Federal Way, WA Property Maintenance: Garage Sale Rules (2026)

Federal Way does not require a specific garage sale permit under Federal Way Revised Code, but the activity is regulated under FWRC Title 19 (Zoning), which prohibits commercial retail in residential zones except for limited occasional sales. Typical enforcement practice allows up to 3 garage or yard sales per household per calendar year, each lasting no more than 3 consecutive days, to remain classified as a non-commercial activity. Sales must occur on private property (garage, driveway, or front yard) and cannot extend into the public right-of-way or block sidewalks under FWRC Title 4. Parking by shoppers must comply with city parking rules including no blocking driveways, hydrants, or no-parking zones. All unsold items, tables, clothing racks, and signs must be removed from the yard within 24 hours of the sale ending; leaving items outside longer can trigger a property maintenance citation under FWRC Title 13 as a nuisance. Washington state sales tax generally does not apply to casual sales of used household items under RCW 82.12.0273, but recurring or large-scale sales that look like a retail business may require a Federal Way business license and state UBI. Contact Federal Way Code Compliance at 253-835-2641 with questions.