8a - RVs on Residential PropertiesC_ of
Federal Way
Centered on Opportunity
Recreational
Vehicles
proposed code amendments
PUBLIC HEARING
City Council
September 3, 2024
Policy Question
Should the City of Federal Way amend the Federal Way
Revised Code (FWRC) Title 19, "Zoning and
Development," replacing the size limitation for
recreational vehicles parked on residential properties
with other standards to make it easier for property
owners and residents to store these vehicles on their
property?
1. Delete the limitation of 9 x 22 feet
2. Add "utility trailer" to this code section
3. Add definition for "Utility trailer"
4. New Requirements:
May not intrude into ROW or obstruct visibility
Shall not be parked in front yard unless there is no
reasonable access to side yard or back yard
No more than 1 RV
Not used as residence, unless approved by City
Shall be licensed & operable
■ Shall be owned by property owner or resident
Decision Criteria:
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FWRC 19.80.130 provides criteria for zoning text amendments. The following section analyzes compliance of the proposed zoning text
amendments with the criteria provided by this chapter. The City may amend the text of the FWRC only if it finds that:
1. The proposed amendments are consistent with the applicable provisions of the comprehensive plan.
Staff Response: The proposed FWRC text amendments support the following Comprehensive Plan Goal and Policies:
LUP 1 Use development standards and design guidelines to maintain neighborhood character and ensure compatibility with
surrounding uses.
LUP 10 Support the continuation of a strong residential community.
LUG3 Preserve and protect Federal Way's single-family neighborhoods.
LUP 13 Maintain and protect the character of existing single-family neighborhoods through strict enforcement of the City's land use
regulations.
2. The proposed amendments bear a substantial relationship to public health, safety, or welfare.
Staff Response: The current code provides a size limitation to recreational vehicles and boats. The proposed FWRC text amendments bear a
substantial relationship to the public health, safety, and welfare because the amendments 1) remove the somewhat arbitrary size limitations
allowing for these vehicles and trailers to be legally parked and stored on residential property; and 2) include more detailed siting criteria that
must be met:
a. including utility trailers to the regulations and provisions;
b. ensuring the rv, boat, or utility trailer does not create a sight visibility hazard;
c. requiring the rv, trailer, or boat belong to the resident of the property;
d. requiring the rv, trailer, or boat to be licensed and operable; and,
e. limiting the number of these items stored outdoors on each property to 1 of each.
3. The proposed amendments are in the best interest of the residents of the City.
Staff Response: The proposed amendments include an evaluation of regulations imposed by nearby cities and incorporates those relevant to
Federal Way. Although the proposed amendments remove the somewhat arbitrary size limitations, the incorporation of additional limitations
will minimize the occurrence of RVs, utility trailers and boats become a neighborhood nuisance.
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The utility trailer or boat shall be owned by a resident or owner of the #property-ovymer. The
recreational vehicle shall be owned or occupied by the mpper esident or the
o er-resident or owner of the property.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, recreational vehicles, utility trailers, or boats may be parked
temporarily for loading and unloading activities regardless of whether such parking is consistent
with the requirements of this section.
Options
Option 1: Approve the proposed Ordinance
Option 2: Do not approve the proposed
Ordinance and provide direction to staff
Mayor's Recommendation: Option 1