Federal Way, WA Sign Regulations: Garage Sale Signs (2026)

Federal Way regulates temporary event and garage sale signs under Federal Way Revised Code Title 19 (Zoning and Signs) and Title 4 (Traffic and Streets). Garage sale signs are allowed on private property with the owner's consent during the sale and for a reasonable period (generally 24 hours) before and after. Individual signs cannot exceed 4 square feet in area in residential zones and must not obstruct sidewalks, sight lines at intersections, or driveway access. Placement of garage sale signs on utility poles, street light poles, traffic signs, fences, and in the planting strip between sidewalk and curb is prohibited under FWRC Title 19 and is a common code complaint in Federal Way neighborhoods like Dash Point, Twin Lakes, Lakota, and Mirror Lake. Signs attached to utility poles with nails, staples, or tape can also create safety hazards for line workers and can be removed by Puget Sound Energy without notice. City crews and Code Compliance officers remove signs from the right-of-way on a reactive and proactive basis and store them for pickup at City Hall. Chronic violators may be fined 100 to 250 dollars under FWRC Title 1 (Civil Enforcement). Stay within private yard boundaries to avoid issues. Call Code Compliance at 253-835-2641 with questions.