Way STR operators must register with WA DOR through the Business Licensing Service, obtain a Federal Way business endorsement, and register local contact info under RCW 64.37.

RCW 64.37.040 requires Federal Way STR operators to maintain at least 1 million dollars in liability insurance or rent only through a platform that provides equivalent coverage.

Federal Way STR operators collect Washington retail sales tax, King County lodging tax, and state and local lodging taxes. Combined rates typically run around 12 to 13 percent, remitted through WA DOR.

Federal Way STR operators must comply with RCW 64.37, which requires liability insurance, on-site safety info, and tax registration. A Federal Way business registration is also required.

Backyard recreational fires are allowed in Federal Way under FWRC 13.31. Fires must be under 3 ft wide and 2 ft tall, use clean firewood, be supervised, and sit 25 ft from structures. Burn bans override.

Federal Way is rated low-to-moderate wildfire risk by DNR. No formal Wildland-Urban Interface overlay applies, but forested green belts and BPA corridors elevate local risk. Burn bans enforce during drought.

Federal Way has no defensible space mandate but requires removal of hazardous vegetation under FWRC 13.31 and the Property Maintenance Code. Dead or overgrown fire-risk vegetation must be abated on complaint.

Federal Way enforces WAC 51-51-0314 via FWRC 13.22. Smoke alarms required in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every floor. CO detectors required per RCW 19.27.530 in all dwellings.

Federal Way allows recreational fire pits under FWRC 13.31 (2021 IFC). Fires must be under 3 ft wide and 2 ft tall, use clean firewood, and be supervised with water nearby. Burn bans override local rules.

All consumer fireworks are illegal year-round in Federal Way under FWRC Chapter 6.63, including sparklers. First offense: $300 fine plus confiscation. Only licensed public displays are allowed.

Outdoor burning of yard debris and land-clearing waste is prohibited year-round in Federal Way under PSCAA Regulation I. Only small recreational fires under FWRC 13.31 are allowed, subject to burn bans.

Commercial trucks over 10,000 pounds GVWR generally cannot park on Federal Way residential streets except for active loading. Industrial areas and truck routes have separate rules.

Federal Way driveway aprons require Public Works approval under FWRC Title 4. New or widened driveways need a right-of-way construction permit, and vehicles must not block sidewalks.

Federal Way follows Washington State Building Code EV-ready requirements for new multifamily and commercial buildings. Public chargers exist at the Transit Center and City Hall, with idle fees common.

Federal Way does not ban routine overnight street parking in residential zones, but the 72-hour limit and posted time-limit areas still apply. Park-and-ride lots prohibit overnight stays.

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 surface, generally behind the front-yard setback.

Federal Way allows on-street parking on most residential streets with a 72-hour maximum per RCW 46.55.010. Posted no-parking zones, school zones, and time-limit blocks override the general rule.

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 impound-notice rules.

Retaining walls over 4 feet tall require a building permit and engineering in Federal Way under IBC 1807. Walls with surcharge (driveway, pool) require permits at any height. Geohazard areas add review.

Federal Way requires a 4-foot minimum barrier around residential pools under IRC Appendix G and FWRC. Self-closing, self-latching gates required. Pools 24 inches deep or more trigger the barrier rule.

Federal Way permits common fence materials (wood, vinyl, chain link, wrought iron, composite) in residential zones. Barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences are prohibited residentially.

Federal Way fences must meet zoning standards for height, setback, and sight triangles under FWRC 19.125. Front yard 4 ft, rear/side 6 ft. Barbed wire is restricted in residential zones.

Federal Way does not mandate shared cost for boundary fences. Owners build on their own side of the line. Washington RCW 7.28 governs boundary disputes. Spite fences may be actionable under common law.

Fences up to 6 feet in residential zones do not require a permit in Federal Way. Fences over 6 feet, retaining walls over 4 feet, and critical area or shoreline fences require permits.

Federal Way allows fences up to 6 feet in residential side and rear yards and up to 4 feet in front yards under FWRC 19.125.160. Corner lot sight-triangle rules apply. Taller fences require permit review.

Federal Way prohibits feeding wildlife that creates nuisance or attracts predators under WAC 232-36 and FWRC nuisance code. Feeding bears, coyotes, and raccoons is banned. Bird feeders are allowed.

Large livestock in Federal Way are restricted to Suburban Estate zones and larger rural lots under FWRC 19.195. Minimum acreage per animal required. Most residential zones prohibit livestock.

Federal Way allows up to 4 small domestic fowl (hens) on residential lots under 35,000 sq ft, with larger limits on bigger lots. Roosters are restricted. Coops need 10-foot setbacks from property lines under FWRC 19.260.

Federal Way prohibits dangerous exotic animals under RCW 16.30 and KCC Title 11. Large cats, primates, bears, crocodilians, and venomous reptiles are banned. Common reptiles and small mammals are allowed.

Federal Way allows residential beekeeping under FWRC 19.260. Up to 4 hives on standard lots with 10-ft setbacks. Flyway barrier required within 25 ft of a neighbor. WSDA registration over 5 hives.

Federal Way requires dogs to be leashed in public under KCC 11.04, leash no longer than 8 feet. Off-leash is allowed only at designated parks like Wedgewood Dog Park and French Lake Off-Leash Area.

Federal Way does not impose breed-specific legislation. Dangerous dog rules apply based on individual behavior under RCW 16.08 and King County Code Title 11, regardless of breed.

Federal Way encourages native plant landscaping under FWRC 19.125. Natives can meet landscape buffer, parking lot, and critical-area mitigation requirements. SWM promotes natives for stormwater and habitat benefits.

Federal Way tree trimming is governed by FWRC 19.120 and 4.35. Routine pruning needs no permit, but heavy pruning or topping of a significant tree that removes over 25% of canopy may count as removal.

Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Federal Way under RCW 36.89.080. Rain barrels and cisterns need no permit; indoor/plumbed systems require a permit under FWRC 13.22.

Artificial turf is generally allowed on residential property in Federal Way, but it cannot replace required living landscape under FWRC 19.125. Large installs trigger stormwater rules as impervious surface.

Lakehaven Water and Sewer District serves Federal Way and promotes voluntary conservation year-round. No standing odd/even watering days. Mandatory restrictions apply only during declared drought emergencies.

Federal Way has no specific grass-height number but prohibits overgrown grass and weeds that create nuisances or fire hazards under FWRC Title 22 and the IPMC. Grass over 10-12 in typically triggers complaints.

Federal Way regulates tree removal under FWRC 19.120. Any tree 6 inches DBH or larger generally needs approval and must meet Tree Units per Acre standards in Table 19.120.130-1. Smaller trees may be exempt.

Federal Way prohibits noxious weeds under FWRC Title 22, the IPMC, and King County Noxious Weed rules (RCW 17.10). Class A and B weeds must be controlled. Nuisance weeds trigger abatement.

Cottage food is allowed in Federal Way with a WSDA permit ($355). Only non-hazardous foods (baked goods, jams, dry mixes) may be sold, capped at $25,000 per year. FWRC 19.270 home-occupation rules also apply.

Federal Way allows home occupations as accessory uses in residential zones under FWRC Chapter 19.270. A home occupation approval is required and activity must stay clearly secondary to residential use.

Home occupations are permitted in all Federal Way residential zones under FWRC 19.270: must be run by a resident family member, no exterior evidence, max 4 customer visits per day, and no adverse impacts on neighbors.

Federal Way prohibits exterior signage for home businesses under FWRC 19.270. The home-occupation rule bars any outside indication of the business. Signs require Process III conditional use approval.

Federal Way caps home-occupation customer visits at 4 per day under FWRC 19.270. Commercial deliveries are limited to vehicles under 26,000 lbs GVWR. Higher-traffic operations need Process III approval.

Federal Way permits family home child care in single-family homes. State-licensed providers caring for 12 or fewer children are allowed under RCW 35.63.185 and Federal Way Revised Code Title 19 zoning.

Federal Way requires building permits for swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs deeper than 24 inches. Permits are issued by the Federal Way Community Development Permit Center under the WA State Building Code.

Federal Way requires pool barriers at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates under IRC Appendix G. Barriers are mandatory for pools and spas deeper than 24 inches.

Federal Way requires permits and barriers for above-ground pools deeper than 24 inches. A pool wall at least 48 inches tall can serve as the barrier if the ladder is removable or locked.

Federal Way treats hot tubs and spas like pools under IRC Appendix G. Hot tubs with ASTM F1346 compliant lockable covers may be exempt from a perimeter barrier. Permits, GFCI, and NEC 680 bonding are required.

Federal Way pool owners must comply with the federal VGB Act for anti-entrapment drains, GFCI electrical protection, and WAC 246-260 for public or semi-public pools. Private pools follow state building code.

Carports in Federal Way are accessory structures under FWRC Title 19 and generally need permits if over 200 sq ft. Setbacks, height, and lot-coverage apply. Fabric carports in front yards are often restricted.

Federal Way allows tiny homes on permanent foundations as ADUs or primary dwellings under FWRC 19.200 and 19.265. Tiny homes on wheels are RVs and cannot be permanent dwellings on residential lots.

Federal Way allows up to 2 ADUs per single-family lot under FWRC 19.200/19.265, updated for WA HB 1337 (2023). Max 1,000 sq ft each, attached or detached. Owner-occupancy is no longer required.

Federal Way exempts one-story sheds up to 200 sq ft from building permits under FWRC 13.15 and WAC 51-16-080. Larger sheds, electrical/plumbing work, or critical-area locations need permits. Zoning setbacks always apply.

Garage conversions in Federal Way require building permits under FWRC 13.15 and 13.22. Habitable conversions trigger egress, insulation, smoke/CO, and utility permits. Conversions to ADUs are allowed under HB 1337.

Federal Way is an NPDES Phase II city and enforces Department of Ecology stormwater standards. New development and redevelopment over 2,000 sf trigger mitigation under the 2019 stormwater manual.

Federal Way requires Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control (TESC) plans for construction projects disturbing 7,000 sf or more per state rules. Silt fencing, cover, and stabilized entrances are standard.

Federal Way requires a grading permit for most cut or fill over 50 cubic yards under FWRC Title 19. Drainage changes must match the DOE Western Washington Stormwater Manual and not harm neighbors.

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.

Docks, piers, mooring buoys, and floats on Puget Sound or regulated lakes require a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit, Conditional Use, or written exemption under FWRC Chapter 15.05, plus state and federal approvals from WDFW and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Federal Way is a FEMA-participating community with floodplain along Hylebos Creek, Lakota Creek, and Puget Sound shoreline. New construction in mapped AE zones requires elevation 1 foot above base flood.

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.

Home cultivation of recreational cannabis is illegal in Federal Way and throughout Washington under I-502 and RCW 69.50. Qualifying medical patients may grow up to 6 plants at home under RCW 69.51A.

Washington RCW 64.38.055 bars homeowner associations from prohibiting solar collectors on homes, though they may adopt reasonable aesthetic rules. Federal Way has no stricter local preemption.

Federal Way uses the Washington State Building Code for rooftop solar. Most residential PV systems need an electrical permit from L and I and a structural review from Federal Way.

Federal Way permits political campaign signs on private property with the owner's consent under FWRC Title 19. No permit is required, but signs in the public right-of-way are prohibited and may be removed by city crews.

Federal Way does not restrict seasonal holiday lights, inflatables, or decorations on private residential property. Displays must comply with electrical safety codes and not obstruct sidewalks or the right-of-way.

Federal Way allows garage sale signs on private property during the sale but prohibits them in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, and on traffic signs. Signs must be removed within 24 hours of sale end.

Federal Way prohibits blighted property including junk accumulation, broken windows, graffiti, and derelict structures under FWRC Titles 1 and 13 with civil penalties up to 500 dollars per day.

Federal Way requires trash, recycling, and yard waste carts to be stored out of public view between collection days. Permanent front-yard or curbside storage is a property maintenance violation under FWRC Title 1.

Federal Way allows residential garage sales without a permit but limits them to keep the activity non-commercial. Items, tables, and signs must be removed within 24 hours of the sale end.

Federal Way requires vacant lots to be maintained free of debris, tall weeds, and nuisance conditions under FWRC Title 13. Owners must keep vegetation under 12 inches and remove junk within 30 days of notice.

Federal Way does not have a citywide ordinance requiring homeowners to shovel snow from public sidewalks. Sidewalks must be kept clear of obstructions year-round under FWRC Title 4.

Federal Way has no International Dark-Sky ordinance but requires shielded, full-cutoff outdoor lighting on new commercial and multi-family projects under FWRC 19 landscape and design standards.

Federal Way treats neighbor light complaints as code nuisances. Lighting that directly shines onto another residential property, especially into windows, can be ordered corrected.

Federal Way does not operate a citywide rental registration or inspection program. Landlords follow the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act and Federal Way business license rules for rental activity.

Washington RCW 59.18.650 requires just cause to end most residential tenancies. Federal Way landlords must identify one of the 16 statutory grounds and give the required written notice before filing eviction.

Rent control is preempted by Washington RCW 35.21.830, so Federal Way cannot cap rent increases. State HB 1351 notice rules and RCW 59.18 just-cause eviction protections still apply.

Federal Way requires garbage, recycling, and yard waste carts to be at the curb by 7 a.m. on collection day and returned the same day. Carts cannot block sidewalks, bike lanes, hydrants, or vehicle sight lines.

Federal Way's solid waste, recycling, and yard waste collection is provided by Waste Management (WM) under an exclusive city contract per FWRC 11.20. Weekly service is mandatory for most residences.

Federal Way provides curbside recycling to all single-family residences at no extra charge through Waste Management. Accepted items include paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and plastic bottles and tubs.

Federal Way residents can schedule bulky item pickup with Waste Management for an extra fee or self-haul to the King County Algona Transfer Station. Mattresses, appliances, and furniture are accepted with limits.

Commercial drones in Federal Way require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification, Remote ID, and LAANC authorization for the SEA Class B airspace that covers most of the city. City park operations require a permit.

Recreational drones in Federal Way follow FAA rules under 49 USC 44809: TRUST test, Remote ID, and registration for drones over 250g. The city restricts launch and landing in parks without a permit.

Federal Way allows food truck operation in commercial, city center, and industrial zones. Residential zones are off-limits except for private catered events. Downtown and park operations need permits.

Food trucks in Federal Way need a King County Public Health mobile food unit permit, a Federal Way business license, and site-specific zoning approval when operating on private property or the ROW.

Federal Way residents can post a No Soliciting sign to legally bar commercial door-to-door sales. Ignoring a posted sign constitutes criminal trespass under RCW 9A.52.080 enforceable by Federal Way Police.

Door-to-door solicitors in Federal Way must obtain a Peddler/Solicitor/Transient Merchant License with a background check and Federal Way business registration. Permits include a photo ID badge that must be worn visibly.

Federal Way parks are closed to the public from dusk (or posted hours) until 6 a.m. under FWRC Title 4 park rules. Violators are subject to trespass warnings, exclusion orders, and civil or criminal citations.

Federal Way's juvenile curfew under FWRC Title 7 prohibits minors under 18 from public places late at night, authorized by RCW 35.21.635. Exceptions apply for work, emergencies, and parental accompaniment.

Federal Way limits building and impervious coverage in residential zones and requires stormwater mitigation beyond certain thresholds under the Surface Water Design Manual.

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.

Federal Way single-family setbacks under FWRC 19 are typically 20 ft front, 5 ft side, and 5 ft rear in RS zones. Corner lots, accessory structures, and critical areas change the numbers.

FWRC 19.120.130 requires single-family residential sites to maintain a minimum of 25 tree units per acre, and multifamily/commercial/industrial sites to maintain a minimum of 20 tree units per acre. Replacement plantings must meet the size and species standards set in FWRC 19.120.130(4).

FWRC 19.120.040 prohibits removing any trees on a site without first obtaining approval of a tree retention plan by the director. Clearing, grading, filling, or drainage alteration also requires city approval per FWRC 19.120.040(1).

Federal Way does not have a dedicated heritage-tree program, but FWRC 19.120 protects "significant trees," defined under FWRC 19.05.190 as trees of 12-inch DBH or greater for evergreens and most deciduous species (excluding red alder, cottonwood, and big-leaf maple).

FWRC Chapter 19.120 is Federal Way's comprehensive tree and vegetation retention ordinance. It regulates clearing, grading, tree removal, replacement, and protection during construction citywide.

Federal Way does not require a permit for residential garage or yard sales. Sales are generally limited to 3 per household per year lasting no more than 3 days each to avoid triggering business license requirements.

Federal Way HOAs may levy regular and special assessments under RCW 64.90 or 64.38. Unpaid assessments become liens and may be foreclosed after statutory notice and cure periods.

Federal Way HOAs under RCW 64.90 must offer internal dispute procedures before sanctions. Mediation and King County Superior Court are typical forums for HOA-owner disputes.

Federal Way HOAs formed on or after July 1, 2018 follow RCW 64.90 WUCIOA. Board procedures require proper notice, open meetings, voting quorums, and minutes. Older HOAs fall under RCW 64.38.

Federal Way HOAs enforce CCRs through notices, fines, and liens. Under RCW 64.90, enforcement must follow due process with written notice and opportunity to be heard.

Federal Way HOAs run architectural review through committees under RCW 64.90. Decisions must use written standards applied consistently and timely. City permits still apply separately.

FWRC 19.290 governs where mobile vendors and vehicle-based sales may operate in Federal Way, with location standards keyed to the zoning district and proximity to existing uses. Public right-of-way vending also requires a permit under FWRC 4.30.050.

Mobile food and retail vendors operating in Federal Way must complete a Mobile Food or Retail Vendor Supplemental Checklist with their City Business License under FWRC 19.290. Use of public right-of-way (street or sidewalk) requires a Right-of-Way Activity Permit under FWRC 4.30.050.

Any production that closes or partially closes a Federal Way street, lane, or sidewalk must obtain a Right-of-Way Activity Permit under FWRC 4.30.050, which requires a traffic-control plan and may require Public Works approval of detour routing.

Federal Way does not maintain a stand-alone city film permit. Filming on private property requires only property-owner consent; filming on city streets, sidewalks, or rights-of-way requires a Right-of-Way Activity Permit under FWRC 4.30.050. King County serves as the regional film liaison.

Federal Way requires property owners to keep buildings free of rodents, insects, and other vermin under the Property Maintenance Code. Chronic infestations can trigger code compliance action.

Federal Way pre-1978 housing is subject to federal lead disclosure and RRP rules. Contractors must be EPA-certified and follow lead-safe practices under 40 CFR 745.

Federal Way elevators are regulated by Washington Labor and Industries under RCW 70.87 and WAC 296-96. Annual inspection, licensed maintenance, and a current state operating certificate are required.

Federal Way follows Washington State Building Code (WAC 296-874) and IBC Chapter 33 for scaffolding. Commercial scaffold work requires L and I permits and daily safety inspections under RCW 19.27.