Federal Way, WA Property Maintenance: Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (2026)

Unlike many Midwest and East Coast cities, Federal Way does not have a municipal code provision requiring property owners to clear snow and ice from the public sidewalks adjacent to their property. Federal Way Revised Code Title 4 (Traffic Code) and Title 13 require property owners to maintain sidewalks free from obstructions, debris, and overgrown vegetation that would impede pedestrian travel, and to repair sidewalk damage originating from the property (such as tree root heave). During the infrequent Federal Way snow event, Public Works focuses on plowing arterial and collector streets and does not plow residential streets or sidewalks. Residents are encouraged but not legally required to shovel snow in front of their homes. Businesses with heavy foot traffic and ADA-compliant entrances may have a common-law duty and ADA obligation to maintain safe access, and slip-and-fall liability can still attach to negligent property owners under RCW 7.72 premises liability principles. Sidewalks damaged or obstructed by overgrown hedges, garbage cans, or parked vehicles are citable under FWRC with fines starting at 100 dollars. Federal Way sits on a plateau between Puget Sound and the Green River valley, so lowland snow events are rare but can be icy. Call Federal Way Public Works at 253-835-2700 for snow route and maintenance questions.