Federal Way, WA Parking Rules: Snow Removal Parking Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Who declares an alert
- Public works director or designee
- Where posted
- City website (primary snow routes)
- Tow authority
- Federal Way police, FWRC 8.60.040
- Governing chapter
- FWRC Chapter 8.60
Summary
When Federal Way's public works director declares a snow alert, FWRC 8.60.030 bans parking on any designated primary snow route until the alert ends, and Federal Way police can tow a vehicle left on that route under FWRC 8.60.040, with notice given under state law.
A snow alert may be declared by the public works director or designee in the event that snow or ice accumulates or is forecasted to accumulate within city limits and when, in the sole discretion of the public works director or designee, vehicles stopped, parked, or left standing on primary snow routes would impede the proper and efficient removal of snow and/or application of deicing or traction materials to roadway surfaces. ... Vehicles stopped, parked, or left standing upon any roadways designated as primary snow routes shall be prohibited from the time a snow alert goes into effect until the snow alert is terminated by the public works director or designee.
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
010). The city's public information officer distributes the alert once declared. 020). 030 prohibits stopping, parking or leaving any vehicle standing on a designated primary snow route until the director or designee ends the alert. 55 RCW applying to the tow. 050 requires a driver whose vehicle becomes stopped, stalled or left standing on any snow-, sleet- or ice-covered travelway during an alert, on or off a snow route, to get it towed or moved immediately rather than leaving it in the roadway, though vehicles parked entirely within a designated parking area off a snow route are exempt. These sections were all adopted together by Ordinance No. 19-875, October 1, 2019.
Violations & Fines
A vehicle parked on a designated primary snow route during a declared snow alert can be towed immediately by Federal Way police under FWRC 8.60.040, with notice given under Chapter 46.55 RCW, and the owner bears the towing and storage costs. Leaving a disabled vehicle blocking a snow-covered travelway in violation of FWRC 8.60.050 is enforced the same way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out if my street is a primary snow route?
Can my car be towed during a snow alert in Federal Way?
What if my car breaks down on a snowy street during an alert?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
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