Washington RCW 64.38.055 bars homeowner associations from prohibiting solar collectors on homes, though they may adopt reasonable aesthetic rules. Federal Way has no stricter local preemption.
Washington state law RCW 64.38.055 limits the power of homeowner associations to block solar energy systems on member homes. HOAs may adopt reasonable rules regarding placement, color, and visibility from the street, but they cannot ban rooftop PV outright or impose rules that significantly impair the system's economics or performance. Federal Way does not have a local ordinance that overrides this state protection. A Federal Way HOA can, for example, require that panels match the roof color or be placed on the rear slope when technically feasible, but it cannot require 40 percent shade tolerance or an impossible aesthetic standard. Ground-mount arrays are more subject to HOA architectural review. Disputes generally go through the HOA internal process and can be escalated to civil court; the Washington Attorney General and the Washington Solar Energy Industries Association both publish guidance documents for homeowners.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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...
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