Federal Way, WA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Code adopted
- 2021 International Property Maintenance Code
- Weed limit
- 6 in. developed / 12 in. vacant land
- Enforcement route
- Title 1 FWRC, not IPMC penalty sections
- Code official
- Federal Way Building Official
- Appeals
- Federal Way hearing examiner, FWRC 13.11.080
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine and/or 90 days jail
Summary
Federal Way holds rental and other occupied properties to the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code, adopted citywide by FWRC 13.43.020 and locally amended to add a specific weed-height standard: exterior property must stay under six inches of weeds or plant growth on developed land, or 12 inches on vacant land, with the building official acting as code official.
The 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) is adopted as amended, added to, or excepted in this chapter, and shall be applicable within the city. Where this code is in conflict with one or more of the city's adopted regulations, the more restrictive language shall apply. ... IPMC 302.4, Weeds, is hereby amended to read as follows: All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of six inches in height on development property or 12 inches in height on vacant land. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited.
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
020, which applies to every occupied structure in the city and directs that where the IPMC conflicts with another city regulation, the more restrictive language shall apply. 5) are each deleted in their entirety, and notice of violation is instead served in accordance with Title 1 of the Federal Way Revised Code. 080. 4 so that a property's exterior must be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of six inches in height on development property or 12 inches in height on vacant land, with noxious weeds banned outright regardless of height. 030(2). 030 if work or occupancy continues unlawfully.
Violations & Fines
A property maintenance violation is enforced under Chapter 1.15 FWRC rather than the deleted IPMC penalty sections: the code official serves a notice of violation, and continued noncompliance or unlawful occupancy can draw an order to cease activity under FWRC 1.15.030 and a misdemeanor charge under FWRC 1.10.010, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What habitability code applies to Federal Way rentals?
How tall can weeds get on a rental property before it's a violation?
Who enforces property maintenance violations in Federal Way?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
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Repairs & Habitability in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle repairs & habitability.