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 relies on state noise rules for leaf blower use. WAC 173-60.050, adopted through FWRC Title 7, exempts sounds from residentially operated lawn and garden equipment (including leaf blowers, mowers, and trimmers) from the decibel limits between 7 AM and 10 PM daily. Outside that window, leaf blowers must meet the 55 dBA daytime or 45 dBA nighttime receiving limit at adjacent property lines. Gas-powered backpack blowers typically produce 75 to 90 dBA at 50 feet, which cannot realistically meet the nighttime standard. Commercial landscape contractors working residential properties are subject to the same exemption hours but face tighter scrutiny on decibel levels when received on neighboring lots. Federal Way has not adopted Seattle-style gas blower phase-outs as of 2026. Homeowners should prefer battery-electric models, use blowers in short bursts, and avoid Sunday morning use as a neighborly courtesy even where permitted.
Use outside the 7 AM to 10 PM window that exceeds WAC 173-60 limits is a civil infraction. Complaints are handled by Federal Way Police non-emergency at (253) 835-6701.
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