King County Board of Health Code Title 8 requires property owners to keep premises free of rat harborage and to use rodent-proof construction for refuse storage. Public Health investigates complaints in unincorporated areas and contracts with cities.
Board of Health Code chapters governing solid waste and nuisance conditions require owners to eliminate rat harborage such as wood piles touching ground, dense ivy, uncapped sewer cleanouts, and food sources like pet bowls left outside. Garbage must be stored in rodent-proof containers with tight lids. PHSKC environmental health staff respond to complaints, inspect, and issue notice and order to abate. Severe infestations near food establishments or schools can trigger countywide pest abatement campaigns coordinated with cities and Metro.
Owners who fail to abate after notice may face daily civil penalties, abatement performed by the county at the owner's expense, and recordation of liens against the property.
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 Federal Way's rodent control rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.