Federal Way, WA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit, developed property
- 6 inches
- Noxious weeds
- Prohibited at any height
- Exempt growth
- Cultivated flowers and gardens
- Governing code
- 2021 IPMC as amended, FWRC 13.43
- First penalty
- $100.00, FWRC 1.15.040(5)
- Unpaid penalty result
- City abatement plus lien on property
Summary
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.
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 shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-1049, passed August 11, 2026).
Full Breakdown
4 as adopted for Federal Way to require that all premises and exterior property be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of six inches in height on developed property. The chapter defines weeds broadly as all grasses, annual plants, and vegetation other than trees or shrubs, but exempts cultivated flowers and gardens from the height limit. Noxious weeds are prohibited outright with no height threshold. 15 FWRC. 050 instead of paying a penalty. 080.
Violations & Fines
An uncorrected weed violation under FWRC 13.43.030(20) accrues a monetary penalty for each day it continues past the correction deadline in the notice and order: $100 for the first violation, $200 for a second violation of the same nature or a continuing violation, $300 for a third, and $500 for each additional violation beyond three, under FWRC 1.15.040(5). If the owner does not pay or correct within 30 days, the city can abate the growth itself and bring the cost, plus outstanding penalties, before the city council for confirmation and assessment as a lien on the property under FWRC 1.15.080.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can grass or weeds legally get on my property in Federal Way?
Who enforces the weed height limit in Federal Way?
What happens if I do not cut overgrown weeds after being cited?
Can I contest a weed violation notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
How Federal Way compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Federal Way to another location·View the Washington landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle weed ordinances.