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.
FWRC Chapter 19.125 sets landscape standards for development in Federal Way, requiring landscape buffers, street trees, and parking lot landscaping based on use and zoning district. Native plants and drought-tolerant species are encouraged and can be used to meet these requirements. Native landscaping supports Puget Sound salmon recovery, reduces irrigation demand, and provides pollinator habitat. For critical-area mitigation (wetlands, streams, steep slopes) under FWRC Title 19, native plants are typically required; non-native or invasive species are prohibited in critical-area buffers. The city's Surface Water Management (SWM) division offers native plant guidance through the Rain Garden Handbook and Low Impact Development (LID) programs. The Washington Native Plant Society and WSU Master Gardeners maintain recommended lists for the Puget Lowland. Common native choices include sword fern, salal, Oregon grape, red-flowering currant, Douglas fir, western hemlock, bigleaf maple, and vine maple. Residential owners face no requirement to use native plants but are encouraged to do so.
No penalty for not using natives on residential lots. In mitigation sites and critical-area buffers, failure to use required native species can void permit approvals and trigger mitigation enforcement.
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...
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