SEPA DNS - Residential Open Space Code Updates - 5-12-23
NOTICE
SEPA DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE (DNS)
Residential Open Space Development Regulation Text Amendments in Federal Way
Revised Code (FWRC) Title 18 (Subdivisions) and Title 19 (Zoning & Development Code)
File No: 23-102433-UP & 23-102434-SE
Description: The City of Federal Way proposes amendments to residential open space code development
regulations within Federal Way Revised Code Title 18 – Subdivisions – and Title 19 – Zoning and
Development Code. These code updates are intended to improve consistency of open space
requirements between and within Title 18 and 19 and among zones, clarify ambiguous or unclear
code language, expand flexibility for how open space requirements may be met, and be consistent
with and implement the Federal Way Housing Action Plan. Consistent with this intent, code
updates include but may not be limited to: expanding “usable open space” definition to account for
both ‘active’ and ‘passive’ open space and clarifying amenities that fall within each; definition
clarifications; changing the method for calculating required usable open space for residential
subdivisions from a percent of gross land area to sq. ft. per unit; clarifying and/or updating certain
open space design or amenity standards; establishing exemptions from open space standards for
short plats below a certain number of lots; updating the calculation method, review, applicability
and processing of fee-in-lieu of open space requests; updating the administrative alteration
provision within FWRC 18.55.060; improving the consistency of open space code within FWRC
Title 19 chapters and sections including, but not necessarily limited to, zoning use charts; and,
expansion of the fee-in-lieu of open space option to at least the community business (BC) zone.
Applicant: Federal Way Community Development Department – Planning Division
Lead Agency: City of Federal Way
Staff Contact: Evan Lewis, Senior Planner; 253-835-2646; evan.lewis@cityoffederalway.com
The city’s Responsible Official has determined that the proposal does not have a probable significant adverse
impact on the environment, and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required under RCW
43.21C.030(2)(c). This decision was made after review of a completed environmental checklist and other
information on file with the city.
A completed environmental checklist and supporting documents are available for review at the City of Federal Way
Community Development Department (Federal Way City Hall, 33325 8th Avenue South, Federal Way, WA 98003,
253-835-7000), from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; and available via the contact above.
This DNS is issued under WAC 197-11-340(2). The lead agency will not act on this proposal for 14 days from the
date of issuance. Comments must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on May 26, 2023. Unless modified by the city, this
determination will become final following the comment deadline. Any person aggrieved by the city’s determination
may file an appeal with the city within 21 days of the above comment deadline. You may appeal this determination
to the Federal Way City Clerk (address above), no later than 5:00 p.m. on June 16, 2023, by a written letter stating
the reason for the appeal of the determination. You should be prepared to make specific factual objections.
SEPA Responsible Official: Keith Niven
Title: Community Development Director/SEPA Responsible Official
Address: 33325 8th Avenue South, Federal Way, WA 98003
Contact info: 253-835-2612; Keith.Niven@cityoffederalway.com
Date Issued: May 12, 2023 Signature: _________________________