23-100437 DNS
DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE (DNS )
Proposed Text Amendments to Federal Way Revised Code for Accessory
Dwelling Units Title 19 (Zoning and Development Code)
File No: 23-100436-UP & 23-100437-SE
Description: The City is proposing amendments to Federal Way Revised Code Title 19 Zoning and
Development Code to implement the Housing Action Plan Strategy #4 Encourage ADU
production. The proposed amendments are intended to remove regulatory and financial
barriers and streamline the permitting process. The scope of the proposal including
eliminating Land Use review process for ADUs, increasing the maximum size, allowing
ADUs to exceed height of the primary structure, exempting ADU’s from School Impact
Fees, increasing allowed driveway width within required yard setbacks to aid in the
provision of onsite parking, removing the nonconforming lot exclusion, allowing home
occupations, removing owner occupancy requirement, and allowing ADUs within cluster
subdivisions.
Location: Citywide in Single Family Zoned Areas
Applicant: Community Development Department – Planning Division
Lead Agency: City of Federal Way
Staff Contact: Chaney Skadsen, Senior Planner, 253-835-2644, chaney.skadsen@cityofferedalway.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.
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 31 March, 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 21 April 2023, by a written letter stating the reason for the appeal of the
determination. You should be prepared to make specific factual objections.
Responsible Official: Keith Niven
Title: Director of Community Development
Address: 33325 8th Avenue South, Federal Way, WA 98003
Date Issued: March 17th, 2023 Signature: ___________________________