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 is a suburban city without a formal dark-sky ordinance, but FWRC Title 19 limits outdoor lighting to shielded, full-cutoff fixtures for new commercial, industrial, and multi-family development. Parking lot poles must be shielded so the lamp is not visible from adjacent residential property and must not exceed posted height maximums (commonly 25 feet). Single-family homeowners face fewer rules but can still be cited under the nuisance and light-trespass provisions if lighting directly floods a neighbor bedroom window. The City Center and downtown streetscape projects along South 320th Street have specific decorative lighting standards. Flashing, strobing, or searchlights not part of a permitted event are prohibited. Color-changing LED facade lighting is generally allowed on commercial buildings but must not create a traffic hazard on Pacific Highway South (SR 99) or Interstate 5 interchanges.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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 dark sky rules.
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