2024 04 April 17 Planning Commission PacketPLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
City Hall – Council Chambers
April 17, 2024 – 5:00 p.m.
1.CALL MEETING TO ORDER
2.ROLL CALL
3.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of April 3, 2024
4.PUBLIC COMMENT
None scheduled
5.COMMISSION BUSINESS
a.Land Use, Capital Facilities and Utilities Chapter Pre-Hearing Briefing
6.STAFF BUSINESS
Manager’s Report
7.NEXT MEETING
May 1, 2024 5:00pm – Regular Meeting
8.ADJOURNMENT
Planning Commission meetings are held in-person.
To request accommodation to attend or to provide public comment virtually, please contact Samantha Homan at
253-835-2601 or samantha.homan@cityoffederalway.com, no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 16, 2024.
Commissioners City Staff
Tom Medhurst, Chair Keith Niven, Community Development Director
Vickie Chynoweth, Vice Chair Samantha Homan, Office Manager
Diana Noble-Gulliford www.cityoffederalway.com
Lawson Bronson
Tim O’Neil
Anna Patrick
Jae So
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PLANNING COMMISSION
Meeting Agenda Table of Contents
City Hall – Council Chambers
April 17, 2024 – 5:00 p.m.
1.Planning Commission Minutes April 3, 2024… page 3
2.Commission Business Item A: Land Use, Utilities, and Capital Facilities Chapter Pre-
Hearing Briefing
a.Land Use
i.Staff Memo… page 5
ii.Chapter (redline)… page 15
iii.Chapter (clean)… page 63
b.Capital Facilities
i.Staff Memo… page 81
ii.Chapter (redline)… page 85
iii.Chapter (clean)… page 149
c.Utilities
i.Staff Memo … page 180
ii.Chapter (redline) …page 184
iii.Chapter (clean) … page 205
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PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
City Hall – Council Chambers
April 3, 2024 – 5:00 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair Medhurst called the meeting to order at 5:01pm
2. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Tom Medhurst, Anna Patrick, Diana Noble-Gulliford, Vickie
Chynoweth, Lawson Bronson
Excused: Jae So, Tim O’Neil
City Staff Present: Community Development Director Keith Niven, Planning Manager
Jonathan Thole, Economic Development Director Tanja Carter, Community Services
Manager Sarah Bridgeford, Senior Planner Chaney Skadsen, City Attorney Kent Van Alstyne,
Office Manager Samantha Homan
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Patrick moved to approve the March 20, 2024 minutes as written
Second by Commissioner Bronson
Motion Passes 5-0.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
None scheduled
5. COMMISSION BUSINESS
a. Responses to Questions Raised on Briefing #1
Community Development Director Keith Niven created a memorandum for the questions
raised during the last Planning Commission meeting regarding Natural Environment
Chapter. Concerns about WRIA 10 still arose, Public Works will be invited to a future
Planning Commission meeting to discuss further.
b. Community Services, Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation, and Economic
Development Chapter Pre-Hearing Briefing
Community Services Chapter: Community Services Manager Sarah Bridgeford presented
on the new Community Services Chapter. The chapter is not required by the Growth
Management Act (GMA) but considered essential in planning for human and social
infrastructure of the City. The intention of the chapter is to provide a consistent, clear, and
actionable framework to guide the City’s diversity, equity, access, and inclusion work as
well as social services strategies and investments. The chapter format includes a new
introduction and vision statement, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion section, Social
Services and Grantmaking section, Goals and Policies section, and several charts.
Questions regarding several charts in the chapter were addressed.
Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation Chapter: Senior Planner Chaney Skadsen
presented on the new Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation Chapter. The chapter is not
required by the GMA, but the topics were deemed essential when planning for the future
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of the City. The intention of the chapter is to provide a consistent, clear, and actionable
framework to guide the City’s planning, programming, and policy direction related to arts,
culture, and historic preservation for the future. The chapter format includes a new
introduction and vision statement, Background- Historical Context section, Historic
Preservation section, Cultural Resources and Identity section, Arts in Federal Way
section, and Goals and Policies section. Questions regarding tribal coordination and Arts
Commissions were addressed.
Economic Development Chapter: Economic Development Director Tanja Carter presented
on the updated Economic Development Chapter. The focus on this chapter was to provide
a vision for the City and give framework to guide planning, programming, and policy
direction related to business and economic development. Chapter format is as follows,
Introduction and Vision section, Employment Section, Business Retention and Expansion
section, Business Attraction section, Economic Gardening section, Placemaking and
Sister City Coordination section, Tourism section, and Goals and Policies.
6. STAFF BUSINESS
Manager’s Report
Planning Manager Jonathan Thole announced that the OneTrent Development Agreement
and Tax Increment Area passed 1st reading at the last City Council Meeting. A new
Commissioner for the Historic Preservation Commission has been chosen. At last LUTC
meeting, a presentation was made regarding Recreational Vehicles, code updates may be
coming soon regarding this topic.
7. NEXT MEETING
April 17, 2024 5:00pm – Regular Meeting
8. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Bronson moved to adjourn the meeting
Second by Commissioner Chynoweth
Motion Passes 5-0
Meeting adjourned at 7:03pm
ATTEST: APPROVED BY COMMISSION:
_______________________________________ _____________
SAMANTHA HOMAN, OFFICE MANAGER DATE
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Staff Report
DATE: April 10, 2024
TO: Federal Way Planning Commission
FROM:
Keith Niven, AICP, CEcD
Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Briefing – Land Use Comprehensive Plan Chapter
BACKGROUND
Staff’s approach to updating the Land Use Chapter focused on:
1. Updating data
2. Simplifying the land use designations
3. Pulling in Potential Annexation Area goals and policies.
4. Removing the Zoning Map from the Comprehensive Plan.
CHAPTER FORMAT (and proposed edits)
2015 CHAPTER TWO LAND USE
INTRODUCTION
The text was updated and a new Vision statement was added to be consistent with other chapters.
POLICY BACKGROUND
The relationship of the City’s Comprehensive Plan to the Countywide policies and its compliance with
GMA is covered in the Introduction chapter. It does not need to be repeated in this chapter. This section
was deleted.
THE LAND USE CONCEPT
This Section included land use by area which has been moved to the Introduction & Vision Section. The
following diagram:
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-7000
www.cityoffederalway.com
Jim Ferrell, Mayor
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illustrates transforming 336th into a new mixed-use City Center. Since this area will be dominated by
Sound Transit’s new Operation and Maintenance Facility, this diagram was deleted.
PROJECTED GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT CAPACITY
Text was updated and incorporated into the Introduction Section.
URBAN DESIGN AND FORM
In reviewing the text, goal, and 3 policies contained in this Section, it was staff’s opinion that the Land Use
Chapter was not a place to discuss design aesthetics. This Chapter has been rewritten to focus on meeting
GMA requirements and providing goals and policies to help inform predictability regarding zoning and
land uses.
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS
The goals and policies were retained, but the Section text was removed.
CITYWIDE POLICIES
The Goals and Policies were consolidated into a 1 Section similar to other chapters.
LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
This Section was rewritten to be significantly simpler (see Table below). The existing Comprehensive Plan
& Map have 14 designations. The proposal is to collapse the designations to 5. This action will allow for
more requests for rezoning property without necessitating a Comprehensive Plan amendment.
Existing Designation Proposed Designation
Single Family Low Density Residential 1
Single Family Medium Density Residential 1
Single Family High Density Residential 1
MultiFamily Residential 2
Commercial Enterprise Commercial
Commercial Business Mixed Use Non-Centers
Neighborhood Business Commercial
Commercial Recreation Commercial
Professional Office Commercial
Office Park Commercial
Corporate Park Commercial
City Center Core Mixed Use - Centers
City Center Frame Mixed Use - Centers
Other than the simplification of designations, there are proposed to be 2 areas that will be changed. They
are described and illustrated below:
5 Designations
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1. Christian Faith Center – Since the Christian Faith Center (33645 20th Avenue S) has been determined to
become the Southern Operation and Maintenance Facility for Sound Transit, it is proposed the Land
Use change from to Commercial. The corresponding zoning would change from RM3600 to CE.
Existing Proposed
2. South Station TOD Area – included in the South Station Sub-Area Plan is a vision for re-designating a
portion of the area as appropriate for mid-rise, mixed-use development. This will necessitate a change
from Commercial Enterprise to Mixed Use – Centers. It would also require a rezone from CE to
Centers.
Existing Proposed
HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS: URBAN AGRICULTURE
Prior to the last periodic update (2015), the City received a grant from the CDC to prepare the sub-area plan
for Twin Lakes. As written in that plan “One purpose of the grant is for local governments to adopt
policies that increase physical activity and improve nutritional opportunities. Zoning and capital
improvement policies can affect physical activity and healthy food options.” It was this focus of
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Planning efforts in Federal Way that led to providing a section in Land Use on food accessibility.
Although still important and specifically addressed in the Community Services Chapter, it does
not warrant its own Section in the Land Use Chapter.
ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
The City has adopted code (FWRC 19.05.020) to address essential public facilities. The Comprehensive
Plan does not need a section relating to our requirement under GMA to address Essential Public Facilities.
This Section was deleted.
PHASING
This Section identified the advantages of phasing and targeting capital investments. Capital investments
are driven by a number of factors including available capital, Level of Service needs, etc. The variables
that lead to the funding of a particular piece of capital infrastructure are difficult to list in a document as
broad as the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Given the lack of direction, this Section was deleted.
INCENTIVES
This Section identifies the City’s MFTE program. There were 2 policies – 1 directed at residential and 1
directed at commercial. The City is currently not looking to provide new incentives outside of the Centers.
If there are incentives relevant to either the City Center or the South Station area, they should be listed in
Chapter 7 (Centers). This Section was deleted.
HISTORIC RESOURCES
This Section was relocated to the Arts, Culture & Historic Preservation Chapter.
IMPLEMENTATION
This Section was deleted as there will be a new Implementation appendix included as part of the
Comprehensive Plan. Planning staff anticipate briefing the Planning Commission on an implementation
appendix at the June 5 Planning Commission meeting. That appendix will include actions for implementing
policies in all Comprehensive Plan chapters.
NEW SECTION – POTENTIAL ANNEXATION AREAS
A decision was made to remove 2015 Chapter 8 Potential Annexation Areas from the Comprehensive Plan.
Although the Chapter contains 7 pages of goals and policies, the information contained in the Chapter was
prepared in 2003 for a 2007 proposal for annexation. That effort was rejected by voters and there has been
little effort committed to keeping this Chapter current. A decision was made to incorporate a new goal and
policies into this Chapter, recognizing prior to any future efforts to annex any or all of the PAAs, the
technical information will need to be made current.
GOALS AND POLICIES SUMMARY
LUG PAA 1 Respect the character, integrity, and unique qualities of PAA neighborhoods through
the annexation process.
LUP PAA 1.1 The city zoning designations for annexed properties should consider existing King
County zoning designations and PAA growth targets; providing a variety of housing types; and, other
city Goals and Policies of this Comprehensive Plan as part of the annexation process.
LUP PAA 1.2 Seek to expand the area of annexation proposals when such an expansion would
serve to make city boundaries more regular or where the area to be served is a logical extension of
city service capabilities and is within a defined potential annexation area.
LUP PAA 1.3 Encourage neighborhood retail and personal services to locate at appropriate
locations where local economic demand and design solutions demonstrate compatibility with nearby
neighborhoods.
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LUG PAA 2 The city shall work with King County to strategically annex identified Potential
Annexation Areas.
LUP PAA 2.1 Prior to initiation of an annexation, an updated inventory shall be conducted to
understand zoning, existing uses, and infrastructure conditions of the area under consideration.
LUP PAA 2.2 The city shall be responsive to requests for annexation.
LUP PAA 2.3 Ensure the ability of the annexation area or King County to pay the determined fair
share of required services prior to annexation.
LUG1 Create an attractive, welcoming and functional built environment.
LUG 1 Support a land use framework and regulations that implement the goals of the Growth
Management Act; are responsive to changes in state statutes; support VISION 2050
Regional Growth Strategy and King County Countywide Planning Policies; include
policies addressing environmental justice; and, provides sufficient actions to accomplish
the goals and policies contained in this plan.
LUP 1.1 Strongly discourage the spread of commercial zoning and uses into residentially-
designated areas. Instead, strongly encourage the more intensive utilization of existing
commercial and mixed-use areas for commercial purposes, mixed-residential use, and
public activities.
LUP 1.2 Discourage speculative rezoning and require applicants provide market-based data and
analyses to support rezoning requests.
LUP 1.3 Foster a diverse community comprised of neighborhoods that provide a range of housing
options; a vibrant City Center; well designed and functioning mixed-use, commercial and
office areas; and distinctive neighborhood retail areas.
LUP 1.4 The FWRC shall include a process and standards for siting essential public facilities.
LUP 1.5 Land Use decisions shall not exacerbate environmental health disparities.
LUP 1.6 Track progress toward increasing health equity and ensuring environmental justice
throughout the city.
LUP1 Use development standards and design guidelines to maintain neighborhood character and
ensure compatibility with surrounding uses.
LUP2 Use zoning regulations to achieve a greater range of housing options in multi-family
designations.
LUP3 Use design guidelines and performance standards to create attractive and desirable
commercial, office and commercial/residential mixed-use developments.
LUG 2 Develop an efficient, predictable, transparent, fair and timely development review process
based on a public/private partnership.
LUP 2.1 Maximize efficiency and predictability of the development review process and conduct
regular reviews of development regulations to determine how to improve upon the permit
review process.
LUP5 2.2 Assist developers with proposals by continuing to offer preapplication meetings in order to
produce projects that will be reviewed efficiently.
LUP6 Conduct regular reviews of development regulations to determine how to improve upon the
permit review process.
LUP7 2.3 Integrate and coordinate construction of public infrastructure with private development to
minimize costs wherever possible.
LUP 2.4 Look to incorporate new technologies to improve permit processing times.
LUP 2.5 Ensure noticing of land use decisions is inclusive and accessible to all members of the
community.
LUP 2.6 Consider and minimize potential impacts due to displacement resulting from land use
decisions.
LUG 3 Periodically update the city inventory of buildable land capacity and evaluate development
activity and achieved densities to ensure that the city is able to meet its regionally-adopted
housing and employment targets over the next 20 years as well as the criteria for the city’s
Centers.
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LUP 8 3.1 Designate and zone land to provide for Federal Way’s share of regionally adopted
demand forecasts for residential, commercial, and industrial uses for the next 20 years.
LUP 9 Support a diverse community comprised of neighborhoods that provide a range of housing
options; a vibrant City Center; well designed and functioning mixed-use, commercial and
office areas; and distinctive neighborhood retail areas.
LUP 3.2 Accommodate a majority of the city’s growth in the Regional Growth Center and
Countywide Center.
LUP 3.3 Evaluate household and employment inventory and forecasts on a periodic basis to
ensure that land use policies and regulations based on previous assumptions remain
relevant.
LUP 10 Support the continuation of a strong residential community.
LUP 11 Evaluate household and employment forecasts on a periodic basis to ensure that land use
policies based on previous assumptions are current.
LUP 12 Distribute park, urban agricultural sites, and recreational opportunities equitably
throughout the City.
LUG 34 Preserve and protect Federal Way’s single-family neighborhoods.
LUG3.1 Provide a wide range of housing densities and types in the single-family designated areas.
LUP 134.1 Maintain and protect the character of existing single-family neighborhoods through strict
enforcement of the City’s land use regulations.
LUP 4.2 Support the continuation of a strong residential community.
LUP 14 4.3 Protect residential areas from impacts of adjacent non-residential uses.
LUP 15 Revise existing land use regulations to provide for innovation and flexibility in the
design of new single-family developments and in-fill.
LUP 16 Encourage the development of transportation routes and facilities to serve single-family
neighborhoods. Special attention should be given to pedestrian circulation.
LUP 17 Encourage the development of parks and the preservation of open space in and adjacent
to residential areas to provide adequate recreational opportunities and preserve the
natural setting of Federal Way.
LUP 18 Continue to consider special development techniques (e.g., lot size averaging, cottage
housing, accessory dwelling units, townhomes, duplexes, and planned unit
developments) in single-family areas provided they result in residential development
consistent with the quality and character of existing neighborhoods.
LUP 19 Preserve site characteristics that enhance residential development (trees, water-courses,
vistas, and similar features) using site planning techniques such as clustering, planned
unit developments, and lot size averaging.
LUG 4 Provide a wide complete range of housing typesland uses and densities commensurate with
market demand, adopted housing targets, and the community’s needs and preferencesto
ensure the community achieves the diversity needed to be a vibrant community..
LUP 204.1 Allow and encourage a variety of multi-family housing types in designated commercial
areas, especially in the City Center Core and City Center Frame areas.
LUP 21 Support multi-family development with transportation and capital facilities
improvements.
LUP 22 Multi-family residential development should be designed to provide privacy and
common open space. Variations in facades and rooflines should be used to add character
and interest to multiple-family developments.
LUP 23 Encourage the establishment of street patterns and amenities that encourage walking,
bicycling, and transit use.
LUP 244.2 Provide employment and business opportunities by allocating adequate land for
commercial, office, and industrial development.
LUP 4.3 Distribute park, urban agricultural sites, and recreational opportunities equitably
throughout the City.
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LUP 4.4 Establish development regulations that allow for healthy food resources, such as urban
agriculture and food banks as a permitted use and provide for on-site sale and delivery of
healthy foods, on public and private property, where appropriate.
LUP 4.5 Continue to consider special development techniques (e.g., lot size averaging, cottage
housing, accessory dwelling units, townhomes, duplexes, and planned unit
developments) in single-family areas provided they result in residential development
consistent with the quality and character of existing neighborhoods.
LUP 25 Encourage development of regional uses in the City Center.
LUP 26 Provide for a mix of commercial and residential uses in most commercial areas
LUP 27 Use design and performance standards to integrate multi-family development into
commercial developments as commercial/ residential mixed-use development.
Performance standards should focus on scale, appearance, and compatibility.
LUP 28 Use Community Design Guidelines to promote common open space, public art, and
plazas in commercial/residential mixed-use, and office developments.
LUP 29 Ensure compatibility between non-residential developments and residential zones by
regulating height, scale, setbacks, and buffers.
LUP 30 Use Community Design Guidelines to encourage quality design and pedestrian and vehicle
circulation in office, commercial, and industrial developments.
LUP 31 Use Community Design Guidelines to encourage commercial development to locate
along street edge (where deemed appropriate) to provide pedestrian street access and
interest. Provide pedestrian access between developments and to transit stations.
LUP 32 Consider adopting Form-based codes as a tool to create a predictable public realm and
appropriate form and scale for new development and redevelopment.
LUP33 Identify and designate streets where on-street parking can be safely provided without
unduly slowing traffic flow or jeopardizing traffic safety.
LUP34 Provide developer incentives for inclusion of housing in commercial projects at
appropriate locations.
LUG 5 Develop a quality commercial enterprise environmentareas characterized by a viable,
vibrant, and attractive mix of commercial, retail, office, industrial, and supportive uses
and utilize locational and design criteria to ensure compatibility between uses.
LUP35 Allow a broad range of commercial, retail, office, industrial, and supportive uses to meet
the needs of workers and consumers, in well integrated, well-functioning, high quality
developments.
LUP36LUP 5.1 Require commercial development to be compatible and well integrated into
its surroundings and adjacent zones through site and building design and development
standards that reduce or eliminate land use conflicts and nuisance impacts; ensure project
aesthetics; promote sharing of public facilities and services; and improve vehicular and
pedestrian traffic flow and safety, including access control and off-street interconnectivity
between adjoining properties where feasible.
LUP37 Allow general and specialty retail uses that serve the needs of people employed or residing in
the local area, as well as “destination” retail and wholesale businesses that may serve a
broader consumer base vis-à-vis the area’s convenient access to Interstate 5 and Highway 18
LUP 385.2 Do not allowConsider minimizing impacts from traffic flows, loading bays and outdoor
storage for heavy industrial uses during the site plan review process on properties that
adjoin residential zones.
LUG6 Transform Community Business areas into vital, attractive, areas with a mix of uses that
appeal to pedestrians, motorists, and residents, and enhance the community’s image.
LUP 39 Encourage transformation of the Pacific Highway (SR-99) Community Business
corridors into quality retail/commercial mixed use areas, designed to integrate auto,
pedestrian, and transit circulation, and to improve traffic flow and safety, including
access control and off-street interconnectivity between adjoining properties where
feasible. Continue to utilize Community Design Guidelines to ensure quality site and
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building design and functional and aesthetic compatibility between uses. Integration of
pedestrian amenities and open space into retail and office development should also be
encouraged.
LUP 40 Encourage a range of pedestrian-oriented retail, while continuing to accommodate auto-
oriented retail uses, and provide supportive uses to meet the needs of residents and
employees in the area.
LUG7 Provide neighborhood and community scale retail centers for the City’s neighborhoods.
LUP 41 Integrate retail developments into surrounding neighborhoods through attention to
quality design and function.
LUP 42 Encourage pedestrian and bicycle access to neighborhood shopping and services.
LUP 43 Encourage neighborhood retail and personal services to locate at appropriate locations
where local economic demand and design solutions demonstrate compatibility with the
neighborhood.
LUP 44 Retail and personal services should be encouraged to group together within planned
centers to allow for ease of pedestrian movement.
LUP 45 Neighborhood Business centers should consist of neighborhood scale retail and personal
services.
LUP 46 Encourage commercial/residential mixed-use development in Neighborhood Business
designations.
LUP 47 Support the provision of transit to Neighborhood Business areas.
LUP 48 In designating new or expanding existing Neighborhood Business centers, the adjacent
zoning and land use shall be carefully considered. New Neighborhood Business centers
are most appropriately located adjacent to multi- family and high-density single-family
residential areas.
LUG 86 Create office and corporate park development that is known regionally, nationally, and
internationally for its design and function.Provide land use regulations that allow for the
flexibility and creativity of good design and the incorporation of sound planning
principles.
LUG 6.1 Work collaboratively to evaluate and realize the potential of the (former) Weyerhaeuser
properties in East Campus.Use Community Design Guidelines and other tools to promote
common open space, public art, and plazas in commercial/residential mixed-use, and office
developments.
LUP 6.2 In the East Campus Corporate Park area, encourage quality development that will
complement existing uses and take advantage of good access to I-5, Highway 18 and future
light rail as well as proximity to the City Center. Use Community Design Guidelines and
other tools to require commercial development to locate along the street edge (where
deemed appropriate) and to provide pedestrian street access and interest. Provide direct
pedestrian access and, attempt to meet ADA requirements, between developments and
transit routes.
LUP 6.3 Use development standards and design guidelines to maintain neighborhood character and
ensure compatibility with surrounding uses.LUG 10 Provide access to healthy food
resources for all residents through opportunities for urban agricultural activities, such as
farmers markets, farmstands, community supported agriculture (CSA)1 drop-off sites,
community gardens, pea patches, school gardens, home gardens, and urban farms.
LUP 6.4 Use design guidelines and performance standards to create attractive and desirable
commercial, office and commercial/residential mixed-use developments.
LUP 6.5 Regularly audit existing land use regulations to provide for innovation and flexibility in
the design of new developments.
1 Community-supported agriculture (CSA) is a food production and distribution system that directly connects farmers and consumers.
Consumers buy “shares” in a farm’s harvest in advance. The term “CSA” is also used to refer to an individual farm’s CSA program.
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LUP 6.6 Use design and performance standards to integrate multi-family development into
commercial developments as commercial/ residential mixed-use development.
Performance standards should focus on scale, appearance, and compatibility.
LUP 6.7 Revise existing land use regulations to provide for innovation and flexibility in the
design of new single-family developments and in-fill.
LUP 6.8 Consider incorporation of ICC Wildland Urban Interface Code.
LUP 6.9 Allow general and specialty retail uses that serve the needs of people employed or
residing in the local area, as well as “destination” retail and wholesale businesses that
may serve a broader consumer base vis-à-vis the area’s convenient access to Interstate 5
and Highway 18.
LUP 50 Establish development regulations that allow for healthy food resources, such as urban
agriculture and food banks as a permitted use and provide for on-site sale and delivery of
healthy foods, on public and private property, where appropriate.
LUG 11 Encourage and support farmers’ market opportunities that are accessible to all
residents.
LUP 51 Establish development regulations that allow for farmers markets as a permitted use on
public and private property, where appropriate.
LUP 52 Encourage farmers market to accept public benefits such as food stamp electronic benefit
cards, senior farmer market vouchers, and Women, Infant, Children (WIC) benefits.
LUP 53 Coordinate with local and regional organizations to promote local farmers markets.
LUG 12 Promote urban agriculture activities through existing and new programming and
partnerships.
LUP 54 Encourage and support the use of public lands for urban agricultural activities by
establishing criteria for assessing suitable sites.
LUP 55 Where appropriate, support joint-use agreements for publicly or privately owned sites for
uses such as urban farms, community gardens, and pea patches.
LUP 56 Consider development incentives, grants, and other funding sources to support
development of urban agriculture sites and programming.
LUG13 Ensure the City complies with legal mandates to allow the siting of Essential Public
Facilities.
LUP59 The FWRC shall include a process for siting essential public facilities.
LUP60 Establish priority areas for public facility and service improvements, especially for
transportation based on an adopted Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) and Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP). Priority areas should be located where public facility and
service improvements would effectively advance Federal Way’s growth vision. Priority
areas will shift over time as improvements are installed and an acceptable level of service
is attained.
LUP61 When and where service deficiencies are identified, the City, along with service providers,
will develop capital improvement programs to remedy identified deficiencies in a timely
fashion or will phase growth until such programs can be completed.
LUP62 Work with King County through an interlocal agreement to assign phasing to the City’s
PAA.
LUP 63 Develop incentives to encourage desired development in commercial areas, especially in
the City Center Core and Frame.
LUP 64 Consider incentives for desired types of multi-family residential development
(townhouses, duplexes, etc.).
LUG 14 Use historic resources as an important element in the overall design of the City.
LUP 65 Identify vista points and historic buildings for preservation.
LUP 66 Develop a process to designate historic landmark sites and structures. Use developer
incentives or other mechanisms to ensure that these sites and structures will continue to
be a part of the community.
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LUP 67 Recognize the heritage of the community by continuing to name (or rename) parks,
streets, and other public places after major figures and/or events.
LUP 68 Zoning should be compatible with and conducive to continued preservation of historic
neighborhoods and properties.
LUP 69 Safeguard and manifest Federal Way’s heritage by preserving those sites, buildings,
structures, and objects which reflect significant elements of the City’s history.
LUP 70 Work with the Historical Society of Federal Way to come up with a methodology to
catalog historic sites using the City’s geographic information system.
LUP 71 Undertake an effort to publicly commemorate historic sites.
LUP 72 The City shall continue to work with the Historical Society of Federal Way towards
attainment of historic resource policies.
LUG 7 Coordinate with local and regional partners in land use planning.
LUP 7.1 Coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions, the tribes, and affected agencies to ensure local
land use decisions are considered beyond the city’s boundaries.
LUP 7.2 Coordinate with local and regional organizations to promote local farmers markets.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Land Use Chapter (Redline & Clean)
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CHAPTER TWO
LAND USE
2.0 INTRODUCTION & VISION _________________________________ 1
2.1 POLICY BACKGROUNDLAND USE DESIGNATION ___________ 4
Growth Management Act ________________________________________ 8
VISION 2040 ___________________________________________________ 8
Countywide Planning Policies ___________________________________ 9
2.2 THE LAND USE CONCEPTPOTENTIAL ANNEXATION AREAS _ 9
2.3 PROJECTED GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT CAPACITYGOALS &
POLICIES _____________________________________________________ 14
Projected Growth ______________________________________________ 14
Development Capacity and Targets ______________________________ 15
2.4 URBAN DESIGN AND FORMMAPS _________________________ 15
2.5 DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS ________________________ 23
2.6 CITYWIDE POLICIES ______________________________________ 23
2.7 LAND USE DESIGNATIONS ________________________________ 24
Residential Areas ______________________________________________ 24
Commercial Designations ______________________________________ 28
Office ________________________________________________________ 33
City Center ___________________________________________________ 34
2.8 HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS: URBAN AGRICULTURE __________ 34
Purpose ______________________________________________________ 34
2.9 ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES ___________________________ 36
2.10 PHASING _________________________________________________ 37
2.11 INCENTIVES ______________________________________________ 37
2.12 HISTORIC RESOURCES ___________________________________ 38
2.13 IMPLEMENTATION _______________________________________ 39
Subarea Plans _________________________________________________ 39
Incentives ____________________________________________________ 39
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Capital Facility Investment _____________________________________ 39
Maps
Map II-1 – Comprehensive Plan Designations
Map II-2 – Zoning Designations
Map II-3 – Generalized Existing Land Use
Commented [TW1]: PAGES NEED TO BE RENUMBERED
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FWCP – Chapter Two, Land Use
Revised 201524 II-1
2.0 INTRODUCTION & VISION
The Land Use Chapter establishes the framework for the City's expected growth and
provides a guide for the distribution, type, and intensity of various uses of land within
Federal Way. The Land Use Cchapter (maps, goals and policies) serves as the foundation
of the Federal Way Comprehensive Plan (FWCP) by providing a framework for Federal
Way’s future development and by setting forth policy direction for Federal Way’s current
and future land uses.a guide to future decision making relating to property investments,
land development, public services, and the provision of public infrastructure.
Vision
One of the primary functions of tThe City’s Comprehensive Plan is to anticipates, guides,
and plans for growth in a way that helps the City achieve its vision for the future while
satisfying the requirements of the Washington Growth Management Act (see discussion in
the Introduction Chapter). Land use planning helps protects environmentally-sensitive
lands and maintains the character of established neighborhoods while allowing the City to
evolve to meet the changing needs of the community and the region. The Land Use
Chapter ensures an appropriate mix of land uses (Figure LU-1) are available to:
support the City’s County-allocated growth targets;
achieve the City’s economic goals;
protect environmentally-sensitive lands;
provide appropriate land for recreation and services to residents and
businesses; and,
provides choices for where to live.
As Federal Way ages it will continue to grow, adding new housing units and employees.
As the City plans for meeting its housing and employment targets, much of the growth
will be focused in denser, mixed-use neighborhoods like City Center, Downtown, and the
South Station subarea. The City’s land use vision for the next planning cycle (2024-2044)
is responsive to the reality that the City has sought designations for a Regional Growth
Center and a Countywide Center and those areas come with an expectation for minimum
development densities (residential) and intensities (commercial) of uses. In addition, the
City’s vision must adapt given recent legislation (HB 1220 and 1110) from Olympia for
including permanent supportive housing and emergency shelters and densifying existing
and planned single-family neighborhoods.
As Federal Way grows and makes accommodations for growth in certain parts of the cCity
(as identified above), Federal Way was founded on the strength of its existing
neighborhoods and balancing the stability of those assets with the requirements for
densification into the future is a primary part of the Land Use Vision for the City. From
time to time, Federal Way may consider minor adjustments to land use designations and
regulations to encourage minor amounts of small-scale infill redevelopment in existing
residential neighborhoods, such as cottage housing, accessory dwelling units, infill
dwellings, and limited neighborhood-serving retail, but major changes to stable
neighborhoods would be inconsistent with the vision of this plan.
The following Table (Figure LU-1) provides the current zoning allocation through the
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City. In addition, it provides the amount of capacity for growth and
development/redevelopment under current zones.
Figure LU-1 (Land Use Allocation)
Designation # acres %
Commercial 1,334.05 11.05
Low Density Residential 7,308.67 60.6
Medium Density Residential 1,309.90 10.9
Mixed Use 634.92 5.3
Open Space, Parks & Recreation 1,094.38 9.1
Regional Growth Center 175.76 1.5
Undesignated 212.13 1.8
TOTAL 12,069.8 100%
ZONING DENSITY (Units per
Acre)
FLOOR AREA RATIO
(FAR)
Existing Available
Capacity
#
acres
Min
Density
Max.
Density
Min FAR Max FAR
Residential
Suburban
Estates
N/A 0.2 N/A
RS 35.0 N/A 0.8 N/A
RS15.0 N/A 2.9 N/A
RS 9.6 N/A 4.5 N/A
RS 7.2 N/A 6.1 N/A
RS 5.0 N/A 8.7 N/A
Multi-family
RM 3600 N/A 12.1 N/A
RM 2400 N/A 18.2 N/A
RM1800 N/A 24.2 N/A
Commercial
CC-C 46 230 1.5 10
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CC-F N/A 100
(estimated)
N/A 0.9
(estimated)
BC N/A 65
(estimated)
N/A 0.9
(estimated)
BN N/A 40
(estimated)
N/A 0.5
(estimated)
Office
OP N/A N/A N/A 0.4
(estimated)
PO N/A N/A N/A 0.4
(estimated)
CP-1 N/A N/A N/A 0.4
(estimated)
OP-1 N/A N/A N/A 0.4
(estimated)
OP-2 N/A N/A N/A 0.4
(estimated)
OP-3 N/A N/A N/A 0.4
(estimated)
Industrial
CE N/A N/A N/A 0.9
(estimated)
Although the Land Use designations are applied citywide, there are subareas within the
city that have been the recipients of special planning efforts. The purpose of these
subarea plans (Map LU-1) is to take a more-detailed look at a particular part of the city
and to provide area-specific goals and policies and implementation strategies.
(Map LU-1) – Special Planning Areas
To learn more about these special planning areas, refer to Chapter 7 (Centers) of the
Comprehensive Plan. Information about Twin Lakes can be found by contacting the
Planning division of the Community Development department.
Development of land, according to adopted policies and land use designations discussed
Commented [KN2]: Requires update
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in this chapter, should result in an appropriate balance of services, employment, and
housing. The land use policies are supplemented by a Comprehensive Plan Designations
Map (Map II-1) and Zoning Map (Map II-2) that provide a visual illustration of the
proposed physical distribution and location of various land uses. This map allocates a
supply of land for such uses as retail services, employment, parks, open space, and
housing to meet future demand.
Source: City of Federal Way
2.1 POLICY BACKGROUNDLAND USE DESIGNATIONS
The land use designations recognize the relationships between broad patterns of land uses.
The designations set forth locational criteria for each specific class of uses consistent with
the long-term objectives of the Federal Way Comprehensive Plan. These designations
provide the purpose and intent for corresponding and consistent zoning districts (Table
LU-1). The location of comprehensive plan land use designations are shown on the
Comprehensive Plan Designations Map (Map II-2).
Table LU-1
Land Use Designation – Zoning Correlation
Zones
Residential
1
Residential
2
Commercial Mixed Use –
Non Centers
Mixed Use
- Centers
Open space,
Parks & Rec
SE
RS 35
RS 15
RS 9.6
RS 7.2
RS 5.0
RM 3600
RM 2400
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RM 1800
CE
PO
OP
OP(1-4)
CP-1
BN
BC
CC-F
CC-C
Residential 1
This designation is the predominant land use category in the cCity. Residential 1 areas
are predominantly suburban in character and provide for lower-density, single-family
residential housing. With the mandated code changes for increased densities within the
Urban Growth Area, Residential 1 will, over time and as supported by the market,
transform into a mix of single-family detached lots and redeveloped lots with up to 6
units where previously 1 existed. Historic densities range from 1 home per 5 acres to 8.7
homes per acre, dependent upon the underlying zoning. Qualities associated with this
designation include: low noise levels, limited traffic, private yards, and smaller-scale,
setback buildings. Compatible non-residential uses such as schools, parks, day care,
governmental facilities, and urban agriculture are allowed in some zones.
In addition, this designation provides for the protection of non-open space,
environmentally-sensitive parts of the cCity such as Dumas Bay and Camp Kilworth and
recognizes that portions of the cCity are not served by urban infrastructure (i.e. water,
sewer). It also provides for a diverse arrangement of interconnected subdivisions,
neighborhoods, and communities that have a mix of densities and housing types.
Maintaining and creating linkages to other residential areas and nonresidential areas is
important for creating a connected community.
Residential 2
The Residential 2 designation represents an opportunity to provide a range of housing
types at higher densities than are supported by the Residential 1 designation, but not as
dense as the Mixed-Use designations. Residential densities in this designation range
from 12.1 residential units per acre to 24.2 residential units per acre, depending on the
zone. Since building heights are capped at 3 stories (35 feet), most residences in this
designation will be townhouses, duplexes, small-lot detached housing, and “woody-
walkup” apartments. Compatible non-residential uses include schools, churches,
recreation, parks, governmental facilities, and urban agriculture.
This designation shares many of the same qualities as Residential 1 such as lower traffic
volumes and noise, some building setbacks, and small-scale development, while allowing
for multi-family uses and increased housing density along with community facilities and
institutions. This designation can often act as a transition between the Residential 1
designation and higher density or non-residential designations.
Commercial
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This designation is characterized by employment-generating land uses. Office, retail,
manufacturing and warehousing/storage represent the majority of the uses in this
designation, as allowed by the underlying zones. Other uses found in the commercial
designation include: entertainment, schools, day care, hospitals, churches, hotels, and
breweries. Because of the variety of uses allowed, many of these commercial areas will
be economically vibrant and active outside of traditional work hours. Although built for
and served primarily by private vehicles, they should be developed to be accessible by
foot, bike, car, and public transport as well.
This designation is comprised of the CE, CP-1, OP and PO zones. Aside from an area on
S 320th Street, the CE zone is generally limited to lands south of S 336th Street and are
generally served by either Pacific Highway S or Enchanted Parkway/16th Avenue South.
This designation is characterized by larger-scale buildings, longer operating hours, and
moderate-to-high traffic generation. The CP-1 zone is limited to portions of the old
Weyerhaeuser campus, east of I-5. The OP and PO zones include small-scale office and
residentially-compatible employment opportunities, often clustered together and located
on well-landscaped parcels and on collector streets such as 1st Avenue South and western
S 320th Street, west of 8th Avenue S.
Mixed Use – Non-Centers
The Mixed Use – Non-Centers designation is for land used for a mixture of residential
and commercial uses on a site. Mixed-use development can take a variety of forms, but
often is categorized as either vertical mixed-use (residential and non-residential uses
located in the same building) or horizontal mixed-use (residential and non-residential
uses located on the same parcel, but in different buildings). Basic criteria for
development include reasonable scale with the surrounding neighborhood, and
engagement with the street frontage. This designation includes the CC-F, BC, and BN
zones.
The Neighborhood Business zone provides retail and/or services to adjacent residential
areas. Architectural and site design guidelines are utilized to ensure compatibility
between neighborhood business areas and adjacent neighborhoods. Neighborhood
Business areas are intended to provide convenient goods (e.g., groceries and hardware)
and services (e.g., dry cleaners, dentist, bank) at a pedestrian and neighborhood scale
close to adjacent residential uses.
The Community Business designation allows a broad mix of uses, including general,
specialty, and service retail; commercial; office; commercial/residential mixed-use; and
supportive uses. This designation envisions denser, high-quality development containing a
vibrant and compatible mix of uses. The Community Business designation may be
appropriate in other commercial nodes that have grown or are growing past the scale of the
Neighborhood Business designation.
The City Center Frame designation will have a look and feel similar to the Mixed Use –
Centers designation and will provide a zone of less dense, commercial/residential mixed-
use development physically surrounding a portion of the City Center Core. The Frame is
also intended to provide a transition between the densely-developed Core and adjoining
residential neighborhoods.
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Mixed Use – Centers
This designation represents the Regional Growth Center and the South Station subarea.
The Regional Growth Center has been part of the City’s plans for a number of years and
should not contain any properties zoned other than City Center Core.
The Countywide Center, however, is anchored by a future light rail station anticipated to
be operational in the mid 2030’s. For this area, zoning will transform over time and may
contain City Center Core, CE, RM1800, and RS15 zones. The introduction of new
zoning for this area that allows for the development of dense housing is appropriate in
advance of the station opening to allow for this area’s transition from an employment
dominated area to one that is mixed use.
Parks and Recreation and Open Space
Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) designation applies to parks, public and
privately-owned recreational areas, urban forests, and public open-space areas. Lands
within this designation include both natural open space areas and active use parks and
recreational areas. Natural open space is intended to be conserved and enhanced through
habitat restoration and vegetation management to maximize its environmental, habitat,
and stormwater benefits, along with low-impact public access such as natural area trails
and viewpoints, when appropriate. Parks and recreation lands are intended to provide
opportunities for active recreation such as playfields and sports facilities, and urban
amenities such as plazas, pocket parks and community gardens, but may also be utilized
for governmental facilities.
The PROS designation acknowledges the unique recreational opportunity associated with
Wild Waves property. Enchanted Park is an indoor/outdoor amusement facility most
noted for its water park and is zoned OP-4. Other areas include the system of properties
tied to the Hylebos wetlands and Spring Valley.
The City’s comprehensive plan is required to be consistent with the Growth Management
Act (GMA), Puget Sound Regional Council goals and policies of Vision 2040, and the
King County Countywide Planning Policies (CWPPs). VISION 2040 and the CWPPs, both
required by the GMA, provide a regional framework to achieve the goals of the GMA.
Policies contained in the comprehensive plan have been prepared to implement the GMA,
VISION 2040, and the CWPPs as they apply to the City. By implementing the following
goals, in addition to many others, the Land Use Chapter is consistent with GMA,
VISION 2040, and the CWPP’s direction:
• Creating a City Center as an area of concentrated employment and housing, served
by high capacity transit, public facilities, parks, and open space.
• Limiting growth outside the City Center to areas that are already urbanized.
• Encouraging in-fill development.
• Protecting environmentally sensitive areas.
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Growth Management Act
The GMA states that, “…a lack of common goals expressing the public’s interest in
conservation and the wise use of our lands pose a threat to the environment, sustainable
economic development, and the health, safety and high quality of life enjoyed by
residents of this state” (RCW 36.70A.010). The GMA provides a framework for content
and adoption of local comprehensive plans. The GMA provides 13 goals to be, “…used
exclusively for the purpose of guiding development of comprehensive plans and
development regulations.” A number of the GMA goals pertain to land use. They are as
follows:
Urban Growth – Encourage development in urban areas where adequate public
facilities and services exist or can be provided in an efficient manner.
Reduce Sprawl – Reduce the inappropriate conversion of undeveloped land into
sprawling, low-density development.
Housing – Encourage the availability of affordable housing to all economic segments
of the population of the state, promote a variety of residential densities and housing
types, and encourage preservation of existing housing stock.
Open Space and Recreation – Retain open space, enhance recreational opportunities,
conserve fish and wildlife habitat, increase access to natural resource lands and
water, and develop parks and recreational facilities.
Environment – Protect the environment and enhance the state’s high quality of life,
including air and water quality and the availability of water.
Public Facilities and Services – Ensure that those public facilities and services
necessary to support development shall be adequate to serve the development at the
time the development is available for occupancy and use without decreasing current
service levels below locally established minimum standards.
Historic Preservation – Identify and encourage the preservation of lands, sites, and
structures that have historical or archaeological significance.
Property Rights – Private property shall not be taken for public use without just
compensation having been made. The property rights of landowners shall be
protected from arbitrary and discriminatory actions.
VISION 2040
VISION 2040 is the long-range growth management, economic, and transportation
strategy for the central Puget Sound region encompassing King, Kitsap, Pierce, and
Snohomish counties adopted by the Puget Sound Regional (PSRC) in 2008. VISION
2040’s Regional Growth Strategy is a preferred pattern for accommodating future
residential and employment growth. It is designed to minimize environmental impacts,
support economic prosperity, improve mobility, and make efficient use of existing
infrastructure.
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The overarching goal of VISION 2040 related to land use is to focus growth within
already urbanized areas to create walkable, compact, and transit-oriented communities that
maintain unique local character. Centers will continue to be a focus of development. Rural
and natural resource lands will continue to be permanent and vital parts of the region.
Development patterns of the last half of the 20th century often separated people from jobs,
focused on accommodating the automobile, and altered critical ecosystems. Some of the
results have been sprawl development, increasing health concerns, overburdened
transportation and infrastructure systems, and increased pollution. The loss of land cover
and vegetation to impervious surfaces, including buildings and pavement, also contributes
to climate change—although not as significantly as the burning of fossil fuels. More
recently, steps have been taken once again to build communities that are walkable and
have a mix of uses, and that take advantage of materials and building techniques that have
less impact on the environment.
To further this goal VISION 2040 has allocated the majority of the region’s employment
and housing growth to Metropolitan Cities and Core Cities. The City of Federal Way is a
Core City. Therefore, an important connection between VISION 2040 policies and the
City’s land use policies is development of a regional growth center (Urban Center),
referred to as the City Center Core in the FWCP. Designated centers are intended to attract
residents and businesses because of their proximity to services and jobs, a variety of
housing types, access to regional amenities, mass transit service, and other advantages.
Centers are recognized for their benefits in creating compact, walkable communities that
support transit and other services. Housing and jobs should be located in a manner that
provides for easy mobility and accessibility.
Countywide Planning Policies
The 2012 CWPPs address changes to the GMA since its initial adoption in 1990 and
reflect the regional direction established in VISION 2040. CWPPs provide a framework
for both the county and its respective cities. Adherence to these policies ensures that plans
within the county are consistent with one another. These policies address such issues as
the designation of urban growth areas, land use, affordable housing, provision of urban
services for future development, transportation, and contiguous and orderly development.
The overarching goal related to development patterns in the CWPPs is that growth in
King County occurs in a compact, centers‐focused pattern that uses land and
infrastructure efficiently and that protects rural and resource lands. It goes on to say that
consistent with the GMA and VISION 2040; urban lands are intended to be the focus of
future growth that is compact, includes a mix of uses, and is well‐served by public
infrastructure. Urban lands also include a network of open spaces where ongoing
maintenance is a local as well as a regional concern.
2.2 THE LAND USE CONCEPTPOTENTIAL ANNEXATION
AREAS
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The City of Federal Way Potential Annexation Areas (PAAs) was established through a
series of interlocal agreements between the City of Federal Way and neighboring South
King County cities. As part of the Growth Management Act, areas within the King
County Urban Growth Boundary are intended to be served by urban services. Potential
Annexation Areas (PAAs) are unincorporated areas of King County within the Urban
Growth Area (UGA). Federal Way’s PAAs are located adjacent to the City where the
City is expected to provide public services and utilities following an annexation process.
The City’s remaining potential annexation areas are located east of I-5 (see Map LU-4).
Based on a land use survey conducted in 2013, the land use designation for the PAAs are
broken out in Figure LU-2.
Figure LU-2 (PAA Land Use Allocation)
Designation # acres %
Commercial 0.04
Low Density Residential 90.82
Medium Density Residential 5.05
Mixed Use 0.51
Open Space, Parks & Recreation 3.59
Regional Growth Center 0
Undesignated 0
Goal
LUG PAA 1 Respect the character, integrity, and unique qualities of PAA
neighborhoods through the annexation process.
Policies
LUP PAA 1.1 The City zoning designations for annexed properties should consider
existing King County zoning designations and PAA growth targets; providing a
variety of housing types; and, other City Goals and Policies of this
Comprehensive Plan as part of the annexation process.
LUP PAA 1.2 Seek to expand the area of annexation proposals when such an expansion
would serve to make city boundaries more regular or where the area to be
served is a logical extension of city service capabilities and is within a defined
potential annexation area.
LUP PAA 1.3 Encourage neighborhood retail and personal services to locate at
appropriate locations where local economic demand and design solutions
demonstrate compatibility with nearby neighborhoods.
Goal
LUG PAA 2 The City shall work with King County to strategically annex identified
Potential Annexation Areas.
Policies
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LUP PAA 2.1 Prior to initiation of an annexation, an updated inventory shall be
conducted to understand zoning, existing uses, and infrastructure conditions of
the area under consideration.
LUP PAA 2.2 The City shall be responsive to requests for annexation.
LUP PAA 2.3 Ensure the ability of the annexation area or King County to pay the
determined fair share of required services prior to annexation.
Federal Way’s existing land use pattern (the physical location of uses) exists as a result of
development administered by King County until 1990 and subsequent development under
Federal Way’s jurisdiction. As shown in Map II-3 (Generalized Existing Land Use) and
Figure II-1 (Percent Gross Land Area by Existing Land Use), in December 2012,
approximately 35 percent of Federal Way’s gross land area was developed as single-
family development, 8 percent as multiple-family development, and 11 percent for office,
commercial, and industrial uses. Updates to the FWCP will not substantially modify this
land use pattern.
Figure II-1
Commercial
5%
Drainage
1%Industrial
2%
Institutional
5%
Multi-
Family
8%Office
4%
Open Space
7%
Park
4%
Recreation
1%
Religious
Services
1%
Senior Housing
0%
Single Family
35%Surface Water
3%
Utilities
17%
Vacant
7%
Percent Gross Land Area by Existing Land Use
Commercial
Drainage
Industrial
Institutional
Multi-Family
Office
Open Space
Park
Recreation
Religious
ServicesSenior Housing
Single Family
Surface Water
Utilities
Vacant
Source: December 2012 City of Federal Way GIS Land Use Layer
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What will change is how various pieces of the land use pattern interact to achieve common
land use goals. Figure II-2 depicts the land use concept. The land use concept is intended to
facilitate the following:
• Transformation of the retail core into an intensely developed City Center
that is the focus of civic activity which provides a sustainable balance of
jobs and housing;
• Preservation and enhancement of existing residential neighborhoods;
• A network of parks, trails, open space areas and urban agricultural sites;
• Healthy and active lifestyle opportunities for all residents.
• Diversification of the City’s employment base by creating opportunities
for employment growth;
• New retail and service employment opportunities around the I-5/South
320th and I-5/SR 18 interchanges.
• New opportunities for residential development near transit centers;
• Convenient residentially scaled shopping for residential neighborhoods;
• Housing in the City’s mixed-use commercial areas close to shopping and
employment;
• Redevelopment of “strip commercial” areas along major arterials into
attractive, mixed-use corridors served by auto and transit;
• Well-designed commercial and office developments;
• Preservation of environmentally sensitive areas; and
• Accommodation of adopted growth targets for households and jobs and
PSRC growth projections.
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Figure II-2
The Concept Plan Diagram
Source: City of Federal Way
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2.3 PROJECTED GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
CAPACITYGOALS & POLICIES
This section contains the goals and policies of the Land Use Chapter of the
Comprehensive Plan for properties located within the City’s jurisdiction. (There are
additional goals and policies relating to potential annexation areas found in Section 2.4).
Goals and Policies addressing the overall land use vision and the interplay of various land
uses is contained in this Chapter.
Projected Growth
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 89,306 people called Federal Way home. As of April
2014, the population had grown to 90,147 (based on the Washington State Office of
Financial Management [OFM] population estimates).
Figure II-3
Population Projection, Federal Way
Source: U.S. Census and Washington State of Financial Management
Between incorporation in 1990 and April 2014, the City grew at an average rate of 1.39
percent per year. In 2014, Federal Way was the tenth largest city in the state and the fifth
largest in King County. Based on PSRC’s projections, the population in 2031 is estimated
to be 104,306 based on an average increase of 0.92 percent per year. By 2035, they
estimate that the city population will be 107,057, which would equate to an average
growth of 0.65 percent per year.
0
20000
40000
60000
80000
100000
120000
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040
Population
Population
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Development Capacity and Targets
The 1977 Buildable Lands amendment to the GMA required six Washington counties and
the cities within them to measure their land supply (in acres) and land capacity (in
housing units and jobs). The intent is to ensure that these counties and cities have
sufficient capacity, realistically measured, to accommodate forecasted growth.
For the City of Federal Way, the adopted 2006-2031 targets are 8,100 new residential
units and 12,300 new jobs. From 2006 to 2012, the City gained new housing units at a
slower pace than preceding years. The City gained about 600 housing units by 2012.
There is a remaining growth target of 7,500 housing units for 2031 and based on existing
zoning, we have total capacity for 8,443 new housing units. Two-thirds of the City’s
residential capacity is in the mixed-use zones, including the City Center.
Between 2006 and 2012, the City experienced a slight job loss, like many South King
County cities. The PSRC Covered Employment Data estimates that the City lost 628 jobs
during that period. The loss occurred especially in commercial jobs; there was a very
slight gain in industrial jobs during that period. However, we are starting to see an
increase in job creation starting in 2013. Based on existing zoning, we have total capacity
for more than 17,000 additional jobs, primarily in the mixed-use zones, including the City
Center. Therefore, we have adequate capacity to accommodate the 12,300 new job target.
2.4 URBAN DESIGN AND FORM
In addition to guiding development, the Land Use chapter also guides the quality and
character of the City’s future development pattern through goals and policies related to
the form, function, and appearance of the built environment. These goals and policies,
related to quality development, serve and will continue to serve as a basis from which to
develop appropriate implementation measures. Design guidelines, adopted in 1996, 1999,
and 2003 are used as an integral component of the development review process. Design
guidelines address location and type of pedestrian amenities and public spaces; pedestrian
and vehicle circulation; building setbacks, orientation, form, and scale; landscaping; and
mixed-use commercial/residential design.
Goals
LUG 1 Support a land use framework and regulations that implement the goals of
the Growth Management Act; are responsive to changes in state statutes;
support VISION 2050 Regional Growth Strategy and King County
Countywide Planning Policies; include policies addressing environmental
justice; and, provides sufficient actions to accomplish the goals and
policies contained in this plan.
Policies
LUP 1.1 Strongly discourage the spread of commercial zoning and uses into
residentially-designated areas. Instead, strongly encourage the more
intensive utilization of existing commercial and mixed-use areas for
commercial purposes, mixed-residential use, and public activities.
LUP 1.2 Discourage speculative rezoning and require applicants provide market-
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based data and analyses to support rezoning requests.
LUP 1.3 Foster a diverse community comprised of neighborhoods that provide a
range of housing options; a vibrant City Center; well designed and
functioning mixed-use, commercial and office areas; and distinctive
neighborhood retail areas.
LUP 1.4 The FWRC shall include a process and standards for siting essential public
facilities.
LUP 1.5 Land Use decisions shall not exacerbate environmental health disparities.
LUP 1.6 Track progress toward increasing health equity and ensuring environmental
justice throughout the city.
LUP1 Use development standards and design guidelines to maintain neighborhood
character and ensure compatibility with surrounding uses.
LUP2 Use zoning regulations to achieve a greater range of housing options in
multi-family designations.
LUP3 Use design guidelines and performance standards to create attractive and
desirable commercial, office and commercial/residential mixed-use
developments.
Goals
LUG 2 Develop an efficient, predictable, transparent, fair and timely development
review process based on a public/private partnership.
Policies
LUP 2.1 Maximize efficiency and predictability of the development review process
and conduct regular reviews of development regulations to determine how
to improve upon the permit review process.
LUP5 2.2 Assist developers with proposals by continuing to offer preapplication
meetings in order to produce projects that will be reviewed efficiently.
LUP6 Conduct regular reviews of development regulations to determine how to
improve upon the permit review process.
LUP7 2.3 Integrate and coordinate construction of public infrastructure with private
development to minimize costs wherever possible.
LUP 2.4 Look to incorporate new technologies to improve permit processing times.
LUP 2.5 Ensure noticing of land use decisions is inclusive and accessible to all
members of the community.
LUP 2.6 Consider and minimize potential impacts due to displacement resulting
from land use decisions.
Goals
LUG 3 Periodically update the city inventory of buildable land capacity and
evaluate development activity and achieved densities to ensure that the city
is able to meet its regionally-adopted housing and employment targets over
the next 20 years as well as the criteria for the city’s Centers.
Policies
LUP 8 3.1 Designate and zone land to provide for Federal Way’s share of
regionally adopted demand forecasts for residential, commercial, and
industrial uses for the next 20 years.
LUP 9 Support a diverse community comprised of neighborhoods that provide a
range of housing options; a vibrant City Center; well designed and
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functioning mixed-use, commercial and office areas; and distinctive
neighborhood retail areas.
LUP 3.2 Accommodate a majority of the city’s growth in the Regional Growth
Center and Countywide Center.
LUP 3.3 Evaluate household and employment inventory and forecasts on a
periodic basis to ensure that land use policies and regulations based on
previous assumptions remain relevant.
LUP 10 Support the continuation of a strong residential community.
LUP 11 Evaluate household and employment forecasts on a periodic basis to
ensure that land use policies based on previous assumptions are current.
LUP 12 Distribute park, urban agricultural sites, and recreational opportunities
equitably throughout the City.
Goals
LUG 34 Preserve and protect Federal Way’s single-family neighborhoods.
LUG3.1 Provide a wide range of housing densities and types in the single-family
designated areas.
Policies
LUP 134.1 Maintain and protect the character of existing single-family
neighborhoods through strict enforcement of the City’s land use
regulations.
LUP 4.2 Support the continuation of a strong residential community.
LUP 14 4.3 Protect residential areas from impacts of adjacent non-residential uses.
LUP 15 Revise existing land use regulations to provide for innovation and
flexibility in the design of new single-family developments and in-fill.
LUP 16 Encourage the development of transportation routes and facilities to serve
single-family neighborhoods. Special attention should be given to pedestria
circulation.
LUP 17 Encourage the development of parks and the preservation of open space
in and adjacent to residential areas to provide adequate recreational
opportunities and preserve the natural setting of Federal Way.
LUP 18 Continue to consider special development techniques (e.g., lot size
averaging, cottage housing, accessory dwelling units, townhomes,
duplexes, and planned unit developments) in single-family areas provided
they result in residential development consistent with the quality and
character of existing neighborhoods.
LUP 19 Preserve site characteristics that enhance residential development (trees,
water-courses, vistas, and similar features) using site planning techniques
such as clustering, planned unit developments, and lot size averaging.
Goals
LUG 4 Provide a wide complete range of housing typesland uses and densities
commensurate with market demand, adopted housing targets, and the
community’s needs and preferencesto ensure the community achieves the
diversity needed to be a vibrant community.
Policies
LUP 204.1 Allow and encourage a variety of multi-family housing types in designated
commercial areas, especially in the City Center Core and City Center Frame
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areas.
LUP 21 Support multi-family development with transportation and capital
facilities improvements.
LUP 22 Multi-family residential development should be designed to provide
privacy and common open space. Variations in facades and rooflines
should be used to add character and interest to multiple-family
developments.
LUP 23 Encourage the establishment of street patterns and amenities that
encourage walking, bicycling, and transit use.
LUP 244.2 Provide employment and business opportunities by allocating adequate
land for commercial, office, and industrial development.
LUP 4.3 Distribute park, urban agricultural sites, and recreational opportunities
equitably throughout the City.
LUP 4.4 Establish development regulations that allow for healthy food resources,
such as urban agriculture and food banks as a permitted use and provide
for on-site sale and delivery of healthy foods, on public and private
property, where appropriate.
LUP 4.5 Continue to consider special development techniques (e.g., lot size
averaging, cottage housing, accessory dwelling units, townhomes,
duplexes, and planned unit developments) in single-family areas provided
they result in residential development consistent with the quality and
character of existing neighborhoods.
LUP 25 Encourage development of regional uses in the City Center.
LUP 26 Provide for a mix of commercial and residential uses in most commercial
areas
LUP 27 Use design and performance standards to integrate multi-family
development into commercial developments as commercial/ residential
mixed-use development. Performance standards should focus on scale,
appearance, and compatibility.
LUP 28 Use Community Design Guidelines to promote common open space,
public art, and plazas in commercial/residential mixed-use, and office
developments.
LUP 29 Ensure compatibility between non-residential developments and
residential zones by regulating height, scale, setbacks, and buffers.
LUP 30 Use Community Design Guidelines to encourage quality design and
pedestrian and vehicle circulation in office, commercial, and industrial
developments.
LUP 31 Use Community Design Guidelines to encourage commercial
development to locate along street edge (where deemed appropriate) to
provide pedestrian street access and interest. Provide pedestrian access
between developments and to transit stations.
LUP 32 Consider adopting Form-based codes as a tool to create a predictable public
realm and appropriate form and scale for new development and
redevelopment.
LUP33 Identify and designate streets where on-street parking can be safely
provided without unduly slowing traffic flow or jeopardizing traffic
safety.
LUP34 Provide developer incentives for inclusion of housing in commercial
projects at appropriate locations.
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Goals
LUG 5 Develop a quality commercial enterprise environmentareas characterized
by a viable, vibrant, and attractive mix of commercial, retail, office,
industrial, and supportive uses and utilize locational and design criteria to
ensure compatibility between uses.
LUP35 Allow a broad range of commercial, retail, office, industrial, and supportive
uses to meet the needs of workers and consumers, in well integrated, well-
functioning, high quality developments.
Policies
LUP36LUP 5.1 Require commercial development to be compatible and well
integrated into its surroundings and adjacent zones through site and
building design and development standards that reduce or eliminate land
use conflicts and nuisance impacts; ensure project aesthetics; promote
sharing of public facilities and services; and improve vehicular and
pedestrian traffic flow and safety, including access control and off-street
interconnectivity between adjoining properties where feasible.
LUP37 Allow general and specialty retail uses that serve the needs of people
employed or residing in the local area, as well as “destination” retail and
wholesale businesses that may serve a broader consumer base vis-à-vis the
area’s convenient access to Interstate 5 and Highway 18.
LUP 385.2 Do not allowConsider minimizing impacts from traffic flows, loading
bays and outdoor storage for heavy industrial uses during the site plan
review process on properties that adjoin residential zones.
LUG6 Transform Community Business areas into vital, attractive, areas with a
mix of uses that appeal to pedestrians, motorists, and residents, and
enhance the community’s image.
LUP 39 Encourage transformation of the Pacific Highway (SR-99) Community
Business corridors into quality retail/commercial mixed use areas,
designed to integrate auto, pedestrian, and transit circulation, and to
improve traffic flow and safety, including access control and off-street
interconnectivity between adjoining properties where feasible. Continue
to utilize Community Design Guidelines to ensure quality site and
building design and functional and aesthetic compatibility between uses.
Integration of pedestrian amenities and open space into retail and office
development should also be encouraged.
LUP 40 Encourage a range of pedestrian-oriented retail, while continuing to
accommodate auto-oriented retail uses, and provide supportive uses to
meet the needs of residents and employees in the area.
LUG7 Provide neighborhood and community scale retail centers for the City’s
neighborhoods.
LUP 41 Integrate retail developments into surrounding neighborhoods through
attention to quality design and function.
LUP 42 Encourage pedestrian and bicycle access to neighborhood shopping and
services.
LUP 43 Encourage neighborhood retail and personal services to locate at
appropriate locations where local economic demand and design solutions
demonstrate compatibility with the neighborhood.
LUP 44 Retail and personal services should be encouraged to group together
within planned centers to allow for ease of pedestrian movement.
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LUP 45 Neighborhood Business centers should consist of neighborhood scale
retail and personal services.
LUP 46 Encourage commercial/residential mixed-use development in Neighborhood
Business designations.
LUP 47 Support the provision of transit to Neighborhood Business areas.
LUP 48 In designating new or expanding existing Neighborhood Business
centers, the adjacent zoning and land use shall be carefully considered.
New Neighborhood Business centers are most appropriately located
adjacent to multi- family and high-density single-family residential areas.
Goals
LUG 86 Create office and corporate park development that is known regionally,
nationally, and internationally for its design and function.Provide land use
regulations that allow for the flexibility and creativity of good design and
the incorporation of sound planning principles.
Policies
LUG 6.1 Work collaboratively to evaluate and realize the potential of the (former)
Weyerhaeuser properties in East Campus.Use Community Design
Guidelines and other tools to promote common open space, public art, and
plazas in commercial/residential mixed-use, and office developments.
LUP 6.2 In the East Campus Corporate Park area, encourage quality development
that will complement existing uses and take advantage of good access to I-
5, Highway 18 and future light rail as well as proximity to the City Center.
Use Community Design Guidelines and other tools to require commercial
development to locate along the street edge (where deemed appropriate)
and to provide pedestrian street access and interest. Provide direct
pedestrian access and, attempt to meet ADA requirements, between
developments and transit routes.
LUP 6.3 Use development standards and design guidelines to maintain neighborhood
character and ensure compatibility with surrounding uses.LUG 10
Provide access to healthy food resources for all residents through
opportunities for urban agricultural activities, such as farmers markets,
farmstands, community supported agriculture (CSA)1 drop-off sites,
community gardens, pea patches, school gardens, home gardens, and urban
farms.
LUP 6.4 Use design guidelines and performance standards to create attractive and
desirable commercial, office and commercial/residential mixed-use
developments.
LUP 6.5 Regularly audit existing land use regulations to provide for innovation and
flexibility in the design of new developments.
LUP 6.6 Use design and performance standards to integrate multi-family
development into commercial developments as commercial/ residential
mixed-use development. Performance standards should focus on scale,
appearance, and compatibility.
LUP 6.7 Revise existing land use regulations to provide for innovation and
flexibility in the design of new single-family developments and in-fill.
1 Community-supported agriculture (CSA) is a food production and distribution system that directly connects
farmers and consumers. Consumers buy “shares” in a farm’s harvest in advance. The term “CSA” is also used
to refer to an individual farm’s CSA program.
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LUP 6.8 Consider incorporation of ICC Wildland Urban Interface Code.
LUP 6.9 Allow general and specialty retail uses that serve the needs of people
employed or residing in the local area, as well as “destination” retail and
wholesale businesses that may serve a broader consumer base vis-à-vis
the area’s convenient access to Interstate 5 and Highway 18.
LUP 50 Establish development regulations that allow for healthy food resources,
such as urban agriculture and food banks as a permitted use and provide
for on-site sale and delivery of healthy foods, on public and private
property, where appropriate.
LUG 11 Encourage and support farmers’ market opportunities that are accessible
to all residents.
LUP 51 Establish development regulations that allow for farmers markets as a
permitted use on public and private property, where appropriate.
LUP 52 Encourage farmers market to accept public benefits such as food stamp
electronic benefit cards, senior farmer market vouchers, and Women,
Infant, Children (WIC) benefits.
LUP 53 Coordinate with local and regional organizations to promote local farmers
markets.
LUG 12 Promote urban agriculture activities through existing and new
programming and partnerships.
LUP 54 Encourage and support the use of public lands for urban agricultural
activities by establishing criteria for assessing suitable sites.
LUP 55 Where appropriate, support joint-use agreements for publicly or privately
owned sites for uses such as urban farms, community gardens, and pea
patches.
LUP 56 Consider development incentives, grants, and other funding sources to
support development of urban agriculture sites and programming.
LUG13 Ensure the City complies with legal mandates to allow the siting of
Essential Public Facilities.
LUP59 The FWRC shall include a process for siting essential public facilities.
LUP60 Establish priority areas for public facility and service improvements,
especially for transportation based on an adopted Capital Facilities Plan
(CFP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Priority areas
should be located where public facility and service improvements would
effectively advance Federal Way’s growth vision. Priority areas will shift
over time as improvements are installed and an acceptable level of service
is attained.
LUP61 When and where service deficiencies are identified, the City, along with
service providers, will develop capital improvement programs to remedy
identified deficiencies in a timely fashion or will phase growth until such
programs can be completed.
LUP62 Work with King County through an interlocal agreement to assign phasing
to the City’s PAA.
LUP 63 Develop incentives to encourage desired development in commercial
areas, especially in the City Center Core and Frame.
LUP 64 Consider incentives for desired types of multi-family residential
development (townhouses, duplexes, etc.).
LUG 14 Use historic resources as an important element in the overall design of the
City.
LUP 65 Identify vista points and historic buildings for preservation.
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LUP 66 Develop a process to designate historic landmark sites and structures. Use
developer incentives or other mechanisms to ensure that these sites and
structures will continue to be a part of the community.
LUP 67 Recognize the heritage of the community by continuing to name (or
rename) parks, streets, and other public places after major figures and/or
events.
LUP 68 Zoning should be compatible with and conducive to continued
preservation of historic neighborhoods and properties.
LUP 69 Safeguard and manifest Federal Way’s heritage by preserving those sites,
buildings, structures, and objects which reflect significant elements of the
City’s history.
LUP 70 Work with the Historical Society of Federal Way to come up with a
methodology to catalog historic sites using the City’s geographic
information system.
LUP 71 Undertake an effort to publicly commemorate historic sites.
LUP 72 The City shall continue to work with the Historical Society of Federal
Way towards attainment of historic resource policies.
Goals
LUG 7 Coordinate with local and regional partners in land use planning.
Policies
LUP 7.1 Coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions, the tribes, and affected agencies to
ensure local land use decisions are considered beyond the city’s
boundaries.
LUP 7.2 Coordinate with local and regional organizations to promote local farmers
markets.
Goal
LUG 1 Create an attractive, welcoming and functional built environment. Support a
land use framework and regulations that implement the goals of the Growth
Management Act, VISION 2050 Regional Growth Strategy, King County
Countywide Planning Policies, policies addressing environmental justice, and
provides sufficient actions to accomplish the goals and policies contained in
this plan.
Policies
LUP 1.1 Discourage speculative rezoning and require applicants provide market-based
data and analysis to support rezoning requests.
LUP1 Use development standards and design guidelines to maintain neighborhood
character and ensure compatibility with surrounding uses.
LUP2 Use zoning regulations to achieve a greater range of housing options in multi-
family designations.
LUP3 Use design guidelines and performance standards to create attractive and desirable
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commercial, office and commercial/residential mixed-use developments.
2.5 DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS
The Land Use chapter provides the policy foundation for implementing zoning and
development regulations. In developing policy concerning future land use regulations, or
revisions to existing regulations, every effort has been made to instill certainty and
efficiency in the development process.
Goal
LUG2 Develop an efficient and timely development review process based on a public/
private partnership.
Policies
LUP4 Maximize efficiency of the development review process.
LUP5 Assist developers with proposals by continuing to offer preapplication
meetings in order to produce projects that will be reviewed efficiently.
LUP6 Conduct regular reviews of development regulations to determine how to
improve upon the permit review process.
LUP7 Integrate and coordinate construction of public infrastructure with private
development to minimize costs wherever possible.
2.6 CITYWIDE POLICIES
Citywide policies apply to all FWCP designations. These general policies are intended to
maintain the quality of the living and working environment and ensure that the interests,
economy, and welfare of the community are considered.
Policies
LUP 8 Designate and zone land to provide for Federal Way’s share of regionally
adopted demand forecasts for residential, commercial, and industrial uses for
the next 20 years.
LUP 91.2 Support Foster a diverse community comprised of neighborhoods that
provide a range of housing options; a vibrant City Center; well designed and
functioning mixed-use, commercial and office areas; and distinctive
neighborhood retail areas.
LUP 1.3 Audit existing land use regulations to provide for innovation and flexibility
in the design of new development.
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LUP 1.4 The FWRC shall include a process for siting essential public facilities.
LUP 1.5 Land Use decisions shall not exacerbate environmental health disparities.
LUP 1.6 Track progress toward increasing health equity and ensuring environmental
justice throughout the City.
Goal
LUG 2 Provide sufficient densities and intensities of uses to meet the City’s growth
targets and criteria for centers designations.
Policies
LUP 2.1 Strongly discourage the spread of commercial zoning and uses into
residentially-designated areas. Instead, strongly encourage the more intensive
utilization of existing commercial and mixed-use areas for commercial
purposes, mixed residential use, and public activities proximate to transit
resources.
LUP 10 Support the continuation of a strong residential community.
LUP 11 Evaluate household and employment forecasts on a periodic basis to ensure
that land use policies based on previous assumptions are current.
LUP 12 Distribute park, urban agricultural sites, and recreational opportunities
equitably throughout the City.
2.7 LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
The land use designations in the FWCP recognize the relationships between broad patterns
of land uses. The designations set forth locational criteria for each specific class of uses
consistent with the long-term objectives of the FWCP. These designations provide the
purpose and intent for specific zoning districts. The location of comprehensive plan land
use designations are shown on the Comprehensive Plan Designations Map (Map II-1).
Residential Areas
Single Family
Federal Way is known for its quality single-family neighborhoods. This section contains
goals and policies that will shape future development and protect or improve the
character and livability of established neighborhoods.
The demand for and development of single-family housing is expected to continue for the
foreseeable future. Single-family development will occur as in-fill development of vacant
lots scattered throughout existing neighborhoods and as subdivisions on vacant tracts of
land.
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Single Family Low Density
The Single Family Low Density designation continues the historic application of low
density zoning (Suburban Estates, one unit per five acres) in order to retain larger urban
lots. This designation is appropriate on or near critical areas, in areas lacking urban level
services and infrastructure, and to retain areas that have unique area-wide circumstance.
There are two notable locations: Spring Valley, located in the southern portion of the
City; and along Puget Sound near Dumas Bay in the vicinity of Camp Kilworth and the
Palisades Retreat property.
Moreover, the application of low density zoning is appropriate as a buffer between
adjacent land use designations of higher densities. Upon provision of urban services, such
as water and sewer, an increase in density may be warranted.
Single Family Medium Density
The Single Family Medium Density designation creates urban lots with a density range of
one to three dwelling units per acre to avoid developing on or near environmentally
sensitive areas or areas that lack urban infrastructure. The Single Family Medium Density
designation can be found along the Puget Sound shoreline and south of South 356th Street,
both east and west of SR 99. Lot sizes of 35,000 and 15,000 square feet provide for a
transition in density between land designated as Single Family High Density Residential
and Single Family Low Density Residential. Upon provision of urban services, such as
water and sewer, an increase in density may be warranted.
The relatively large lot sizes along the Puget Sound shoreline areas are appropriate due to
geological features, including steep slopes and landslide hazards commonly associated
with marine bluffs. This area of lower density zoning occurs on both the east and west
sides of 1st Avenue South, south of South 356th Street. However, there are major
environmental and ownership differences between the two areas. The area east of 1st
Avenue South is characterized by the Hylebos Wetlands and associated streams. In
addition, there are many parcels that are either publicly owned or are intended as wetland
mitigation for development elsewhere in the drainage basin. Therefore, based on the
relative absence of environmental constraints and the future availability of public services
in the area west of 1st Avenue South, an increase in density may be warranted.
Single Family High Density
A majority of the single-family residential land in the City is designated as Single Family
High Density, which is equivalent to RS 9.6 (one unit per 9,600 square feet), RS 7.2 (one
unit per 7,200 square feet), and RS 5.0 (one unit per 5,000 square feet) zoning districts
respectively, and provide for a range of housing densities. Single Family High Density
residential designations are located within close and convenient proximity to
neighborhood business centers, areas of existing or future employment, transit, and
existing urban infrastructure and services. Future Single Family High Density
development should have good access to collector and arterial streets.
Goals
LUG 3 Develop an efficient, predictable, and timely development review process based
on a public/private partnership.
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LUG3 Preserve and protect Federal Way’s single-family neighborhoods.
LUG3.1 Provide a wide range of housing densities and types in the single-family
designated areas.
Policies
LUP 3.1 Maximize efficiency and predictability of the development review process
and conduct regular reviews of the permitting process to determine how to
improve upon the permit review process.
LUP 3.2 Look for ways that technology can improve permit processing times.
LUP 3.3 Ensure noticing of land use decisions in inclusive and accessible to all
members of the community.
LUP 3.4 Consider and minimize potential impacts due to displacement resulting from
land use decisions.
Goal
LUG 4 Periodically update the city inventory of buildable land capacity and evaluate
development activity and achieved densities to ensure that the City is able to
meet its regionally-adopted housing and employment targets over the next 20
years.
Policies
LUP 4.1 Designate and zone land to provide for Federal Way’s share of regionally
adopted demand forecasts for residential and employment-generating uses for
the next 20 years.
LUP 4.2 Evaluate household and employment forecasts on a periodic basis to ensure
that land use policies and regulations based on previous assumptions remain
relevant.
LUP 13 Maintain and protect the character of existing single-family neighborhoods
through strict enforcement of the City’s land use regulations.
LUP 14 Protect residential areas from impacts of adjacent non-residential uses.
LUP 15 Revise existing land use regulations to provide for innovation and flexibility
in the design of new single-family developments and in-fill.
LUP 16 Encourage the development of transportation routes and facilities to serve
single-family neighborhoods. Special attention should be given to pedestrian
circulation.
LUP 17 Encourage the development of parks and the preservation of open space in and
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adjacent to residential areas to provide adequate recreational opportunities and
preserve the natural setting of Federal Way.
LUP 18 Continue to consider special development techniques (e.g., lot size averaging,
cottage housing, accessory dwelling units, townhomes, duplexes, and planned
unit developments) in single-family areas provided they result in residential
development consistent with the quality and character of existing neighborhoods.
LUP 19 Preserve site characteristics that enhance residential development (trees,
water-courses, vistas, and similar features) using site planning techniques
such as clustering, planned unit developments, and lot size averaging.
Multi-Family
The multi-family residential land use designation represents an opportunity to provide a
range of housing types to accommodate anticipated residential growth. The increase in
population, aging population, increasing diversity, decline in average family size, and
high cost of single-family homes have created heavy demand for new housing types. The
Land Use chapter encourages the development of housing types, such as duplexes,
townhouses, senior housing, quality apartment units and condominiums in existing multi-
family areas and within mixed-use development in commercial areas.
During the 1980s, the City’s landscape changed, as a number of large apartment complexes
were constructed. These apartments, often built without regard to scale or amenities,
created a general dissatisfaction with the appearance of multi-family development. In 1999,
the City amended its Community Design Guidelines to address the appearance and
character of multi- family dwelling units. Incentives for creating desired development such
as duplexes and townhouses should be considered.
Multi- Family uses in large part are in areas currently zoned for multi-family
development. Designations of 3600, 2400, and 1800 square feet per dwelling unit,
corresponding to densities of 12, 18, and 24 dwelling units per acre respectively, will
continue to be used. Opportunities for new development will occur through
redevelopment and build-out of remaining parcels. In May 2007, the City adopted
regulations governing zero lot-line townhouse development and small lot single-family
housing in the multiple-family zoning districts.
Goal
LUG4 Provide a wide range of housing types and densities commensurate with market
demand, adopted housing targets, and the community’s needs and preferences.
Policies
LUP 20 Allow and encourage a variety of multi-family housing types in designated
commercial areas, especially in the City Center Core and City Center Frame.
LUP 21 Support multi-family development with transportation and capital facilities
improvements.
LUP 22 Multi-family residential development should be designed to provide privacy
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and common open space. Variations in facades and rooflines should be used
to add character and interest to multiple-family developments.
LUP 23 Encourage the establishment of street patterns and amenities that encourage
walking, bicycling, and transit use.
Commercial Designations
Existing commercial areas are predominantly auto-oriented and characterized by one-
story low intensity development. In the future, it is desired that these areas become more
intensively developed and pedestrian oriented, and in some designations, accommodate
housing. Transforming existing areas into places where people want to live, shop, and
work requires changes. Commercial areas should contain street furniture, trees,
pedestrian shelters, well-marked crosswalks, and buildings oriented to and along the
street to provide interest and allow easy pedestrian access.
General Policies for Commercial, Office, and Commercial Enterprise
The following apply to all commercial, office, and commercial enterprise designations. In
some instances, specific goals and policies may follow a specific land use designation.
Policies
LUP 24 Provide employment and business opportunities by allocating adequate land
for commercial, office, and industrial development.
LUP 25 Encourage development of regional uses in the City Center.
LUP 26 Provide for a mix of commercial and residential uses in most commercial areas.
LUP 27 Use design and performance standards to integrate multi-family development
into commercial developments as commercial/ residential mixed-use
development. Performance standards should focus on scale, appearance, and
compatibility.
LUP 28 Use Community Design Guidelines to promote common open space, public
art, and plazas in commercial/residential mixed-use, and office developments.
LUP 29 Ensure compatibility between non-residential developments and residential
zones by regulating height, scale, setbacks, and buffers.
LUP 30 Use Community Design Guidelines to encourage quality design and pedestrian
and vehicle circulation in office, commercial, and industrial developments.
LUP 31 Use Community Design Guidelines to encourage commercial development to
locate along street edge (where deemed appropriate) to provide pedestrian
street access and interest. Provide pedestrian access between developments
and to transit stations.
LUP 32 Consider adopting Form-based codes as a tool to create a predictable public
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realm and appropriate form and scale for new development and redevelopment.
LUP33 Identify and designate streets where on-street parking can be safely provided
without unduly slowing traffic flow or jeopardizing traffic safety.
LUP34 Provide developer incentives for inclusion of housing in commercial projects
at appropriate locations.
Commercial Enterprise
The Commercial Enterprise (CE) designation was developed from the former Business
Park (BP) designation, in order to meet changing market conditions, as indicated by City
market studies and by numerous rezone requests. The CE designation is primarily
intended to capture the demand for a diverse mix of industrial, office, and retail sales and
services, arrayed in well integrated, high quality developments. Housing is not
contemplated for this designation.
The CE designation encompasses areas located generally south of South 339th Street, north
of South 359th Street, and west of the Interstate-5/SR-18 interchange. Presently, these
areas are characterized by bulk/big box retailers such as Costco and Home Depot;
“destination” retail/commercial centers such as Federal Way Crossings and Marketplace;
and light manufacturing and warehouse uses; whose convenient access to Interstate-5 and
Highway 18 provide a natural location for such development. The area also includes some
large undeveloped and underdeveloped parcels.
Goal
LUG5 Develop a quality commercial enterprise environment characterized by a
viable, vibrant, and attractive mix of commercial, retail, office, industrial, and
supportive uses and utilize locational and design criteria to ensure
compatibility between uses.
LUG 5 Accommodate a majority of the city’s growth in the Regional Growth Center
and Countywide Center.
Policies
LUP 5.1 Establish subarea plans for designated Centers ensuring the areas will
comply with established targets for these areas.
LUP 5.2 Utilize zoning tools such as Overlays to help achieve the vision for specific
areas of the city.
Goal
LUG 6 Provide retail areas for shopping designed to serve neighborhoods,
recognizing their multiple roles: serving resident needs, acting as community
gathering places, and helping to establish neighborhood identity.
Policies
LUP35 Allow a broad range of commercial, retail, office, industrial, and supportive
uses to meet the needs of workers and consumers, in well integrated, well-
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functioning, high quality developments.
LUP36 Require development to be compatible and well integrated into its surroundings
and adjacent zones through site and building design and development standards
that reduce or eliminate land use conflicts and nuisance impacts; ensure project
aesthetics; promote sharing of public facilities and services; and improve
vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow and safety, including access control and
off-street interconnectivity between adjoining properties where feasible.
LUP37 6.1 Allow general and specialty retail uses that serve the needs of people
employed or residing in the local area, as well as “destination” retail and
wholesale businesses that may serve a broader consumer base vis-à-vis the area’s
convenient access to Interstate 5 and Highway 18.
LUP 6.2 Use development standards (e.g. height, setbacks, scale, etc.) and design
guidelines to maintain neighborhood character and ensure compatibility with
surrounding uses.
LUP 6.3 Support the continuation of a strong residential community.
LUP 6.4 Support the provision of child care and access to healthy food equitably
throughout the city.
LUP 6.5 Enhance the health and vitality of Federal Way’s neighborhoods to maintain a
vibrant, sustainable, and family-oriented community.
LUP 6.6 Increase access to small-scale, neighborhood-supporting uses (e.g. daycare,
healthy and culturally-relevant food, etc.) throughout the city.
LUP 6.7 Protect residential areas from impacts of adjacent non-residential uses.
LUP 38 Do not allow heavy industrial uses on properties that adjoin residential zones.
Community Business
The Community Business designation encompasses two major retail/commercial areas
along the SR-99 corridor, including the segment generally between South 272nd
Street and South 312th Street, and the segment between South 324th Street and
approximately South 339th Street. Presently, these areas are characterized by a
wide range of development types and appearances, including older, single-story
developments that provide excellent redevelopment opportunities. This
designation also includes the property located at the northwest corner of 1st
Avenue South and SW Campus Drive, which is subject to a concomitant
development agreement. In addition, there is a Community Business
designation on the southwestern corner of 1st Avenue South and SW Campus
Drive. The Community Business designation may be appropriate in other
commercial nodes that have grown or are growing past the scale of the
Neighborhood Business designation.
The Community Business designation allows a broad mix of uses, including general,
specialty, and service retail; commercial; office; commercial/residential mixed-
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use; and supportive uses. This designation envisions mid-rise (three to seven
stories), high quality developments containing a vibrant and compatible mix of
well integrated and designed pedestrian-oriented and auto-oriented uses.
Goal
LUG6 Transform Community Business areas into vital, attractive, areas with a mix of
uses that appeal to pedestrians, motorists, and residents, and enhance the
community’s image.
Goal
LUG 7 Support the school district’s efforts to identify and plan for future school
facility siting that meets the community’s needs; ensure the city’s land use
codes are responsive to land use decisions and changes in state statutes; and,
provide land use regulations that allow for the flexibility and creativity of good
design.
Policies
LUP 7.1 Use Community Design Guidelines to promote common open space, public
art, and plazas in commercial/residential mixed-use, and office
developments.
LUP 7.2 Use Community Design Guidelines to encourage commercial development to
locate along the street edge (where deemed appropriate) and to provide
pedestrian street access and interest. Provide direct pedestrian access and,
attempt to meet ADA requirements, between developments and transit
routes.
LUP 7.3 Require development to be compatible and well-integrated into its
surroundings and adjacent zones through site and building design and
development standards that reduce or eliminate land use conflicts and
nuisance impacts, and reduce risk to urban wildfires; ensure project
aesthetics; promote sharing of public facilities and services; and improve
vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow and safety, including access control and
off-street interconnectivity between adjoining properties where feasible.
LUP 7.4 Consider incorporation of ICC Wildland Urban Interface Code.
LUP 397.5 Encourage transformation of the Pacific Highway (SR-99) Community
Business corridors into quality retail/commercial mixed- use areas, designed
to integrate auto, pedestrian, and transit circulation, and to improve traffic
flow and safety, including access control and off-street interconnectivity
between adjoining properties where feasible. Ccontinue to utilize Community
Design Guidelines to ensure quality site and building design and functional
and aesthetic compatibility between uses. Integration of pedestrian amenities
and open space into retail and office development should also be encouraged.
LUP 40 Encourage a range of pedestrian-oriented retail, while continuing to
accommodate auto-oriented retail uses, and provide supportive uses to meet
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the needs of residents and employees in the area.
Neighborhood Business
There are 14 various sized nodes of Neighborhood Business located throughout the City.
These nodes are areas that provide retail and/or services to adjacent residential areas. The
FWCP recognizes the importance of architectural and site design guidelines to provide
compatibility between neighborhood business areas and adjacent neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Business areas are intended to provide convenient goods (e.g., groceries
and hardware) and services (e.g., dry cleaners, dentist, bank) at a pedestrian and
neighborhood scale close to adjacent residential uses. Developments combining
residential and commercial uses provide a convenient living environment within these
nodes. In the future, attention should be given to design features that enhance the
appearance or function of these areas. Improvements may include sidewalks, open space
and street trees, and parking either on street or oriented away from the street edge. The
function of neighborhood business areas can also be enhanced by safe pedestrian, bicycle,
and transit connections to surrounding neighborhoods.
The need to address expansion or intensification may occur in the future depending on
population growth. Future neighborhood business locations should be carefully chosen
and sized to meet the needs of adjacent residential areas. Chapter 12 of the FWCP, “The
Twin Lakes Commercial District Sub-Area Plan,” addresses the Neighborhood Business
zone centered on Campus Drive SW and SW 21st Avenue more specifically.
Goal
LUG7 Provide neighborhood and community scale retail centers for the City’s
neighborhoods.
Policies
LUP 41 Integrate retail developments into surrounding neighborhoods through
attention to quality design and function.
LUP 42 Encourage pedestrian and bicycle access to neighborhood shopping and
services.
LUP 43 Encourage neighborhood retail and personal services to locate at appropriate
locations where local economic demand and design solutions demonstrate
compatibility with the neighborhood.
LUP 44 Retail and personal services should be encouraged to group together within
planned centers to allow for ease of pedestrian movement.
LUP 45 Neighborhood Business centers should consist of neighborhood scale retail
and personal services.
LUP 46 Encourage commercial/residential mixed-use development in Neighborhood
Business designations.
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LUP 47 Support the provision of transit to Neighborhood Business areas.
LUP 48 In designating new or expanding existing Neighborhood Business centers,
the adjacent zoning and land use shall be carefully considered. New
Neighborhood Business centers are most appropriately located adjacent to
multi- family and high-density single-family residential areas.
Commercial Recreation
The Commercial Recreation designation acknowledges the unique recreational
opportunity associated with the Wild Waves property. Wild Waves is an indoor/outdoor
amusement facility most noted for its water park. A pre-annexation concomitant
development agreement has established the comprehensive plan designation and zoning
(Office Park-4) specifically for Wild Waves.
Office
Federal Way is well known for its quality office parks. Developments within the East and
West Campus areas embody good design and are representative of desired future office
park development. Office park development in West Campus has been complemented by
the Weyerhaeuser Corporate Headquarters in East Campus. In 2014, the Weyerhaeuser
Company announced that they plan to relocate their headquarters to Seattle in 2016. The
City recognizes the opportunity presented by this large, well situated campus-like property.
The City will work with the seller, future owner(s), and the surrounding community to
realize the property’s potential, while maintaining compatibility with surrounding uses.
Professional Office
The Professional Office designation is intended to allow for well-designed small-scale
office development compatible with adjacent residential neighborhoods.
Office Park
The Office Park designation includes the conventional OP zone as well as the OP-1, 2, and
3 zones, which are located in East Campus and governed by a pre-annexation concomitant
development agreement between the City of Federal Way and the East Campus property
owner(s). The Office Park designation emphasizes high quality office development that
allows for a mix of office and compatible light manufacturing type activities. This
classification also permits a limited amount of retail and warehouse support services.
Corporate Park
The Corporate Park designation applies to the Weyerhaeuser Corporate Campus generally
located east of Interstate Highway 5. The property is a unique site, both in terms of its
development capacity and natural features. Development standards and conditions for the
Corporate Park designation are unique to Weyerhaeuser’s property and are outlined in a
pre-annexation concomitant development agreement between the City and the
Weyerhaeuser Company. The agreement governing the Corporate Park designation allows
for a wide variety of uses, including, but not limited to, corporate offices, parks, production
and light assembly of goods, conference center, warehousing and distribution, and forest
uses. Accessory uses such as banking and financial services, restaurants, retail, and
helistops are also allowed. This zoning presents unique opportunities for development. The
City will evaluate how the property can best be utilized going forward.
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Goals
LUG 8 Coordinate with local and regional partners in land use planning.
LUG8 Create office and corporate park development that is known regionally,
nationally, and internationally for its design and function.
Policies
LUP 8.1 Coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions and affected agencies to ensure local
land use decisions are considered beyond the city’s boundaries.
LUG9 Work collaboratively to evaluate and realize the potential of the (former)
Weyerhaeuser properties in East Campus.
Policy
LUP 49 In the East Campus Corporate Park area, encourage quality development that
will complement existing uses and take advantage of good access to I-5,
Highway 18 and future light rail as well as proximity to the City Center.
City Center
City Center Core
The intent of establishing the City Center Core is to create a higher density, mixed-use
designation where office, retail, government uses, and residential uses are concentrated.
Other uses such as cultural/civic facilities and community services will be highly
encouraged.
City Center Frame
The City Center Frame designation will have a look and feel similar to the Core and will
provide a zone of less dense, commercial/residential mixed-use development physically
surrounding a portion of the City Center Core. Together, they are meant to complement
each other to create a “downtown” area. A more detailed description, along with goals and
policies regarding the City Center Core and Frame, can be found in the City Center chapter.
2.8 HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS: URBAN AGRICULTURE
Purpose
Healthy food resources such as farmers markets, community gardens, pea patches, and
urban farms provide public health and economic, social, and environmental benefits for
the community. Many of these uses will be located in residential zones; therefore, it is
important to ensure that the residential nature of existing neighborhoods is not negatively
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impacted by noise, odor, stormwater runoff, or traffic that could potentially be generated
by an urban agriculture use.
Urban agriculture in Federal Way supports and encourages healthy and active lifestyles
through a wide range of activities such as raising, cultivation, processing, marketing, and
distribution of food in urban areas. Urban agriculture is sustainable as it contributes to
quality of life by providing opportunities for community building and encourages social
interaction for Federal Way’s diverse population. In addition, urban agriculture activities
can contribute to the local economy by providing opportunities for residents to start and
grow businesses such as urban farms and cottage food processing as well as by being a
good steward of our environment.
These policies are intended to increase access to healthy food choices for all Federal Way
residents.
Goal
LUG 10 Provide access to healthy food resources for all residents through
opportunities for urban agricultural activities, such as farmers markets,
farmstands, community supported agriculture (CSA)2 drop-off sites, community
gardens, pea patches, school gardens, home gardens, and urban farms.
Policy
LUP 50 Establish development regulations that allow for healthy food resources, such
as urban agriculture and food banks as a permitted use and provide for on-
site sale and delivery of healthy foods, on public and private property, where
appropriate.
Goal
LUG 11 Encourage and support farmers’ market opportunities that are accessible to
all residents.
2 Community-supported agriculture (CSA) is a food production and distribution system that directly connects
farmers and consumers. Consumers buy “shares” in a farm’s harvest in advance. The term “CSA” is also used
to refer to an individual farm’s CSA program.
Urban Agriculture
in Federal Way
Community
gardens
School
gardens
Home
gardens
Pea-
patches
Urban
farms Farmstands Farmers
markets
Cottage food
processing
CSA drop-
off sites
Source: City of Federal Way
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Policies
LUP 51 Establish development regulations that allow for farmers markets as a
permitted use on public and private property, where appropriate.
LUP 52 Encourage farmers market to accept public benefits such as food stamp
electronic benefit cards, senior farmer market vouchers, and Women, Infant,
Children (WIC) benefits.
LUP 53 Coordinate with local and regional organizations to promote local farmers
markets.
Goal
LUG 12 Promote urban agriculture activities through existing and new programming
and partnerships.
Policies
LUP 54 Encourage and support the use of public lands for urban agricultural
activities by establishing criteria for assessing suitable sites.
LUP 55 Where appropriate, support joint-use agreements for publicly or privately
owned sites for uses such as urban farms, community gardens, and pea patches.
LUP 56 Consider development incentives, grants, and other funding sources to
support development of urban agriculture sites and programming.
2.9 ESSENTIAL PUBLIC FACILITIES
Essential public facilities include those facilities that are typically difficult to site, such as
airports, state or regional transportation systems, correctional facilities, and mental health
facilities. Pursuant to the GMA, no comprehensive plan can preclude the siting of essential
public facilities and each should include a process for siting essential public facilities. The
GMA includes these provisions because siting certain public facilities has become difficult
due to the impacts many of these facilities have on the community. Title 19 of the Federal
Way Revised Code (FWRC) defines essential public facilities and provides a land use
process for siting them.
Goal
LUG13 Ensure the City complies with legal mandates to allow the siting of Essential
Public Facilities.
Policy
LUP59 The FWRC shall include a process for siting essential public facilities.
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2.10 PHASING
Phasing focuses growth to those areas where public investments for services are targeted.
By doing so, these areas become more attractive for development. Consistent with the
CWPPs, Federal Way proposes to use a tiered system for accommodating future growth.
The primary purpose of this technique is to assure a logical sequence of growth outward
from developed areas. The City can influence phasing by choosing where and when to
make strategic capital facility investments. Phased growth will promote efficient use of
land by:
• Reducing taxpayers costs by locating new development nearest to existing urban
services;
• Adding predictability to service and facility planning;
• Reducing commuter miles and protecting air quality by locating housing and jobs
near each other;
• Encouraging in-fill and redevelopment where environmental impacts have already
occurred; and
• Reserving land for future parks and open space.
Policies
LUP60 Establish priority areas for public facility and service improvements, especially
for transportation based on an adopted Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) and
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Priority areas should be located
where public facility and service improvements would effectively advance
Federal Way’s growth vision. Priority areas will shift over time as
improvements are installed and an acceptable level of service is attained.
LUP61 When and where service deficiencies are identified, the City, along with
service providers, will develop capital improvement programs to remedy
identified deficiencies in a timely fashion or will phase growth until such
programs can be completed.
LUP62 Work with King County through an interlocal agreement to assign phasing to
the City’s PAA.
2.11 INCENTIVES
Incentives shall be used to direct development activity to desired locations, and to
encourage the type and character of desired development. The City has adopted a
Housing Tax Exemption for multi- family housing in the City Center and a Planned
Action SEPA for a portion of the City Center. Incentives can play an important role in the
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development of the City Center and must be substantial enough to influence market
conditions by making them attractive to the development community.
Policies
LUP 63 Develop incentives to encourage desired development in commercial areas,
especially in the City Center Core and Frame.
LUP 64 Consider incentives for desired types of multi-family residential development
(townhouses, duplexes, etc.).
2.12 HISTORIC RESOURCES
Historic preservation involves the identification, maintenance, renovation, and reuse of
buildings and sites important to a community’s history. Buildings or sites may be associated
with a particular style or period in the community’s past, or with historic or significant
historic events or persons. Historic preservation to date has largely been undertaken by the
Historical Society of Federal Way. Historic preservation is listed as the 13th goal in the GMA
which encourages jurisdictions to, “Identify and encourage the preservation of lands, sites,
and structures, that have historical or archaeological significance.”
Goal
LUG 14 Use historic resources as an important element in the overall design of the City.
Policies
LUP 65 Identify vista points and historic buildings for preservation.
LUP 66 Develop a process to designate historic landmark sites and structures. Use
developer incentives or other mechanisms to ensure that these sites and
structures will continue to be a part of the community.
LUP 67 Recognize the heritage of the community by continuing to name (or rename)
parks, streets, and other public places after major figures and/or events.
LUP 68 Zoning should be compatible with and conducive to continued preservation
of historic neighborhoods and properties.
LUP 69 Safeguard and manifest Federal Way’s heritage by preserving those sites,
buildings, structures, and objects which reflect significant elements of the
City’s history.
LUP 70 Work with the Historical Society of Federal Way to come up with a methodology
to catalog historic sites using the City’s geographic information system.
LUP 71 Undertake an effort to publicly commemorate historic sites.
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LUP 72 The City shall continue to work with the Historical Society of Federal Way
towards attainment of historic resource policies.
2.13 IMPLEMENTATION
The following actions are recommended to implement the policy direction outlined in this
chapter. Implementation will occur over time and is dependent on resources available to the
City and community, level of private investments, and market conditions. The following
items are not listed in order of importance or preference. Many of the implementation
strategies identified in the past comprehensive plans have already been completed.
Subarea Plans
Over the years, citizens from various areas of the City have come forth to testify before the
Planning Commission and City Council regarding their neighborhood or business area.
Development of subarea plans can lead to area specific visions and policies. This type of
specific planning, developed with citizen input and direction, can lead to improved
confidence and ownership in the community. Areas where subarea planning should be
considered include: SR-99 Corridor, South 348th Street area, and the South 356th area.
Incentives
Develop an incentives program, for both residential and commercial development.
Incentives should be substantial enough to attract development and should be used to
create affordable and desired types of housing and to encourage development within the
City Center.
Capital Facility Investment
Invest in capital facilities in areas where development and redevelopment is intended to
be directed.
Table II-3
Land Use Classifications
Comprehensive Plan Classification Zoning Classification
Single Family – Low Density Residential Suburban Estates (SE), one dwelling unit per five acres
Single Family – Medium Density Residential RS 35,000 & 15,000
Single Family – High Density Residential RS 9600, 7200, 5000
Multiple Family Residential RM 3600, 2400, 1800
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City Center Core City Center Core
City Center Frame City Center Frame
Office Park Office Park, Office Park 1, 2, & 3
Professional Office Professional Office
Community Business Community Business
Commercial Enterprise Commercial Enterprise
Neighborhood Business Neighborhood Business
Corporate Park Corporate Park-1
Commercial Recreation Office Park-4
Open Space & Parks A variety of zoning is assigned.
2.4 MAPS
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CHAPTER TWO
LAND USE
2.0 INTRODUCTION & VISION _________________________________ 1
2.1 LAND USE DESIGNATION __________________________________ 3
2.2 POTENTIAL ANNEXATION AREAS __________________________ 6
2.3 GOALS & POLICIES ________________________________________ 7
2.4 MAPS _______________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Commented [TW1]: PAGES NEED TO BE RENUMBERED
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2.0 INTRODUCTION & VISION
The Land Use Chapter establishes the framework for the City's expected growth and
provides a guide for the distribution, type, and intensity of various uses of land within
Federal Way. The Land Use Chapter (maps, goals and policies) serves as a guide to
future decision making relating to property investments, land development, public
services, and the provision of public infrastructure.
Vision
The City’s Comprehensive Plan anticipates, guides, and plans for growth in a way that
helps the City achieve its vision for the future while satisfying the requirements of the
Washington Growth Management Act (see discussion in the Introduction Chapter). Land
use planning protects environmentally-sensitive lands and maintains the character of
established neighborhoods while allowing the City to evolve to meet the changing needs
of the community and the region. The Land Use Chapter ensures an appropriate mix of
land uses (Figure LU-1) are available to:
support the City’s County-allocated growth targets;
achieve the City’s economic goals;
protect environmentally-sensitive lands;
provide appropriate land for recreation and services to residents and
businesses; and,
provides choices for where to live.
As Federal Way ages it will continue to grow, adding new housing units and employees.
As the City plans for meeting its housing and employment targets, much of the growth
will be focused in denser, mixed-use neighborhoods like City Center, Downtown, and the
South Station subarea. The City’s land use vision for the next planning cycle (2024-2044)
is responsive to the reality that the City has sought designations for a Regional Growth
Center and a Countywide Center and those areas come with an expectation for minimum
development densities (residential) and intensities (commercial) of uses. In addition, the
City’s vision must adapt given recent legislation (HB 1220 and 1110) from Olympia for
including permanent supportive housing and emergency shelters and densifying existing
and planned single-family neighborhoods.
As Federal Way grows and makes accommodations for growth in certain parts of the City
(as identified above), Federal Way was founded on the strength of its existing
neighborhoods and balancing the stability of those assets with the requirements for
densification into the future is a primary part of the Land Use Vision for the City. From
time to time, Federal Way may consider minor adjustments to land use designations and
regulations to encourage minor amounts of small-scale infill redevelopment in existing
residential neighborhoods, such as cottage housing, accessory dwelling units, infill
dwellings, and limited neighborhood-serving retail, but major changes to stable
neighborhoods would be inconsistent with the vision of this plan.
The following Table (Figure LU-1) provides the current zoning allocation through the
City. In addition, it provides the amount of capacity for growth and
development/redevelopment under current zones.
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Figure LU-1 (Land Use Allocation)
ZONING DENSITY (Units per
Acre)
FLOOR AREA RATIO
(FAR)
Existing Available
Capacity
#
acres
Min
Density
Max.
Density
Min FAR Max FAR
Residential
Suburban
Estates
N/A 0.2 N/A
RS 35.0 N/A 0.8 N/A
RS15.0 N/A 2.9 N/A
RS 9.6 N/A 4.5 N/A
RS 7.2 N/A 6.1 N/A
RS 5.0 N/A 8.7 N/A
Multi-family
RM 3600 N/A 12.1 N/A
RM 2400 N/A 18.2 N/A
RM1800 N/A 24.2 N/A
Commercial
CC-C 46 230 1.5 10
CC-F N/A 100
(estimated)
N/A 0.9
(estimated)
BC N/A 65
(estimated)
N/A 0.9
(estimated)
BN N/A 40
(estimated)
N/A 0.5
(estimated)
Office
OP N/A N/A N/A 0.4
(estimated)
PO N/A N/A N/A 0.4
(estimated)
CP-1 N/A N/A N/A 0.4
(estimated)
OP-1 N/A N/A N/A 0.4
(estimated)
OP-2 N/A N/A N/A 0.4
(estimated)
OP-3 N/A N/A N/A 0.4
(estimated)
Industrial
CE N/A N/A N/A 0.9
(estimated)
Although the Land Use designations are applied citywide, there are subareas within the
city that have been the recipients of special planning efforts. The purpose of these
subarea plans (Map LU-1) is to take a more-detailed look at a particular part of the city
and to provide area-specific goals and policies and implementation strategies.
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(Map LU-1) – Special Planning Areas
To learn more about these special planning areas, refer to Chapter 7 (Centers) of the
Comprehensive Plan. Information about Twin Lakes can be found by contacting the
Planning division of the Community Development department.
2.1 LAND USE DESIGNATIONS
The land use designations recognize the relationships between broad patterns of land uses.
The designations set forth locational criteria for each specific class of uses consistent with
the long-term objectives of the Federal Way Comprehensive Plan. These designations
provide the purpose and intent for corresponding and consistent zoning districts (Table
LU-1). The location of comprehensive plan land use designations are shown on the
Comprehensive Plan Designations Map (Map II-2).
Table LU-1
Land Use Designation – Zoning Correlation
Zones
Residential
1
Residential
2
Commercial Mixed Use –
Non Centers
Mixed Use
- Centers
Open space,
Parks & Rec
SE
RS 35
RS 15
RS 9.6
RS 7.2
RS 5.0
RM 3600
RM 2400
RM 1800
CE
PO
OP
OP(1-4)
CP-1
BN
Commented [KN2]: Requires update
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BC
CC-F
CC-C
Residential 1
This designation is the predominant land use category in the City. Residential 1 areas are
predominantly suburban in character and provide for lower-density, single-family
residential housing. With the mandated code changes for increased densities within the
Urban Growth Area, Residential 1 will, over time and as supported by the market,
transform into a mix of single-family detached lots and redeveloped lots with up to 6
units where previously 1 existed. Historic densities range from 1 home per 5 acres to 8.7
homes per acre, dependent upon the underlying zoning. Qualities associated with this
designation include: low noise levels, limited traffic, private yards, and smaller-scale,
setback buildings. Compatible non-residential uses such as schools, parks, day care,
governmental facilities, and urban agriculture are allowed in some zones.
In addition, this designation provides for the protection of non-open space,
environmentally-sensitive parts of the City such as Dumas Bay and Camp Kilworth and
recognizes that portions of the City are not served by urban infrastructure (i.e. water,
sewer). It also provides for a diverse arrangement of interconnected subdivisions,
neighborhoods, and communities that have a mix of densities and housing types.
Maintaining and creating linkages to other residential areas and nonresidential areas is
important for creating a connected community.
Residential 2
The Residential 2 designation represents an opportunity to provide a range of housing
types at higher densities than are supported by the Residential 1 designation, but not as
dense as the Mixed-Use designations. Residential densities in this designation range
from 12.1 residential units per acre to 24.2 residential units per acre, depending on the
zone. Since building heights are capped at 3 stories (35 feet), most residences in this
designation will be townhouses, duplexes, small-lot detached housing, and “woody-
walkup” apartments. Compatible non-residential uses include schools, churches,
recreation, parks, governmental facilities, and urban agriculture.
This designation shares many of the same qualities as Residential 1 such as lower traffic
volumes and noise, some building setbacks, and small-scale development, while allowing
for multi-family uses and increased housing density along with community facilities and
institutions. This designation can often act as a transition between the Residential 1
designation and higher density or non-residential designations.
Commercial
This designation is characterized by employment-generating land uses. Office, retail,
manufacturing and warehousing/storage represent the majority of the uses in this
designation, as allowed by the underlying zones. Other uses found in the commercial
designation include: entertainment, schools, day care, hospitals, churches, hotels, and
breweries. Because of the variety of uses allowed, many of these commercial areas will
be economically vibrant and active outside of traditional work hours. Although built for
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and served primarily by private vehicles, they should be developed to be accessible by
foot, bike, car, and public transport as well.
This designation is comprised of the CE, CP-1, OP and PO zones. Aside from an area on
S 320th Street, the CE zone is generally limited to lands south of S 336th Street and are
generally served by either Pacific Highway S or Enchanted Parkway/16th Avenue South.
This designation is characterized by larger-scale buildings, longer operating hours, and
moderate-to-high traffic generation. The CP-1 zone is limited to portions of the old
Weyerhaeuser campus, east of I-5. The OP and PO zones include small-scale office and
residentially-compatible employment opportunities, often clustered together and located
on well-landscaped parcels and on collector streets such as 1st Avenue South and S 320th
Street, west of 8th Avenue S.
Mixed Use – Non-Centers
The Mixed Use – Non-Centers designation is for land used for a mixture of residential
and commercial uses on a site. Mixed-use development can take a variety of forms, but
often is categorized as either vertical mixed-use (residential and non-residential uses
located in the same building) or horizontal mixed-use (residential and non-residential
uses located on the same parcel, but in different buildings). Basic criteria for
development include reasonable scale with the surrounding neighborhood, and
engagement with the street frontage. This designation includes the CC-F, BC, and BN
zones.
The Neighborhood Business zone provides retail and/or services to adjacent residential
areas. Architectural and site design guidelines are utilized to ensure compatibility
between neighborhood business areas and adjacent neighborhoods. Neighborhood
Business areas are intended to provide convenient goods (e.g., groceries and hardware)
and services (e.g., dry cleaners, dentist, bank) at a pedestrian and neighborhood scale
close to adjacent residential uses.
The Community Business designation allows a broad mix of uses, including general,
specialty, and service retail; commercial; office; commercial/residential mixed-use; and
supportive uses. This designation envisions denser, high-quality development containing a
vibrant and compatible mix of uses. The Community Business designation may be
appropriate in other commercial nodes that have grown or are growing past the scale of the
Neighborhood Business designation.
The City Center Frame designation will have a look and feel similar to the Mixed Use –
Centers designation and will provide a zone of less dense, commercial/residential mixed-
use development physically surrounding a portion of the City Center Core. The Frame is
also intended to provide a transition between the densely-developed Core and adjoining
residential neighborhoods.
Mixed Use – Centers
This designation represents the Regional Growth Center and the South Station subarea.
The Regional Growth Center has been part of the City’s plans for a number of years and
should not contain any properties zoned other than City Center Core.
The Countywide Center, however, is anchored by a future light rail station anticipated to
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be operational in the mid 2030’s. For this area, zoning will transform over time and may
contain City Center Core, CE, RM1800, and RS15 zones. The introduction of new
zoning for this area that allows for the development of dense housing is appropriate in
advance of the station opening to allow for this area’s transition from an employment
dominated area to one that is mixed use.
Parks and Recreation and Open Space
Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) designation applies to parks, public and
privately-owned recreational areas, urban forests, and public open-space areas. Lands
within this designation include both natural open space areas and active use parks and
recreational areas. Natural open space is intended to be conserved and enhanced through
habitat restoration and vegetation management to maximize its environmental, habitat,
and stormwater benefits, along with low-impact public access such as natural area trails
and viewpoints, when appropriate. Parks and recreation lands are intended to provide
opportunities for active recreation such as playfields and sports facilities, and urban
amenities such as plazas, pocket parks and community gardens, but may also be utilized
for governmental facilities.
The PROS designation acknowledges the unique recreational opportunity associated with
Wild Waves property. Enchanted Park is an indoor/outdoor amusement facility most
noted for its water park and is zoned OP-4. Other areas include the system of properties
tied to the Hylebos wetlands and Spring Valley.
2.2 POTENTIAL ANNEXATION AREAS
The City of Federal Way Potential Annexation Areas (PAAs) was established through a
series of interlocal agreements between the City of Federal Way and neighboring South
King County cities. As part of the Growth Management Act, areas within the King
County Urban Growth Boundary are intended to be served by urban services. Potential
Annexation Areas (PAAs) are unincorporated areas of King County within the Urban
Growth Area (UGA). Federal Way’s PAAs are located adjacent to the City where the
City is expected to provide public services and utilities following an annexation process.
The City’s remaining potential annexation areas are located east of I-5 (see Map LU-4).
Based on a land use survey conducted in 2013, the land use designation for the PAAs are
broken out in Figure LU-2.
Figure LU-2 (PAA Land Use Allocation)
Designation # acres %
Commercial 0.04
Low Density Residential 90.82
Medium Density Residential 5.05
Mixed Use 0.51
Open Space, Parks & Recreation 3.59
Regional Growth Center 0
Undesignated 0
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Goal
LUG PAA 1 Respect the character, integrity, and unique qualities of PAA
neighborhoods through the annexation process.
Policies
LUP PAA 1.1 The City zoning designations for annexed properties should consider
existing King County zoning designations and PAA growth targets; providing a
variety of housing types; and, other City Goals and Policies of this
Comprehensive Plan as part of the annexation process.
LUP PAA 1.2 Seek to expand the area of annexation proposals when such an expansion
would serve to make city boundaries more regular or where the area to be
served is a logical extension of city service capabilities and is within a defined
potential annexation area.
LUP PAA 1.3 Encourage neighborhood retail and personal services to locate at
appropriate locations where local economic demand and design solutions
demonstrate compatibility with nearby neighborhoods.
Goal
LUG PAA 2 The City shall work with King County to strategically annex identified
Potential Annexation Areas.
Policies
LUP PAA 2.1 Prior to initiation of an annexation, an updated inventory shall be
conducted to understand zoning, existing uses, and infrastructure conditions of
the area under consideration.
LUP PAA 2.2 The City shall be responsive to requests for annexation.
LUP PAA 2.3 Ensure the ability of the annexation area or King County to pay the
determined fair share of required services prior to annexation.
2.3 GOALS & POLICIES
This section contains the goals and policies of the Land Use Chapter of the
Comprehensive Plan for properties located within the City’s jurisdiction. (There are
additional goals and policies relating to potential annexation areas found in Section 2.4).
Goals and Policies addressing the overall land use vision and the interplay of various land
uses is contained in this Chapter.
Goals
LUG 1 Support a land use framework and regulations that implement the goals of
the Growth Management Act; are responsive to changes in state statutes;
support VISION 2050 Regional Growth Strategy and King County
Countywide Planning Policies; include policies addressing environmental
justice; and, provides sufficient actions to accomplish the goals and
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policies contained in this plan.
Policies
LUP 1.1 Strongly discourage the spread of commercial zoning and uses into
residentially-designated areas. Instead, strongly encourage the more
intensive utilization of existing commercial and mixed-use areas for
commercial purposes, mixed-residential use, and public activities.
LUP 1.2 Discourage speculative rezoning and require applicants provide market-
based data and analyses to support rezoning requests.
LUP 1.3 Foster a diverse community comprised of neighborhoods that provide a
range of housing options; a vibrant City Center; well designed and
functioning mixed-use, commercial and office areas; and distinctive
neighborhood retail areas.
LUP 1.4 The FWRC shall include a process and standards for siting essential public
facilities.
LUP 1.5 Land Use decisions shall not exacerbate environmental health disparities.
LUP 1.6 Track progress toward increasing health equity and ensuring environmental
justice throughout the city.
Goals
LUG 2 Develop an efficient, predictable, transparent, fair and timely development
review process based on a public/private partnership.
Policies
LUP 2.1 Maximize efficiency and predictability of the development review process
and conduct regular reviews of development regulations to determine how
to improve upon the permit review process.
LUP 2.2 Assist developers with proposals by continuing to offer preapplication
meetings in order to produce projects that will be reviewed efficiently.
.
LUP 2.3 Integrate and coordinate construction of public infrastructure with private
development to minimize costs wherever possible.
LUP 2.4 Look to incorporate new technologies to improve permit processing times.
LUP 2.5 Ensure noticing of land use decisions is inclusive and accessible to all
members of the community.
LUP 2.6 Consider and minimize potential impacts due to displacement resulting
from land use decisions.
Goals
LUG 3 Periodically update the city inventory of buildable land capacity and
evaluate development activity and achieved densities to ensure that the city
is able to meet its regionally-adopted housing and employment targets over
the next 20 years as well as the criteria for the city’s Centers.
Policies
LUP 3.1 Designate and zone land to provide for Federal Way’s share of regionally
adopted demand forecasts for residential, commercial, and industrial uses
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for the next 20 years.
LUP 3.2 Accommodate a majority of the city’s growth in the Regional Growth
Center and Countywide Center.
LUP 3.3 Evaluate household and employment inventory and forecasts on a
periodic basis to ensure that land use policies and regulations based on
previous assumptions remain relevant.
Goals
LUG 4 Preserve and protect Federal Way’s neighborhoods.
Policies
LUP 4.1 Maintain and protect the character of existing neighborhoods through
strict enforcement of the City’s land use regulations.
LUP 4.2 Support the continuation of a strong residential community.
LUP 4.3 Protect residential areas from impacts of adjacent non-residential uses.
Goals
LUG 4 Provide a complete range of land uses and densities to ensure the
community achieves the diversity needed to be a vibrant community.
Policies
LUP 4.1 Allow and encourage a variety of multi-family housing types in designated
commercial areas, especially in the City Center Core and City Center Frame
areas.
LUP 4.2 Provide employment and business opportunities by allocating adequate
land for commercial, office, and industrial development.
LUP 4.3 Distribute park, urban agricultural sites, and recreational opportunities
equitably throughout the City.
LUP 4.4 Establish development regulations that allow for healthy food resources,
such as urban agriculture and food banks as a permitted use and provide
for on-site sale and delivery of healthy foods, on public and private
property, where appropriate.
LUP 4.5 Continue to consider special development techniques (e.g., lot size
averaging, cottage housing, accessory dwelling units, townhomes,
duplexes, and planned unit developments) in single-family areas provided
they result in residential development consistent with the quality and
character of existing neighborhoods.
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Goals
LUG 5 Develop commercial areas characterized by viable, vibrant, and attractive
mix of commercial, retail, office, industrial, and supportive uses and utilize
locational and design criteria to ensure compatibility between uses.
Policies
LUP 5.1 Require commercial development to be compatible and well integrated into
its surroundings through site and building design and development
standards that reduce or eliminate land use conflicts and nuisance impacts;
ensure project aesthetics; promote sharing of public facilities and services;
and improve vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow and safety, including
access control and off-street interconnectivity between adjoining properties
where feasible.
LUP 5.2 Consider minimizing impacts from traffic flows, loading bays and
outdoor storage for heavy industrial uses during the site plan review
process.
Goals
LUG 6 Provide land use regulations that allow for the flexibility and creativity of
good design and the incorporation of sound planning principles.
Policies
LUG 6.1 Use Community Design Guidelines and other tools to promote common
open space, public art, and plazas in commercial/residential mixed-use, and
office developments.
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LUP 6.2 Use Community Design Guidelines and other tools to require commercial
development to locate along the street edge (where deemed appropriate)
and to provide pedestrian street access and interest. Provide direct
pedestrian access and, attempt to meet ADA requirements, between
developments and transit routes.
LUP 6.3 Use development standards and design guidelines to maintain neighborhood
character and ensure compatibility with surrounding uses.
LUP 6.4 Use design guidelines and performance standards to create attractive and
desirable commercial, office and commercial/residential mixed-use
developments.
LUP 6.5 Regularly audit existing land use regulations to provide for innovation and
flexibility in the design of new developments.
LUP 6.6 Use design and performance standards to integrate multi-family
development into commercial developments as commercial/ residential
mixed-use development. Performance standards should focus on scale,
appearance, and compatibility.
LUP 6.7 Revise existing land use regulations to provide for innovation and
flexibility in the design of new single-family developments and in-fill.
LUP 6.8 Consider incorporation of ICC Wildland Urban Interface Code.
LUP 6.9 Allow general and specialty retail uses that serve the needs of people
employed or residing in the local area, as well as “destination” retail and
wholesale businesses that may serve a broader consumer base vis-à-vis
the area’s convenient access to Interstate 5 and Highway 18.
Goals
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LUG 7 Coordinate with local and regional partners in land use planning.
Policies
LUP 7.1 Coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions, the tribes, and affected agencies to
ensure local land use decisions are considered beyond the city’s
boundaries.
LUP 7.2 Coordinate with local and regional organizations to promote local farmers
markets.
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S t a f f R e p o r t
DATE: April 10, 2024
TO: Federal Way Planning Commission
FROM: Evan Lewis, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: Briefing – Capital Facilities Chapter of Comprehensive Plan
BACKGROUND
Staff updates to the Capital Facilities Chapter focused on refreshing or clarifying background information and
relevant statistics; adding information about new capital facilities; removing or simplifying unnecessary
information that doesn’t need to be shown in the body of a comprehensive plan chapter; clarifying unclear
information; reframing how external plans are referenced; establishing a chapter Vision statement; and updating
goals and policies consistent with city priorities and with state, regional and county planning requirements.
CHAPTER FORMAT
• Introduction and Vision: Added ‘Vision’ and both an ‘Introduction’ and ‘Vision’ subsection consistent
with other chapters.
• Deleted Policy Background: Deleted section consistent with new format for all chapters.
• Funding Capital Facilities: Section/subsection headers unchanged. Updates reflect the latest levels of
service and funding sources information.
• Surface Water: Section/subsection headers unchanged. Information updated consistent with the most
recent (2021) Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan.
• Transportation: Section header unchanged. This brief section references the Comprehensive Plan
Transportation Chapter for complete transportation capital facilities information. Edits are for clarity.
• Parks & Recreation: Deleted all existing subsections since complete Parks & Recreation capital
facilities information will be referenced in the Parks & Recreation Chapter and the Parks, Recreation
and Open Space (PROS) Plan. A new main section description is added, similar to Transportation
section, for clarity.
• Community Facilities: Consolidated information about some facilities in a new “Community
Gathering Facilities” subsection. Deleted two subsections about 1) PAEC which didn’t need its own
subsection, and 2) a different facility that appears to longer part of the city’s planning. Consolidated or
clarified information in a new “Summary of Existing Facilities and Future Needs.” Also deleted a long
Parks capital projects list since it’s redundant with a list currently found, and being updated, in the
PROS Plan. Other edits refresh information and provide clarity.
• School Facilities: Deleted all subsections since complete schools capital facilities information is found
in the Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) Capital Facilities Plan incorporated by reference; the section
description is updated to reflect this.
• Water Systems: Section/subsection headers unchanged. Content updated primarily with new
information from Lakehaven, but also from Highline Water District and Tacoma Water.
• Sewer Systems: Section/subsection headers unchanged. Content updated primarily with new
information from Lakehaven, but also from Midway Sewer District.
• Fire Facilities: Section/subsection and most content currently unchanged. However, this section likely
contains outdated information and updates are pending from South King Fire (SKF).
• Goals and Policies: Updated consistent with city priorities and state, regional and county requirements.
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-7000
www.cityoffederalway.com
Jim Ferrell, Mayor
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• Appendix: Added section to list all plans incorporated by reference and to list maps referenced in
chapter. Updates are pending for some maps. The proposed list of maps is reduced from 11 maps in the
current chapter to three in the updated chapter. Maps proposed for deletion are labeled as such in the
attached chapter.
Some images in the chapter may change before the final draft of this chapter. Numbering of each image, table
and map will also occur at a later date as the number of images and maps may change.
GOALS AND POLICIES SUMMARY
For goals and policies not listed, there were either no changes or no changes of substance to their meaning
and/or intent.
Goals or Policy Changed Reason for Change
All Goals: Deleted goal intent statements that follow
each goal and provide more context for the goal.
Consistency with the new goals/policies
format of all other chapters.
CFG1
RegularlyAnnually update the Capital Facilities
Plans to implement the FWCP by coordinating urban
services, land use decisions, level of service
standards, and financial resources with a fully
funded schedule of capital improvements.
Some of the capital facilities plans that are
incorporated by reference don’t need to be
updated annually.
CFP1.4
ReferenceAdopt by reference all capital facilities plans and
future amendments prepared by other special districts that
provide services within the City to support implementation of
the FWCP. These plans must be consistent with the
Consistency with how such external capital
facilities plans are referenced throughout the
chapter.
CFP1.5
RAdopt by reference the annual update of the Federal
Way Capital Improvement Program for
parks/recreation, surface water management, and the
Transportation Improvement Program to support
implementation of the FWCP.
Consistency with how such external capital
facilities plans are referenced throughout the
chapter.
CFG3
Provide capital facilities to serve and direct future
growth within Federal Way and its Potential
Annexation Area asas it they further develops.
Removed PAA reference to ensure
goals/policies focus on existing city
boundaries.
CFP3.517 Continue to iImplement a concurrency
management system which permits project approval
only after a finding is made that there is capacity
available in the transportation system sufficient to
maintain the adopted level of service standard.
Policy’s implementation is ongoing, so it’s
worth keeping the policy but reworded to
clarify it’s already being implemented.
CFP3.618
The provision of urban services shall be Ccoordinated
the provision of urban services to ensure that areas
identified for urban expansion growth are accompanied
with the maximum possible use of existing facilities
and cost- effective service provisions and extensions
The comp plan focuses on growth
management within current city boundaries,
so policy updated to reflect that.
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3
Goals or Policy Changed Reason for Change
while ensuring the protection and preservation of
resources.
CFP20 Purchase property in the Potential
Annexation Area and keep it in reserve for future City
parks and surface water facilities.
Removed to say consistent with the level at
which PAA is addressed in other chapters.
CFP3.9 Require connection to sanitary sewer service where
sewer service is available and where
there would be no harm to environmental critical areas..
Consistency with countywide planning
policies (policy PF-12), PSRC policies,
norms and best practices of most other
jurisdictions, and environmental best
practices.
CFP4.325
Pursue funding strategies that require new growth
and development to pay its fair share of the cost of
facilities that are required to maintain adopted level
of service standards. One such strategy that should be
implemented in the near term is an impact fee
program for parks.
Park Impact Fee (PIF) established in 2023, so
PIF portion of this policy is completed.
CFP5.4 Establish new or expanded sites for public facilities,
utilities, and infrastructure in a manner that ensures disaster
resiliency and public service recovery.
Consistency with countywide planning policy
#PF-27.
CFG7 Ensure planning and siting for all capital facilities is
conducted in an environmentally sound, socially equitable
and inclusive manner.
Consistency with several countywide and
PSRC planning policies.
CFP7.1 Inform the siting or expansion of essential public
facilities or facilities of regional importance using a process
that incorporates broad public involvement, especially from
historically marginalized and disproportionately burdened
communities, and that equitably disperses impacts and
benefits while supporting the Countywide Planning Policies.
Consistency with various countywide and
PSRC planning policies, but most notably
countywide planning policy #PF-24.
CFP7.2 Work toward more affordable and equitable access
to public facilities throughout Federal Way, with a particular
focus on identifying coverage gaps and supporting increased
access by historically marginalized and disproportionately
burdened communities.
Consistency with several countywide and
PSRC planning policies, and planning best
practices.
CFP7.3 Consider climate change, economic, equity, and
health impacts when supporting the siting and building of
essential public services and facilities.
Consistency with several countywide and
PSRC planning policies – most notably
countywide planning policy PF-25 – and
planning best practices
CFP7.4 Implement water conservation and efficiency efforts
to protect natural resources, reduce environmental impacts,
and support a sustainable long-term water supply to serve the
growing population.
Consistency with several countywide and
PSRC planning policies, but most notably
countywide planning policy PF-10.
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Goals or Policy Changed Reason for Change
CFP7.5 Identify opportunities for water reuse and
reclamation by high-volume non-potable water users such as
parks, schools, and golf courses, and require where feasible.
Consistency with countywide and PSRC
planning policies, but most notably
countywide planning policy PF-11.
IMPLEMENTATION
Planning staff anticipate briefing the Planning Commission on an implementation appendix at the June 5
Planning Commission meeting. That appendix will include actions for implementing policies in all
Comprehensive Plan chapters.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft updated Capital Facilities Comprehensive Plan chapter; a version showing track-changed edits,
and a version showing all edits accepted.
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CHAPTER SIX
CAPITAL FACILITIES
6.1 INTRODUCTION & VISION 1
Introduction
Vision
6.2 POLICY BACKGROUND 1
The Growth Management Act 1
VISION 2040 2
Countywide Planning Policies 2
6.36.2 FUNDING CAPITAL FACILITIES 3
Level of Service 3
Concurrency 4
Impact Fees 4
Funding/Financing 5
6.46.3 SURFACE WATER 5
Inventory of Existing Facilities 5
Forecast of Future Needs 7
Locations and Capacities of Future Facilities 7
Finance Plan 7
6.56.4 TRANSPORTATION 9
6.66.5 PARKS AND RECREATION 9
Inventory of Existing Facilities 9
Forecast of Future Needs 10
Locations & Capacities of Future Facilities 11
Finance Plan 11
6.76.6 COMMUNITY FACILITIES 11
Projected Community Needs 13
Community Gathering Facilities
Municipal Facilitiesy (General Government, Police, and Court
Operations) 14 85 of 219
Maintenance Facility 14
Performing Arts and Events Center 15
Multipurpose Competitive Sports Center 16
Public Parking Facility 16
Summary of Existing Facilities and Future Needs
Financing Plan 16
6.86.7 SCHOOL FACILITIES 17
Inventory of Existing Facilities 17
Program Capacity 17
Forecast of Future Needs – Student Forecasts 18
Location of New and Improved School Facilities 19
Finance Plan 19
6.96.8 WATER SYSTEMS 21
Inventory of Existing Facilities 21
Forecast of Future Needs 23
Expanded and Improved Facilities 23
Finance Plan 24
6.106.9 SEWER SYSTEMS 25
Inventory of Existing Facilities 25
Forecast of Future Needs 25
Expanded and Improved Facilities 26
Finance Plan 26
6.10.16.9.1 FIRE FACILITIES 27
Emergency Medical Services 28
Inventory and Capacity of Existing Facilities 28
Forecast of Future Needs 29
Location and Capacity of Expanded or New Facilities 29
Funding Plan 30
6.11 GOALS AND POLICIES 31
6.12 APPENDIX
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Maps
Map VI-1, Federal Way Drainage Basins
Map VI-2, Surface Water Trunk System
Map VI-3, Park Planning Areas
Map VI-4, Major Parks and Open
Spaces
Map VI-4A, Potential Location of City Center Public Open Space
Map VI-5, City Facilities
Map VI-6, Federal Way School District #210
Map VI-7, Lakehaven Water Service Area
Map VI-8, Highline & Tacoma Water Service Area
Map VI-9, Lakehaven Sewer Area
Map VI-10, South King Fire and Rescue
Temporary Editor’s Note:
Maps now listed in appendix
at the end
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6.1 INTRODUCTION & VISION
Introduction
The Capital Facilities chapter addresses public facilities and services necessary to support
Federal Way’s planned growth. The City of Federal Way is expected to add 8,10011,260 new
housing units and 12,30020,460 new jobs between the years 201906 and 204431. This growth
will stimulate the local economy and maintain a diverse and vibrant community. It will also
generate a corresponding demand for new public services and facilities, such as schools, parks,
and streetsfor stormwater management, transportation improvements, new parks and other
community facilities, schools, water and sewer utilities, and fire facilities. These new facilities,
and the financial implications they will have for Federal Way and its citizens, are the subject of
this chapter.
Capital Facilities Vision
Capital facilities in Federal Way provide safe and reliable urban services that accommodate the
City’s expected growth, respond and adapt to unexpected changes and needs, and position
the City to achieve its 20-year vision and growth management priorities. Capital Facilities are
provided through seamless and efficient collaboration and communication both internally
within the City and in partnership with outside agencies and special districts.
6.0 POLICY BACKGROUND
The Growth Management Act (GMA), VISION 2040, and the King County Countywide
Planning Policies (CWPPs) call for a full range of urban services in the Urban Growth
Area (UGA) to support the Regional Growth Strategy. They also state that facilities
should be sited in ways to avoid adverse social, environmental, and economic impacts.
Temporary Editor’s Note:
This open space photo will be
replaced by the multiple
capital facilities photo above.
Track changes just doesn’t
show it.
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The Growth Management Act
RCW 36.70A.020, Planning Goals of GMA refers to capital facilities planning in two of
the 13 statewide planning goals. The two relevant goals are:
Urban growth. Encourage development in urban areas where adequate public facilities
and services exist or can be provided in an efficient manner.
Public facilities and services. Ensure that those public facilities and services necessary
to support development shall be adequate to serve the development at the time the
development is available for occupancy and use without decreasing current service
levels below locally established minimum standards.
More specifically, the GMA mandates that the City prepare a capital facilities plan
which contains the following components:
An inventory of existing facilities owned by public entities, showing the locations and
capacities of the facilities.
A forecast of the future needs for such facilities.
The proposed locations and capacities of expanded or new facilities.
• At least a six-year financing plan that will finance such facilities and clearly
identify sources of public money for such purposes.
• A requirement to reassess the Land Use chapter if probable funding falls short of
meeting existing needs, and to ensure that the land use element, capital facilities
plan element, and financing plan within the capital facilities element are
coordinated and consistent. The GMA requires that park and recreation facilities
be included in the capital facilities plan.
In the pages that follow, this chapter complies with the GMA requirements for a capital
facilities plan.
VISION 2040
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VISION 2040 contains multi-county planning policies (MPPs) that provide a policy
framework for the region to maintain the health, safety, and economic vitality of our
communities. The overarching goal of VISION 2040 is for the region to support
development with adequate public facilities and services in a coordinated, efficient,
and cost-effective manner that supports local and regional growth planning objectives.
• New development needs new or expanded public services and infrastructure. At
the same time, existing facilities require ongoing maintenance and upgrading.
Taking advantage of renewable resources and using efficient and
environmentally sensitive technologies can curb some of the need for new
infrastructure. VISION 2040 also promotes supporting the Regional Growth
Strategy by locating major investment in centers.
Countywide Planning Policies
The CWPPs must be consistent with both the GMA and VISION 20402050. The CWPPs calls for all
jurisdictions to work together and consider environmental justice principles when siting capital facilities. The
CWPPs (originally adopted in 1992, and amended in 1994 and 2012) contain a number of goals and policies
regarding capital facilities and the provision of urban services. Examples of these goals and policies follow:
EN-4 Identify and preserve regionally significant open space networks in both Urban and Rural areas.
Develop strategies and funding to protect lands that provide valuable functions such as, active and passive
outdoor recreation opportunities; wildlife habitat and migration corridors that preserve and enhance ecosystem
resiliency in the face of urbanization and climate change; and preservation of ecologically sensitive, scenic, or
cultural resources.
EN-14 Manage natural drainage systems to improve water quality and habitat functions, minimize erosion and
sedimentation, protect public health, reduce flood risks, and moderate peak stormwater runoff rates. Work
cooperatively among local, regional, state, national, and tribal jurisdictions to establish, monitor, and enforce
consistent standards for managing streams and wetlands throughout drainage basins.
T‐3 Increase the share of trips made countywide by modes other than driving alone through coordinated
land use planning, public and private investment, and programs focused on centers and connecting corridors,
consistent with locally adopted mode split goals.
PF‐5 Support efforts to ensure that all consumers have access to a safe, reliably maintained, and sustainable
drinking water source that meets present and future needs.
PF‐11 Require all development in the Urban Growth Area to be served by a public sewer system except:
Single‐family residences on existing individual lots that have no feasible access to sewers may utilize
individual septic systems on an interim basis; or
Development served by alternative technology other than septic systems that: provide equivalent performance
to sewers; provide the capacity to achieve planned densities; and will not create a barrier to the extension of
sewer service within the Urban Growth Area.
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6.2 FUNDING CAPITAL FACILITIES
Level of Service
To prepare a Capital Facilities chapter, one of the first decisions a jurisdiction must make
involves establishing a level of service (LOS) standard. AThe level of service (LOS), per
WAC 365-196-210, standard refers tois “an established minimum capacity of public
facilities or services that must be provided per unit of demand or other appropriate
measure of need. Level of service standards are synonymous with locally established
minimum standards.” In short, it is the amount and quality of services and facilities that a
community wants. For example, the LOS for a parks system is usually described in terms
of the number of acres of parkland per 1,000 population. If a community has a strong
desire for a good parks system, it will establish a higher LOS standard for itself, maybe
something on the order of 20 acres of park per 1,000 residents. On the other hand, 20
acres of developed parkland is higher levels of service are more expensive to acquire,
develop, operate, and maintain. As a result, the community may be forced, for financial
reasons, to accept a lower LOS standard. AIn any event, adopting a LOS standards for all
of the services and facilities the City provides would help it: 1) evaluate how well it is
serving existing residents; and 2) determine how many new facilities will have to be
constructed to service new growth and development.
Levels of services are established for different capital facilities in each of the following
plans that are incorporated by reference, as now or hereafter amended, into the Capital
Facilities chapter:
o Transportation Chapter of Federal Way Comprehensive Plan
o Federal Way 2021 Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan
o Federal Way Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan
o Federal Way Public Schools 2024 Capital Facilities Plan
o Lakehaven Water and Sewer District Comprehensive Water System Plan
o Lakehaven Water and Sewer District Comprehensive Wastewater System Plan
o South King Fire Strategic Leadership Plan
Concurrency
In addition to mandating that a Capital Facilities chapter be included in comprehensive plans, the
GMA also introduced the concept of concurrency. In general terms, concurrence describes the
situation where adequate and necessary public services and facilities are available
“concurrent” with the impacts of new development, or within a specified time
thereafter.Concurrency, per WAC 365-196-210, means that “adequate public facilities are available
when the impacts of development occur, or within a specified time thereafter.”
Concurrency has two levels of applicability. The first is at the planning level and refers to all
services and facilities, over the long term, and at the citywide scale. Planning level concurrency
is what this chapter is all aboutaddressed in this chapter. It inventories all existing facilities and
services, establishes a LOS standard for each, estimates new facility requirements to
accommodate projected growth, and develops a financing plan that identifies the revenues
necessary to pay for all the new facilities. If the necessary revenues are not available, then the
jurisdiction fails the planning level concurrency test and must take appropriate action. Those
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actions include lowering the LOS standard, raising taxes, restricting growth, or a combination
of these actions. This chapter satisfies the planning level concurrency requirement as outlined
in the GMA.
The second level of concurrency analysis is project specific and only required for
transportation facilities. Specifically, the GMA (RCW 36.70A. 070[6]) states:
“...local jurisdictions must adopt and enforce ordinances which prohibit development
approval if the development causes the level of service on a locally owned
transportation facility or locally or regionally operated transportation facility to
decline below the standards adopted in the transportation element of the
comprehensive plan, unless transportation improvements or strategies to
accommodate the impacts of development are made concurrent with the
development.”
That same section goes on to say that “concurrent with the development” means that
improvements or strategies are in place at the time of development, or that a financial
commitment is in place to complete the improvements or strategies within six years.
Although project level concurrency is only required for transportation system facilities,
WAC 365-196-840(1)(c) states that, “With respect to facilities other than transportation
facilities, counties and cities may fashion their own regulatory responses and are not limited
to imposing moratoria on development during periods when concurrency is not maintained.”
The City adopted a Transportation Concurrency Management System, which became
effective January 1, 2007.
Impact Fees
Local jurisdictions planning under the GMA are authorized to assess impact fees for
development activity as part of financing for public facilities, such as parks, transportation, and
schools. The fire district also has a direct impact on their level of service based on growth and
thus, is working both locally and legislatively to ensure that they also secure additional revenue
sources to offset the impacts to service receive impact fees directly related to growth.
Impact fees must be based on an adopted capital facilities plan. In addition, the collected fees
must be used for projects that are reasonably related to and will reasonably benefit the
development paying the fees. The fees must also be used within a specified time from the date
they were collected or returned to the payee. Impact fees may be imposed for system
improvement costs previously incurred to the extent that new growth and development will be
served by the previously constructed improvements, provided they not be imposed to make up
for any system improvement deficiencies. To impose an impact fee program, the City must have
a plan in place to make up any existing system deficiencies.
As of the time of this periodic update, Federal Way has adopted the ability to charge Parks,
School, and Traffic Impact Fees.
Funding/Financing
Typically, cities and the residents they service would like to have higher LOS standards than
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they can afford. Federal Way has worked hard to provide the highest LOS possible without
raising taxes. However, Typically, cities and the residents they service would like to have
higher LOS standards than they can afford.all cities face demands for services that exceed
available funding. It is a difficult balance to maintain and the City is currently exploring
options to pay forThe city continually seeks options to fund capital facilities and the
associated maintenance and operations costs.
If the City decides to generate additional revenues to fund capital facilities, there are several
sources available.
• Some of these revenues areOn-going revenue: “on-going” in the sense that Tthe
City levies the taxes and collects otherthe revenues are added to in the City’s general
fund on an annual basis. On-goingCurrent taxing revenues include property taxes,
sales taxes, utility taxes, and a real estate excise tax (REET). The City also charges
impact fees., New taxes could include business and occupation tax or employee tax,
additional taxes coming from a Tax Increment Financing area, and business
improvement area tax.and business and occupation taxes.
• The other category of funds is called “Oone time” funds are those because that the
City cannot count on having these funds available on an annual basis. These funds
include bond sales and grants such as, TEA-21, IAC, and Urban Arterial Fund
moneystate and federal transportation, parks and stormwater management grants,
and the sale of real property. On-going funds can be used for either capital facilities,
debt service or maintenance and operations. However, it is prudent financial
management and adopted City policy Othat one-time funds may be used only for
capital improvements, or one-time spending. As is discussed later in this chapter,For
example, the City proposed two bond issues to finance capital facilities in the Fall of
1995 and . As part of that bond issue, voters approved a permanent utility tax to pay
for the maintenance and operations costs associated with new capital facilities. The
City currently has the following General Obligation bonds as of the end of 20213:
Bond In Millions
Community Center Bond $12.257.125
Valley Communication Bond $0.43
SCORE Bond $14.339.335
PAEC (LTGO) $3.035
PAEC (Sect. 108) $1.917
6.3 SURFACE WATER
Inventory of Existing Facilities
Natural Systems
The City of Federal Way drains to four five major drainage basins: the Hylebos Creek,
Lower Puget Sound, Green River, and Mill Creek basins. The Hylebos Creek Basin
consists of the East and West Hylebos sub-basins divided geographically in the vicinity
of the Interstate 5 alignment. The Lower Puget Sound Basin consists of the Dumas Bay,
Joe’s
Temporary Editor’s Note:
Valley Com row will
ultimately be deleted. Row is
left in for now since track
changes doesn’t show row
deletions
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Creek, Lakota Creek, Mirror Lake, Central Puget SoundCold Creek, Redondo Creek,
Central Puget Sound, Poverty Bay, and Lower North Puget Sound, and Browns-Dash
sub-basins. Map VI-1 shows the planning area boundary and major drainage basin
boundaries. Map VI-2 shows the major features of the natural system. The natural
systems have been reviewed on a sub-basin level. This sub-basin information is
contained in the City’s 2015 Comprehensive Surface Water Plan Update (2015 Surface
Water Plan Update2021 Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan and 2023
West Hylebos Stormwater Management Action Plan).
Man-Made System
The City maintains a comprehensive GIS inventory of storm drainage assets in the City
(available for download from the City’s website). Map VI-2 shows existing regional
facilities, storm drain trunk lines and streams. Based on the latest available dataAs of
2014, public storm drain assets include:
• Over 228 386 miles of storm drainage pipe
• Over 89 91 miles of open channels and ditches
• Over 12,25021,735 junction structures (catch basins, manholes, flow splitters, etc.)
• 271 outfalls
• 47 165 bio swales facilities
• 11 19 coalescing plate filterssplates
• 15 48 dispersal trenche facilitiesstrenches
• 148 detention ponds299 stormwater ponds
• 149 99 detention tanks and water qualitystormwater filter vaults
• 388 stormwater vaults or tanks
The City has made a significant number of improvements to the
manmade system since incorporation in 1990. Many of the
projects completed to date corrected existing localized flooding
problems. At the time of the lastDuring the comprehensive plan
update in 2005, the City was transitioning to a regional system
for surface water flow control (detention/retention). Regional
facilities were constructed as capital projects based on existing
and planned roads, land use, and zoning in the contributing
watershed, and developments were able to buy into storage
capacity in the facilities if they provided stormwater quality
treatment on-site prior to releasing to the regional system. At
present, flow control has shifted to an on-site approach due to
increased regulatory requirements from the state and federal
level as part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) permit for discharges from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewers
(MS4s). Municipal stormwater permits have become more stringent and both flow control
and water quality facilities are required on-site at new development and re-development
sites. The NPDES permit also requires new development and re-development to utilize
Low Impact Development (LID) techniques where feasible. Additional regulatory
information is discussed in the current Western Washington Phase II Municipal
Stormwater Permit and the 2009 King County Surface Water Design Manual (KCSWDM).
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System Capacity
The City has developed several models of its surface water facilities, including the
natural components as needed. The models and allAll new facility construction use
the following design standards based on the 2009 2021 KCSWDM core
requirements and the 20102021
City of Federal Way Addendum to the KCSWDM, outlined as follows:
• 25-year peak flow conveyance capacity for storm drains
• 25-year peak flow conveyance capacity for culverts
• 25-year peak flow conveyance for ditches and channels
• Tiered duration standard for flow control (see core requirement #3 in KCSWDM)
Based on current design requirements and data on existing facilities, the utility’s
engineers City identifiesy deficiencies and the most cost effective ways to resolve them.
The existing facilities inventory and design requirements also allow the City engineers to
plan for new facilities that will be needed to accommodate growth and development
outlined in the Land Use Chapter. Additional surface water system information is
discussed in the 2015 Surface Water Plan Update.2021 Surface Water Management
Comprehensive Plan.
Forecast of Future Needs
Utility engineersThe City bi-annually updates a detailed six-year capital facilities plan. The
plan identifies projects, prioritizes them, estimates the cost, and re-examines the utility rate
structure to ensure that there is sufficient funding available over the next six years to
construct these projects (Table VI-1). See the 2021 Surface Water Management
Comprehensive Plan for more information.
Locations and Capacities of Future Facilities
Table VI-1 includes the surface water facilities project list. See the 2021 Surface Water
Management Comprehensive Plan for the latest and complete locations and capacities of
future stormwater facilities. For more complete discussion of this list, and maps describing
project locations, please refer to the City’s 2015 2021 Surface Water Management
Comprehensive PlanPlan Update. As noted earlier, these projects address existing system
deficiencies as well as the new facilities that will be needed to accommodate projected growth.
Finance Plan
The City has created a surface water utility to manage stormwater drainage, prevent flooding,
and improve water quality. The City charges property owners an annual surface water fee,
which, for commercial properties, is based upon the amount of impervious surface on the
property and for residential properties is a fixed fee per parcel. These fees, along with any
outside grant monies and low interest loans, provide the revenues that pay for new capital
facilities projects, and operation and maintenance of its the surface water system. Additional
information regarding the annual surface water rate structure is available in Federal Way
Revised Code Chapter 11.45.
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PAs outlined in Table VI-1, projects are scheduled based on anticipated revenues, taking
perpetual replacement into account. The capital facilities spreadsheet Table 5-1 in the 2021
Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan indicates project scheduling based on
available funding and priority ranking. The City bi-annually updates the capital facilities plan to
add, remove, reschedule, or reprioritize projects as needed. The 2015 Surface Water Plan
Update2021 Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan, which includes the capital
facilities plan, is adopted by reference in this plan as now or hereafter amended., including
changes made during the City’s 2014 2020 bi-annual update.
Table VI-1
City of Federal Way Facilities Plan
Surface Water Management Component
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Total
SWM SOURCES
Revenues and Financing
Carry Forward from CIP and Operations 6,855,610 6,111,451 4,785,123 3,832,022 4,102,538 3,757,836 4,002,589 1,795,789 35,242,958
User Fees with CPI Inflaction Factor 3,819,505 3,899,437 3,981,038 4,064,343 4,149,388 4,236,209 4,324,843 4,415,328 32,890,092
Interest Earnings 7,183 7,250 7,318 7,387 7,458 7,530 7,604 7,679 59,408
Transfer In 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 800,000
Grant Funding 220,027 120,027 120,027 120,027 120,027 120,027 120,027 120,027 1,060,216
Subtotal Revenues and Financing 11,002,325 10,238,164 8,993,506 8,123,779 8,479,411 8,221,603 8,555,063 6,438,823 70,052,674
Expenditures - One Time & Debt Service
One Time Funding
Public Works Trust Fund Loan 100,926 99,964 99,003 98,042 97,081 495,016
Subtotal Expenditures 100,926 99,964 99,003 98,042 97,081 495,016
Available Revenue 10,901,399 10,138,200 8,894,503 8,025,737 8,382,330 8,221,603 8,555,063 6,438,823 69,557,658
SWM USES
Maintenance and Operations
Current 3,310,860 3,355,181 3,374,981 3,428,547 3,479,891 3,532,025 3,584,961 3,638,712 27,705,159
Subtotal Maintenance and Operations 3,310,860 3,355,181 3,374,981 3,428,547 3,479,891 3,532,025 3,584,961 3,638,712 27,705,159
Annual Programs
111 Fund 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 1,200,000
Subtotal Annual Programs 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 1,200,000
Capital Project List 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Total
Marine Hills Conveyance System Repairs -
North of S 293rd Street
100,000
885,000
985,000
Marine Hills Conveyance System Repairs -
South of S 293rd Street
103,000
747,000
850,000
South 373rd Street Stream Crossing Re-
Route and Restoration
20,000
81,000
763,000
864,000
West Hylebos Conservation Property
Acquisition
280,000
280,000
South 356th Culvert Replacement 53,000 172,000 2,551,000 2,776,000
Phase V Highway 99 Project - South 344th
Street at Highway 99
500,000
715,000
1,215,000
South 359th Street Weir Repair 48,000 261,000 309,000
Alderdale Park Trunk Replacement and
Pond Expansion
22,000
1,176,000
1,198,000
Subtotal Capital Projects 900,000 1,681,000 866,000 747,000 101,000 433,000 2,573,000 1,176,000 8,477,000
Grant Dependent Capital Projects 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Total
Low Impact Development (LID) Retrofit
Project
2,037,000
2,037,000
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West Hylebos Educational Center and Trail 108,000 1,288,000 1,396,000
West Hylebos Trail (Spring Valley) 87,000 2,884,000 2,971,000
South 336th Street at Highway 99 673,000 64,000 1,379,000 2,116,000
Bridges Property Culvert Removal and
Replacement
36,000
279,000
315,000
Subtotal Grant Dependent Capital Projects 2,073,000 279,000 108,000 1,375,000 3,557,000 64,000 1,379,000 8,835,000
•
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6.4 TRANSPORTATION
The GMA requires that local jurisdictions prepare a transportation chapter as part of the Federal
Way Ccomprehensive Pplan (FWCP). The GMA also authorizes jurisdictions to assess impact
fees for transportation system improvements that are necessary to accommodate offset the
traffic impacts created by the new development. In order to assess impact fees, the capital
facilities plan must include the list of transportation improvements and associated costs that
necessitate the payment of impact fees. Discussion related to Transportation-related capital
facilities can be found in FWCP Chapter 3, “Transportation,.” includes complete background,
levels of service, inventory, forecast of future needs, proposed locations and capacities, and
financing plan for transportation capital facilities.
6.5 PARKS AND RECREATION
Parks and Recreation capital facilities planning information is found in FWCP Chapter 14,
“Parks and Recreation”, with complete details found in the Parks, Recreation and Open
Space (PROS) Plan which is incorporated by reference, as now or hereafter amended, into
both the Parks and Recreation and Capital Facilities Chapters. Chapter 14 and the PROS
plan include complete background, levels of service, inventory, forecast of future needs,
proposed locations and capacities, and financing plan for parks and recreation capital
facilities. Capital facilities planning information for some of the larger parks-managed
facilities are found in the next section on “Community Facilities.”
Inventory of Existing Facilities
The City of Federal Way adopted the first Park, Recreation, and Open Space
Comprehensive Plan in December of 1991. The City updated the plan in 1995, 2000,
2006, 2012, and 2019. This plan, which is now called the Parks, Recreation, and Open
Space Plan, is incorporated by reference. The planning area is based only on the City
limits of Federal Way, although the Potential Annexation Area (PAA) is inventoried and
discussed. As in previous plans, the Parks Plan has been subdivided into subareas,
referred to as Parks Plan Planning Areas (Map VI-3), for purposes of long-range
planning.
The 2019 Parks Plan updated the inventory to include new parks and properties added to
the City’s system. In addition to City-owned parks and open space, the Parks Plan also
lists school district, state, and county facilities, as well as private recreation facilities.
Map VI-4 depicts the location of major parks and open space within the Federal Way
planning area. Table VI-2 summarizes this inventory as of 2019.
Table VI-2
Summary of Existing City Park and Recreation Areas
Developed Park Land Categories Acres
19 Neighborhood Parks 108.05
15 Community Parks 489.70
2 Regional Parks 255.45
12.07 mi Trails Acreage 22.58
6 Community Facilities 12.85
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Total Developed Acreage 888.63
Open Space Acreage 436.16
Total Park Acres 1324.79
When the City incorporated in 1990, there were approximately eight acres of parkland
available per 1,000 population in Federal Way. Since that time, the City has purchased
additional property and developed new facilities. These include the Lake Killarney
Open Space Park, Heritage Woods Neighborhood Park, Wedgewood Neighborhood
Park, BPA Trail I, II, and III, Madrona Park, Cedar Grove Park, Laurelwood
Neighborhood Park, Brighton Park Open Space, Town Square Park, Klahanee Lake
Community Senior Center, Dumas Bay Centre, Celebration Park, Steel Lake Annex
facilities, the Community Center, and the Brooklake Community Center. In 2004,
Washington State Parks transferred West Hylebos Wetlands Park to the City. King
County has also transferred several properties to the City since incorporation. These
parks and facilities are described in greater detail in the Parks Plan.
In addition to acquiring and developing new facilities, the City has taken administrative
actions to take advantage of other available public recreational facilities. The City
entered into interlocal agreements with the School District to jointly operate and
maintain school recreational facilities. As a result, the City jointly operates and
maintains a major community park in conjunction with Saghalie Middle School. Also,
the City has agreements to provide recreational programs and schedule play fields at
several elementary schools, in addition to middle schools. These facilities are now
formally available nights and weekends, year around for use by local residents. As of
2019, the City was providing 13.46 acres of park land per 1,000 population. For
purposes of parks planning, the recommended LOS standard in the City’s Parks Plan
and this Capital Facilities chapter is 10.9 acres of City owned parkland per 1,000
population.
The City currently provides 1324.79 acres of parkland, which the City maintains and
operates. Of the total 1324.79 acres, 888.63 acres are developed for recreational use
areas and 436.16 acres are undeveloped.
Washington State Parks has a regional park facility partially within the City limits,
which residents often use. Dash Point State Park is 398 acres in size, 230 acres of
which are located within the City. Dash Point State Park provides a regional
(statewide) recreation use for camping, swimming, picnicking, walking trails, and
beachfront. The state park land is not included in the City’s LOS because the state
owns, operates, and maintains this facility.
Forecast of Future Needs
The 2019 Parks Plan states that the inventory of public park and open space land will
be adequate to serve both the current and future projected population within the City
and PAA. However, much of this acreage is un-programmed, undeveloped open space.
The primary deficiency, both now and projected, is in improved trails.
The 2019 Parks Plan makes recommendations based on five Core Values identified
through an extensive planning process. Five of these relate to capital facilities and
include:
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Core Value #1: Improve Existing Facilities and Provide for Multiple Functions in
Parks
Core Value #2: Create Community Gathering Places and Destinations
Core Value #3: Retain and Improve Open Spaces
Core Value #4: Develop a Walking and Biking Community
Core Value #5: Provide a Balance of Services for a Diverse Population
Capital facilities that respond to these Core Values have been incorporated into the Six-
Year CIP. The major efforts planned are shown in Table VI-3.
Locations & Capacities of Future Facilities
Map VI-4 indicates the location of the parks, recreation facilities, and open
space subareas the City will need to maintain the adopted LOS. The Parks Plan
breaks the planning area into subareas and addresses future facilities at the
subarea level. For more details about the type, sizes, and cost of these new
facilities, please refer to the 2019 Parks Plan. Map VI-4A shows potential
locations of public spaces in the City Center.
Finance Plan
Table VI-3 (Parks Capital Improvements Plan, 2019-2024) describes the
proposed parks projects that will be needed together with cost estimates
programmed by year. Table VI-3 also identifies the revenues that will be
available during the same time period to finance these new facilities. Potential
funding sources include the City’s General Fund, the Parks Capital Fund, the
Real Estate Excise Tax (REET), Grants, and Developer Mitigation Fees. Please
refer to Chapter 7, “Implementation,” of the City of Federal Way Parks,
Recreation, and Open Space Plan for information on the finance plan.
The City biennially updates its Parks & Recreation Capital Improvement Plan.
These updates reflect new project priorities, eliminate projects that have been
completed, and add new projects to the program.
6.6 COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Significant community investments have been made since the city’s incorporation to
implement the community’s vision for Federal Way. In addition to the investments in the
surface water, transportation, and parks areas, the City also acquired and improved a
basic set of community facilities to house City operations and provide space for
community gatherings and recreation. The following subsections describe all community
facilities where the public gathers for events or recreation, municipal facilities with office
space for conducting government operations, Parks and Public Works maintenance
facilities, and an overview of future community facility needs. With the exception of
certain Parks and Recreation buildings, most parks facilities are not inventoried in this
section since they’re addressed in the PROS Plan which is incorporated by reference, as
now or hereafter amended, in this Capital Facilities Chapter.
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Community Gathering Facilities
Dumas Bay Centre
The City acquired Dumas Bay Centre (a conference and retreat facility) in 1993. Strong
local support in for community recreation and arts activities translated into the City
Council’s adoption of a 2% For the Arts ordinance to provide funding for arts in public
places in 1994, and the construction of the 234-seat Knutzen Family Theatre in 1998,
which is located at the Dumas Bay Centre.
City Hall, which consolidates most City administrative
offices, Police, and the Municipal Court in one facility,
was acquired in 2003.
Community Center
The City began completed construction of a new 72,000
square foot Community Center in the fall of 20052007.
Construction was completed in early 2007. The facility
houses Recreation and Cultural Services staff, and
includes athletic and community facilities suitable for a
wide variety of events and programs.
Performing Arts and Events Center
The City of Federal Way Performing Arts and Event
Center (PAEC) opened in 2017. This 44,000 sq. foot,
700 seat facility provides year-round space for
performances, events, conferences and meetings.
Table VI-3
Parks Capital Improvements Plan
Estimated Funding Sources
Funding Sources
Real Estate Excise Tax
Misc. Transfers
Grants/Anticipated
Mitigation Funds
Received
General Fund
Capital Project Fund
Bonds/Levies
Reserve Fund
Dumas Bay Centre Fund
Impact Fees
Table VI-3.1 – Parks Infill List
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Location Type Year Cost
PIF
Eligibility
PIF-
Eligible
Cost
Adelaide
Formalize picnic
areas/install picnic
shelters (2) 2033
$167,000 18.05%
$30,147
Alderbrook
Park
Playground
Replacement 2023
$150,000 18.05%
$27,078
Alderdale
park
Playground
Replacement 2027
$150,000 18.05%
$27,078
BPA
Add a fitness trail and
equipment 2026
$143,000 18.05%
$25,814
BPA Repair asphalt trail 2030-2040
- 0.00%
-
BPA Install monument sign 2028
$7,000 18.05%
$1,264
BPA
Install directional
signage/wayfinding 2030
$12,000 18.05%
$2,166
Brooklake
Demo Hall & Green
Storage Buildings 2023
$8,000 0.00%
-
Brooklake Electrical upgrades 2023
$20,000 18.05%
$3,610
Brooklake
Facility/Feasibility
Assessment - Master
Plan 2023
$4,000 18.05%
$722
Cedar Grove
Park
Playground
Replacement 2031
$175,000 18.05%
$31,591
Celebration
Convert To Artificial
Turf 2032
$11,500,000 18.05%
$2,075,971
Celebration
Sand based turf
replacement 2026
$500,000 18.05%
$90,260
Celebration Replace field fence 2035
$119,000 0.00%
-
Celebration
park
Playground
Replacement 2024
$450,000 18.05%
$81,234
City Hall
add ADA door control
@ Court Entry 2023
$60,000 18.05%
$10,831
City Hall
Card control
replacement/upgrade 2027
$125,000 18.05%
$22,565
City Hall Carpet replacement 2027
$250,000 0.00%
-
City Hall
City Hall Water
Heaters (5) 2028
$75,000 0.00%
-
City Hall Court bench refurbish 2025
$8,500 0.00%
-
City Hall Elevator 2024
$185,000 0.00%
-
City Hall HVAC 2025
$400,000 0.00%
-
City Hall
Reception Counters -
replace Formica 2026
$10,000 0.00%
-
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Location Type Year Cost
PIF
Eligibility
PIF-
Eligible
Cost
City Hall Roof replacement 2026
$500,000 0.00%
-
City Hall
Security Fence
Around Entire P/E
Parcel/Lot 2024
$75,000 18.05%
$13,539
City Hall
Sidewalk ADA
upgrades 2023-2027
$240,000 0.00%
-
Coronado
Park
Playground
Replacement 2028
$150,000 18.05%
$27,078
Fisher Pond Prepare master plan 2028
$12,000 18.05%
$2,166
Fisher Pond Install picnic shelter 2030
$83,000 18.05%
$14,983
Fisher Pond
Decommission on-site
well 2030
$12,000 0.00%
-
French Lake
Develop/Install
Shelter 2028
$60,000 18.05%
$10,831
FWCC
Exercise Equipment
(full replace) 2026
$150,000 0.00%
-
FWCC
Locker
Rooms/Cabanas
Restoration 2023
$250,000 0.00%
-
FWCC
Replace Pool Water
Slide/Play Equipment 2023
$1,200,000 0.00%
-
FWCC Re-plaster Lap Pool 2027
$400,000 0.00%
-
FWCC Pool/slide repairs 2023
$298,000 0.00%
-
FWCC
Replace pool and play
equipment 2023
$60,000 0.00%
-
FWCC Outdoor areas 2033
$119,000 18.05%
$21,482
Heritage
Woods park
Playground
Replacement 2029
$175,000 18.05%
$31,591
Lake Grove
Park
Playground
Replacement 2032
$200,000 18.05%
$36,104
Lakota
Parking Lot
Replacement 2023
$170,000 0.00%
-
Lakota
Upgrade soccer field
to artificial turf 2021
$1,489,000 18.05%
$268,793
Lakota
Upgrade running
track to rubber 2021
$238,000 18.05%
$42,964
Lakota Upgrade field lighting 2032
$893,000 18.05%
$161,204
Lakota
Upgrade restrooms
and increase parking 2032
$953,000 18.05%
$172,035
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Location Type Year Cost
PIF
Eligibility
PIF-
Eligible
Cost
Laurelwood Prepare master plan 2025
$36,000 18.05%
$6,499
Laurelwood
Perform master plan
improvements 2027-2037
- 18.05%
-
Laurelwood
Install 1/2 basketball
court 2030
$60,000 18.05%
$10,831
Madrona
Park
Playground
Replacement 2030
$175,000 18.05%
$31,591
Mirror Lake
Replace and improve
playground 2020
$143,000 18.05%
$25,814
Monument
Signs
Complete sign
implementation
program 2023-2033
$48,000 18.05%
$8,665
Olympic
View
Formalize Joe's Creek
social trail 2035
- 18.05%
-
Olympic
View
Improve
neighborhood
entrances (6) 2035
$36,000 18.05%
$6,499
Olympic
View
Install 1/2 basketball
court 2030
$60,000 18.05%
$10,831
Olympic
View Park
Playground
Replacement 2025
$125,000 18.05%
$22,565
Palisades
Repair/replace asphalt
basketball court 2028
$6,000 0.00%
-
Palisades Install picnic shelter 2030
$83,000 18.05%
$14,983
Palisades
Park
Playground
Replacement 2026
$200,000 18.05%
$36,104
Sacajawea
Artificial turf
replacement - SAC 2026
$700,000 0.00%
-
Sacajawea
Natural Turf
Replacement
(ballfields) 2023
$300,000 0.00%
-
Sacajawea
Renovate Ballfield
Drainage 2024
$50,000 0.00%
-
Sacajawea
Replace Rubber
running track 2024
$340,000 0.00%
-
Sacajawea
Tennis Court
Replacement 2025
$200,000 0.00%
-
Sacajawea
Wood Pole
Replacement 2029
$150,000 0.00%
-
Sacajawea
Replace water service
line 2028
$18,000 0.00%
-
Sacajawea
New restroom - sewer
lift station 2035
$89,000 18.05%
$16,066
Sacajawea Install picnic shelter 2030
$83,000 18.05%
$14,983
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Location Type Year Cost
PIF
Eligibility
PIF-
Eligible
Cost
Safety &
Security
Parking lot lighting
improvements (LED)
at Sacajawea Park,
Saghalie Park, Steel
Lake Park, and Steel
Lake Annex 2028
- 18.05%
-
Safety &
Security
Install security
cameras in parking
lots at Sacajawea
Park, Saghalie Park,
Steel Lake Park, and
Steel Lake Annex 2028
- 18.05%
-
Saghalie
Artificial turf
replacement - Soccer
Field 2032
$600,000 0.00%
-
Saghalie
Tennis Court
Renovation/Resurface 2025
$40,000 0.00%
-
Saghalie
Replace Rubber
running track 2023-2032
$505,000 18.05%
$91,162
Saghalie
Install artificial turf
on football field 2035
$1,429,000 18.05%
$257,962
Saghalie
Renovate basketball
courts 2026
$71,000 0.00%
-
Saghalie Overlay parking lot 2028
$48,000 0.00%
-
Steel Lake Develop a master plan 2033
$149,000 18.05%
$26,897
Steel Lake
Install new shelters
(Sites 2-5) 2028-2033
$292,000 18.05%
$52,712
Steel Lake
Re-pipe annex and
beach house
restrooms 2026
$238,000 0.00%
-
Steel Lake
Annex
Artificial Turf
Replacement - Karl
Grosch 2032
$700,000 0.00%
-
Steel Lake
Annex Parking Lot Repairs 2024
$10,000 0.00%
-
Steel Lake
Park Artificial turf - Site #5 2032
$1,300,000 18.05%
$234,675
Steel Lake
Park Dock Replacement 2027
$1,250,000 0.00%
-
Steel Lake
Shop
New Maintenance
Shop (Parks Share,
33%) 2032
$11,666,667 18.05%
$2,106,058
Steel Lake
Shop
Shop - Backup power
generator 2025
$40,000 18.05%
$7,221
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Location Type Year Cost
PIF
Eligibility
PIF-
Eligible
Cost
Steel Lake
Shop
Shop - Electrical
Service - new panel 2024
$7,500 18.05%
$1,354
Steel Lake
Shop Shop Roof 2026
$75,000 18.05%
$13,539
Steel Lake
Shop
Storage House - New
Garage Doors 2024
$7,000 18.05%
$1,264
Steel Lake
Shop Storage House Roof 2024
$20,000 18.05%
$3,610
Town
Square Install shade covers 2025
$89,000 18.05%
$16,066
Town
Square Install 2nd shelter 2030
$83,000 18.05%
$14,983
Town
Square Band shell 2028
- 18.05%
-
Town
Square Veteran memorial 2025
- 18.05%
-
Wayfinding
Signs
Implementation of
wayfinding signage
program 2030-2040
- 18.05%
-
Wedgewood
Replace and improve
playground 2019
$167,000 18.05%
$30,147
West
Hylebos
Renovate caretaker
access road 2033
$12,000 0.00%
-
West
Hylebos
Make parking lots
repairs 2025
$48,000 0.00%
-
West
Hylebos Expand parking lot 2033
$149,000 18.05%
$26,897
West
Hylebos
Replace maintenance
garage 2030
$89,000 0.00%
-
Wildwood Repair asphalt trail 2026
$12,000 0.00%
-
Wildwood Upgrade park fixture 2035
$12,000 18.05%
$2,166
Total $44,256,667 $6,325,243
Table VI-3.2 – Parks Expansion List
Location Type Year Cost
PIF
Eligibility PIF-Eligible Cost
Downtown
Park
Expansion
Community
Park
2027-
2031
$
5,500,000 100%
$
5,500,000
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Projected Community Needs
The City has identified a number of facilities to help deliver services more efficiently and
adjust to the changing demographics of this community in the future. These projected
needs are beyond the City’s ability to fund within the six-year planning horizon.
However, in order to keep the community’s vision alive, we purposely did not exclude
any of these community projects. The City Council will periodically review and prioritize
these projects and provide funding when available. A description of these facilities with a
summary list is provided in Table VI-5.
Table VI-4
Summary of Existing Community Facilities
Building Name Own/
Leased Use Sq. ft. /Occupancy
City Hall Own City operations not otherwise listed 88,085/approximately 304 FTE and
Council Chamber
Police Evidence Own Police evidence room 6,000/2 FTE
Federal Way Community
Center
Own Community recreation center with gym,
pools, indoor track, climbing wall, senior
lounge, pre-school, and educational
classrooms, day care, arts and crafts
program, and multipurpose room with
kitchen. Recreation staff offices.
72,000/ 16 regular FTE and
approximately 40-100 part-time
temporary personnel
Opened in 2007
Steel Lake Annex Own Historical Society 1,161/program only
Steel Lake Maintenance
Shop
Own Maintenance operations, outdoor
equipment and material storage
4,110 office and maintenance bay,
24.5 FTE, approximately 132,000 sq.
ft. storage yard, and approximately
additional 1.5 acres available for
future expansion
Celebration Park
Maintenance Building
Own Grounds equipment and sporting
equipment
2,044 sq. ft. maintenance building
Dumas Bay Centre
(DBC)
Own Public park, meeting/banquet/ overnight
lodging
47,214 sq. ft. – 6 meeting rooms, 70
overnight rooms, 12 acre park ground
Knutzen Family Theater
(at DBC)
Own 234 seats performing arts theatre and
rehearsal room
Miscellaneous Outdoor
Storage
Leased Street maintenance material and park
equipment storage
10,000 material storage
2,000 equipment storage
South Light
Rail Station
Park
Community
Park
2027-
2031
11,000,000 100%
11,000,000
Total
$
16,500,000 $ 16,500,000
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Miscellaneous Indoor
Storage
Leased Spare office equipment/facility parts/
records
260 sq. ft.
2,160 cubic ft. boxes stored offsite in a
document storage facility
Table VI-5
Projected Community Facility Needs
2012-2018
Type of Facility Year Size
(sf)
Cost
(millions)
1 Competitive Sports Facility
2018
To be determined
To be determined
2. Performing Arts and Events Center /
2016
Approx.
44,000
700 seats
$32.75
3. Maintenance Facility To be determined To be determined
4. Public Parking Facilities To be determined
200 – 400 stalls
To be determined
5. Town Square Park 2016 2-4 acres $1.7
TOTAL To be determined
Municipal Facilitiesy (General Government, Police, and Court Operations)
City Hall
City Hall, which consolidates most City administrative offices,
Police, and the Municipal Court in one facility, was acquired in
2003.The City acquired the current City Hall in 2003 and
consolidated its police, court, and general governmental operations
under one roof. About 10 percent or 8,000 of the total 88,085
square feet of space in this building is currently available for future
expansions. In addition to the City Hall parcel, the City also
acquired two vacant lots to the north which is the location of the
Police Evidence facility and overflow parking for the City Hall/
Municipal Court.
Pursuant to an interlocal agreement, the cities of Auburn, Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Renton,
SeaTac, and Tukwila, Washington jointly developed and constructed a consolidated correctional fa cility
under an autonomous public agency known as the South Correction Entity (SCORE). The facility became
operational in 2011.
Other Police Facilities
The SCORE facility is approximately 137,000 square feet with associated parking
and site improvements on a 15.613-acre collection of parcels. The site is located in Des
Moines, Washington near Des Moines Creek Park where South 208th Street intersects
with 18th Avenue South. The facility is designed to house up to 822 inmates.
Ownership and financial commitment to SCORE are prorated based on each city’s
average daily prisoner population during the previous year—for Federal Way that is
approximately 18 percent of the total operating cost.
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Federal Way Police Department currently leases xx [four – double checking]
substations. Since 2015, there has been an agreement between Balli Road, LLC
and the Police Department for the use of office space, approximately 1,500
square feet, identified as the Federal Way Police Department Downtown
Substation, located across the street from the Federal Way Transit Center. The
space is used primarily by the Traffic and the Special Operations Unit. The
location of the Downtown Substation is strategic to enhance patrol operations
and visibility but was also necessary as to the limited office space at the main
station at City Hall.
In the next 10 years, the Police Department will require additional 10,000
square feet or more to accommodate the anticipated growth.
In 2018, due to unsustainable financial obligation, the City of Federal Way
discontinued utilizing South Correction Entity (SCORE) for inmate housing and
began managing our own jail services by using available regional jail services,
bringing significant financial savings for the City.
Maintenance Facility
The Parks and Public Works maintenance facility is located at 31132 28th Avenue South.
The entire site is 2.254.1 acres with 4,110 square feet of office and work space and
132172,000 square feet in fenced storage space., The structure was originally constructed
as a Fire Station and subsequently acquired by the City. The current shop area is where
the fire engines were stored. with an additional 1.5 acres of land area available for future
expansions.
Parks Maintenance operates seven days a week, two shifts per day. The space needed for
the maintenance operations includes crew quarters (including an area for daily time cards,
breaks, and crew meetings/training, etc.), as well as a locker room. Public Works streets
and surface water maintenance operations have similar needs for office space; operating
Monday through Friday, year round, one shift per day. Both Parks and Public Works
maintenance operations tend to intensify during the summer months and require up to 15
part-time, seasonal workers at any given time..
The City has outgrown the existing facility and has begun the process to secure additional
adjacent properties to the north while simultaneously working on the design of a
replacement facility to meet the City’s current and projected needs. Construction of the
new facility is anticipated to commence in 2024.
Depending on how the City grows and transforms over the years, the maintenance facility
may involve several options to provide flexibility to accommodate this change and
growth, and continue delivery of high quality and timely City services in the future. The
design and construction costs for constructing, renovating, and/or expanding the
maintenance facility will depend on the operational goals.
Performing Arts and Events Center
In 1994, the City of Federal Way Arts Commission funded a feasibility study of a facility
to house a cultural and community events center and the desire to create an image and
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identity for the City as one which recognizes the value of arts and culture as an essential
component of the community. Since then the City has studied the feasibility of a
performing arts and events center. The performing arts and events center would serve
multiple purposes including: performances; lecture series; business conventions; visual
arts exhibit space; and event space.
In 2009, the City engaged Webb Management Services in conjunction with LMN
Architects to study the feasibility of an integrated performing arts and events center. An
events center has the ability to enrich the performing arts center identity and increase
visitors through attendees. Based on the consultant’s review, a 500 to 700 seat theater
would support local arts organizations and operate as large conference space for lectures
and presentations. The report found that a conference center should include an 8,000
square foot lobby and conference room and 6,000 square feet of additional meeting space
to be used as breakout rooms or for stand-alone events. The estimated cost for an
integrated facility was $30 to $40 million.
In 2011, the City requested an update to the Webb Management Services report, which
led to continued interest in a performing arts and events center (PAEC) on the part of
City leadership. Consequently, in 2012 the City issued a Request for Qualifications for a
public-private partnership to develop both the PAEC and an accompanying on-site hotel.
Subsequently, proposals were requested from the two RFQ respondents, and in Fall 2012
the City Council chose a development partner and authorized development of concept
plans and an initial construction budget, which were presented in March 2013. Based on
the concept plan and budget, the City Council authorized development of schematic
design plans and an operational pro forma, which were both presented in September,
2013. At that time, City Council authorized submittal of the plans for land use permitting.
In February 2014, the Mayor appointed a Blue Ribbon Panel of experts to review all the
relevant plans and materials, vet the financing, and review construction cost estimates,
pro formas, and project economic impacts. The Panel’s findings were presented in May
2014, leading to a City Council decision to proceed with completion of the design and
construction of the PAEC. At this time, the PAEC is anticipated to be completed and
open for business in the Fall of 2016.
Multipurpose Competitive Sports Center
In 2002, the City’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) commissioned a
feasibility study, the Hunter Study, for an indoor competitive sports facility in order to
increase visitors’ stay in local hotels and complement the Aquatic Center and Celebration
Park, two other regional/national amateur sports facilities in the City.
A number of development concepts have been considered, one of which is a facility to
accommodate basketball and volleyball tournaments. Based on this research, the facility
would accommodate four to six basketball courts and four volleyball courts. The facility
would also require parking. One of the considerations for such a facility would be its
ability to be financially self-sustaining. It would also ideally be developed and operated
by the private sector, with minimum or no public participation.
Public Parking Facility
Since the City sold the Town Center-3 (TC-3) site to Trent Development, there exists a
shortage of parking for the PAEC. The City needs to acquire additional land to replace
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the parking that is being eliminated as part of property development..The existing city
center development is currently near or at capacity with the required surface parking to
business-space ratio. To intensify the development, such as the multi- story
commercial/residential mixed-use developments envisioned by the community,
additional parking space will be needed. These additional parking spaces would most
likely be achieved through structured parking, consistent with multi-story commercial/
residential mixed-use development. With the construction cost of structured parking at a
premium when compared to land cost, some type of public/private partnership may be
needed for them to be financially feasible. These facilities could be in part financed with
the City’s Local Investment Financing Tool (LIFT) funds. In addition, these facilities
could be constructed in conjunction with various redevelopment projects.
Public Parking Facility Recommendation
Purchase property and construct approximately 350 new parking spaces to benefit the PAEC and
visitors to Downtown
Designated public parking spaces of 200 to 400 in conjunction with privately developed parking structures for
redevelopment projects located within the City Center.
Investments will vary depending on the need and type of redevelopment projects at each location. City funding sources
would be a combination of the City’s economic development incentive fund and other state and federal economic
development, and/ or infrastructure funding sources.
Summary of Existing Facilities and Future Needs
Existing Facilities
Table xx
Summary of Existing Community Facilities
[Highlighted language/#s still being verified with other dept. staff]
Building Name Own/
Leased Use Sq. ft. /Occupancy
City Hall Own City operations not otherwise listed 88,085/approximately 304 FTE and
Council Chamber
Police Evidence Own Police evidence room 6,000/2 FTE
Police Substations (4
total)
Leased [still verifying information] [still verifying information]
Federal Way Community
Center
Own Community recreation center with gym,
pools, indoor track, climbing wall, senior
lounge, pre-school, and educational
classrooms, day care, arts and crafts
program, and multipurpose room with
kitchen. Recreation staff offices.
72,000/ 16 regular FTE and
approximately 40-100 part-time
temporary personnel
Opened in 2007
Steel Lake Annex Own Historical Society 1,161/program only
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Steel Lake Maintenance
Shop
Own Maintenance operations, outdoor
equipment and material storage
4,110 office and maintenance bay,
24.5 FTE, approximately 132,000 sq.
ft. storage yard, and approximately
additional 1.5 acres available for
future expansion
Celebration Park
Maintenance Building
Own Grounds equipment and sporting
equipment
2,044 sq. ft. maintenance building
Dumas Bay Centre
(DBC)
Own Public park, meeting/banquet/ overnight
lodging
47,214 sq. ft. – 6 meeting rooms, 70
overnight rooms, 12 acre park ground
Knutzen Family Theater
(at DBC)
Own 234 seats performing arts theatre and
rehearsal room
Miscellaneous Outdoor
Storage
Leased Street maintenance material and park
equipment storage
10,000 material storage
2,000 equipment storage
Miscellaneous Indoor
Storage
Leased Spare office equipment/facility parts/
records
260 sq. ft.
2,160 cubic ft. boxes stored offsite in a
document storage facility
Future Facilities
The City has identified a number of facilities to help deliver services more efficiently and
adjust to the changing demographics of this community in the future. These projected
needs are beyond the City’s ability to fund within the six-year planning horizon.
However, in order to keep the community’s vision alive, we purposely did not exclude
any of these community projects. The City Council will periodically review and prioritize
these projects and provide funding when available. A description of these facilities with a
summary list is provided in Table xxVI-5.
Joint Operations and Maintenance Facility
The new facility will expand the site of the existing Operations and Maintenance Facility.
Downtown Parking
Purchase property and construct approximately 350 new parking spaces to benefit the
PAEC and visitors to Downtown.
City Hall
Conduct a needs analysis to evaluate the current utilization of City Hall. Included in this
study will be a forecast for when the City should either build a new City Hall; or, lease
additional space to accommodate growth; or, build an expansion to the existing building.
Police Department
Federal Way Police Department anticipates needing another 10,000 sq. ft. of office space
by approximately 2033.
Table xxVI-5
Future Community Facility Needs
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Facility Type Approximate Date Size Approximate
Cost
Downtown Parking 2028 350-375 spaces $15 million
City Hall 2030 120,000 sq. ft. $100 million
Operations & Maintenance
Facility
2025 $52 million
Additional Police
Department Office Space
2033 10,000 additional
square feet
Likely part of
City Hall
Projected Community Facility Needs
2012-2018
Type of Facility Year Size
(sf)
Cost
(millions)
1 Competitive Sports Facility
2018
To be determined
To be determined
2. Performing Arts and Events Center /
2016
Approx.
44,000
700 seats
$32.75
3. Maintenance Facility To be determined To be determined
4. Public Parking Facilities To be determined
200 – 400 stalls
To be determined
5. Town Square Park 2016 2-4 acres $1.7
TOTAL To be determined
Financing Plan
The City updates its capital improvements program every other year in conjunction with
its biennial budget process. These updates will reflect new project priorities and funding
availability.
While it may be desirable to deliver these facilities to the community as soon as possible,
the City’s projected revenues may not be able to support both their construction and
required operating and on-going maintenance in the near term. Such public facilities may
depend on future private or voter-approved funding sources.
However, the City has approved the overall budget for the Operations and Maintenance
Facility and is working to refine the design. Currently the expectation is that construction
will be funded through a combination of cash on hand, utility funds, REET, and bonding
which repayment will in part be funded through programmatic savings. As the design
progresses the budget and available funding will continue to be refined.
While it may be desirable to deliver these facilities to the community as soon as possible,
the City’s projected revenues may not be able to support both their construction and
required operating and on-going maintenance in the near term. Such public facilities may
depend on future private or voter-approved funding sources.
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The City updates its capital improvements program every other year in conjunction with
its biennial budget process. These updates will reflect new project priorities and funding
availability.
6.7 SCHOOL FACILITIES
This section summarizes information in Tthe Federal Way School District No. 210 2015
Capital Facilities Plan (School Plan) and adopts the School Plan by reference. This plan
covers the entire Federal Way Public School (FWPS) District which includes the City of
Federal Way, portions of the incorporated City of Kent, City of Des Moines, City of
Auburn, City of Algona, City of Milton and unincorporated areas of King County to the
east of Interstate 5. The Ddistrict provides educational programs to all students who live
in the school district service area, whether they live in Federal Way, Kent, Des Moines,
Auburn, Algona, Milton or unincorporated King County. A school outside the Federal
Way City limits may provide service to students who live within the City limits and
viscae versa.
The FWPS Capital Facilities Plan is incorporated by reference, as now or hereafter
amended, and provides complete background, levels of service, inventory, forecast of
future needs, proposed locations and capacities, and financing plan for school facilities.
Inventory of Existing Facilities
Map VI-6 shows the location of every school in the
district. Table VI-6 summarizes the district’s student
capacity. The district has sufficient capacity in the
existing schools and portable buildings to house all of
the students in the district.
Program Capacity
The school district has established a Standard of Service, similar to LOS, for itself, which
it calls “program capacity.” The district’s program capacity is based on: 1) the number of
students per classroom; 2) the number of classrooms per school; 3) the number of classes
that can be held in each classroom per day; and 4) other operational conditions.
Table VI-6
Summary of Existing Facilities Capacities*
CAPACITY 2015
Budget 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
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Elementary
School 8,290 8,290 8,290 8,290 8,290 8,290 8,290
Middle School 5,406 5,406 5,406 5,406 5,406 5,406 5,406
Senior High 5,735 5,735 5,935 5,935 5,935 5,935 5,935
TOTAL 19,431 19,431 19,631 19,631 19,631 19,631 19,631
*NOTE: These capacities are for buildings only and do not include portable classrooms. These capacities are based on the maximum use of the buildings.
Program capacity assumes that the average class will serve the following numbers of students:
Grade K-2 20 Students per classroom
Grades 3-5 25 Students per classroom
Grades 6-12 26 Students per classroom
Special Education 12 Students per classroom
Portables 25 Students per classroom
The school district uses portables at many school sites as an interim measure to house new
students until permanent facilities can be built.
There are other administrative measures that the school district could use to increase
school capacity. These measures may include double shifting, modified school calendar,
and year-round schooling. These measures have been used in the district on a limited
basis, but not district wide.
Forecast of Future Needs – Student Forecasts
The school district’s Business Services Department prepares a forecast of student
enrollment annually. Projections are detailed at various levels; district total, school-
building totals, and grade level totals. Special populations such as vocational students,
special education students, and English as Second Language students are also included in
the forecast.
The basis for projections has been cohort survival analysis. Cohort survival is the analysis
of a group that has a common statistical value (grade level) as it progresses through time.
In a stable population, the cohort would be 1.00 for all grades. This analysis uses
historical information to develop averages and project the averages forward. The district
uses this method with varying years of history and weighting factors to study several
projections. Because transfers in and out of school system are common, student migration
is factored into the analysis as it increases or decreases survival rates. Entry grades
(kindergarten) are a unique problem in cohort analysis. The district collects information
on birth rates within the district’s census tracts and treats these statistics as a cohort of
kindergarten for the appropriate enrollment years.
Long-range projections that establish the need for facilities are a modification of the
cohort survival method. The cohort method becomes less reliable the farther out the
projections are made. The school district study of long-range projections includes
information from jurisdictional planners and demographers as they project future housing
and population in the region.
Table VI-7 describes increased enrollment through the year 2021. It shows that the school
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district’s student population will grow steadily every year with the highest growth in
elementary. The district has compared existing school capacity with growth forecasts.
New construction, modernization and expansion, and additional portable purchases will
mitigate the deficit in permanent capacity for the next six years.
Table VI-7
Federal Way School District Student Forecast
ENROLLMENT (FTE) 2015
Budget 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Elementary 9,319 9,282 9,398 9,477 9,575 9,645 9,723
Middle School 4,811 5,041 5,145 5,154 5,130 5,264 5,359
Senior High 6,261 6,092 5,950 5,911 6,063 6,107 6,243
TOTAL 20,391 20,415 20,493 20,542 20,768 21,016 21,325
Location of New and Improved School Facilities
Existing schools are identified in Map VI-6.
Finance Plan
Table VI-8 describes the school district’s six-year finance plan to support the school
construction. The table identifies $6,596,563 available from secure funding sources and an
additional $108,000,000 anticipated from other funding sources between 2015 and 2021.
These funds will cover the $109,520,000 in planned project costs to the year 2021.
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Table VI-8
Federal Way Public Schools 2015 Capital Facilities Plan
Six Year Finance Plan
Securing Funding Sources
Impact Fees (1) $303,161
Land Sale Funds (2) ($11,596,565)
Bond Funds (3) $4,709,857
State Match (4) $13,153,110
TOTAL $6,569,563
Projected Revenue Sources
State Match (5) $27,200,000
Bond or Levy Funds (6) $70,000,000
Land Fund Sales (7) $10,000,000
Impact Fees (8) $800,000
TOTAL $108,000,000
Actual and Planned Expenditures Total Secured Funding and Projected Revenue $114,569.563
NEW SCHOOLS
Estimated
and
Budget
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Total Total Cost
Prior Years
2014-2015
2015-2016
2016-2017
2017-2018
2018-2019
2019-2020
2020-
2021
2015-2021
MODERNIZATION AND
EXPANSION
Federal Way High School (9) $50,000,000 $45,000,000 $11,000,000 $56,000,000 $106,000,000
SITE ACQUISITION
Norman Center $785,000 $205,000 $215,000 $220,000 $225,000 $235,000 $235,000 $1,335,000 $2,120,000
(Employment Transition Program((10)
TEMPORARY FACILITIES
Portables (11) $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $1,400,000 $1,400,000
TOTAL $50,785,000 $45,405,000 $11,415,000 $420,000 $425,000 $435,000 $435,000 $200,000 $58,735,000 $109,520,000
NOTES:
1. These fees are currently being held in a King County, City of Federal Way, and City of Kent impact fee account and will be available for use by the District for system
improvements. This is year-end balance on December 31, 2013.
2. These funds are expected to come from the sale of the current ESC and MOT sites and bond interest. This is year -end balance on December 31, 2013.
3. This is the December 31, 2013, balance of bond funds. This figure includes interest earnings.
4. This represents the balance of State Match funds which will be used to support the rebuilding of Federal Way High School. This is the balance on December 31, 2013.
5. This is an anticipated state match for the rebuilding of Federal Way High School. Application for funds was made .in July 2013.
Revised 2015 VI-20
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The School Plan states that state matching funds and impact mitigation fees, if realized,
will be used to decrease the need for future bonds or will be used on additional capital
fund projects. The School Plan currently covers the years 2015-2021. The School Plan
and accompanying six-year finance plan will be updated annually by the school district.
This will bring the plan into full compliance with GMA requirements.
6.8 WATER SYSTEMS
This section primarily summarizes the water system operated by the Lakehaven Water
and Sewer District Utility District’s (the District ) including information from the
District’s most recently adopted 2014 Comprehensive Water System Plan (Water Plan,
incorporated in full by reference as now or hereafter amended) while providing up-to-
date information where warranted. Map VI-7 shows Lakehaven Utility District’s
(hereinafter referred to as “the District” in this section) water service area boundary.
Two oOther purveyors provide water service to portions of the District’s corporate
areawithin Federal Way City limits. The Tacoma Public Utilities, specifically Tacoma
Water,s, for example, serves an area on the west side of the District’s Federal Way
corporate area and the Highline Water District serves a small portion of the north side of
the District’s corporate areanorth side of Federal Way (Map VI-8). The City of Milton
serves a small area on the south side of the District’s corporate area that is within the City
of Milton limits. Areas on the east side of I-5 within the City limits of Auburn and Pacific
are also provided water service by the District Map V-7). These areas are at a higher
elevation than the valley cities can cost effectively serve.For comparison, the District
provides service to over 20,000 accounts in Federal Way, while Tacoma Water has
approximately 3,200 active accounts, and Highline Water District has 263 active
accounts in Federal Way.
Map xx shows the service areas of Lakehaven, Tacoma Water, and Highline as water
service providers in Federal Way.
Some of the information in this section is based on the most recent (2016) Lakehaven
Comprehensive Water System Plan.
Inventory of Existing Facilities
The locations of the District’s wells, storage, and other major components of the
distribution system are provided in the 2014 Water Plan. The water system includes
approximately 450 miles of water main, 25 production wells, 12 storage tanks, and
connection to the Second Supply Project (SSP), which provides surface water from the
Green River. The average annual daily demand during the years 202008 through 202211
was 9.879.68 million gallons-per-day (MDGD). The facilities are described in the
following sections.
Second Supply Project (SSP)
The District is a partner in the SPP (Green River water source) with the City of Tacoma,
City of Kent, and Covington Water Districts. The District’s share of the project provides a
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water right capacity of up to 12.6 MGD. Due to operational considerations, stream flows,
and water quality, the SSP is estimated to provide approximately 7.6 MGD on an annual
basis. The District is accessing the pipeline at three flow control facilities provided at
strategic locations along its route through the greater Federal Way area. These facilities
allow the District to receive water from and send water to the Second Supply Project
(SSP).
Water Quality
Prior to 2000, the District had not had to treat its water supplies to meet regulatory
requirements before distribution to its customers. However, in order to meet newer
regulations, the District began a chlorination and corrosion control treatment program in
July 2001 for all of its groundwater supply.
The District’s status with respect to regulated drinking water contaminants covered by the
WAC 246-290 and anticipated water quality regulations is summarized in Section 10,
“Water Quality,” of the 2014 Water System Plan. Regulations that have prompted treatment of
the District’s groundwater supplies include the Lead and Copper Rule, Iron and Manganese
Regulations, Arsenic Rule, and the Surface Water Treatment Rule (due to distribution of surface
water obtained from the SSP). To maintain optimized corrosion control in the distribution
system (per the Lead and Copper Rule), the District adjusts the pH of groundwater pumped from
Well Sites 10/10A, 15/15A, 18, and 19/19A. The District has installed water filtration treatment
systems at Well Sites 9, 17/17A/17B, 19/19A, 20/20A, 21, 22/22A/22B, 23/23A, 29, and Well
33 for the removal of iron and manganese. Arsenic is removed from Wells 19 and 21.
In 2006, the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, regulated by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), required unfiltered surface water utilities to plan
for and provide water treatment to protect against waterborne parasites such as
cryptosporidium (a protozoan that can cause gastro-intestinal illness in humans). After
significant analysis and evaluation, Tacoma Water, Lakehaven Water and SewerUtility
District, Covington Water District, and the City of Kent agreed to design and construct a
surface water filtration facility for the Green River supply to meet the new EPA compliance
requirements. Design of the new The Green River Filtration Facility was completed and
began operation in 2011 and the facility is scheduled to be completed and operational in
2015. In addition to meeting the federal surface water treatment rules, the filtration facility
will also remove turbidity and potential algae that can degrade the reliability and aesthetic
quality of the water from the Green River.
Storage Facilities
The District’s water system was evaluated during the most recent (2016) Lakehaven2014
Water System Plan Update using extended-period simulation modeling to evaluate the
storage draw-down during fire flow events and to evaluate storage equalization during
multiple-day periods of maximum- day demand conditions. The storage analysis model is
summarized in Section 9, “System Analysis,” of the 20162014 Water System Plan. In
general, the District has a robust water system with redundant supply, large volumes of
storage, and adequate, reliable pumping.
Water Conservation Measures
The District is committed to implementing aggressive water conservation measures to
reduce per capita water consumption. These include programs such as public information
campaigns, an inclining block water rate structure to reduce peak day consumption,
winter-summer water rate adjustments to reduce summer consumption, and a “wet-month
average” sewer rate structure.
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The District will be also working with the City to introduce water conservation measures
by amending the zoning and building codes. These measures include a requirement for
low flow showerheads and toilets, utilizing species for landscaping with reduced
irrigation needs, and use of reclaimed water for irrigation.
Transmission/Distribution System
The results of computer modeling have found the transmission and distribution pipeline
network to be very robust. Of particular note is that the fire insurance rating for South
King Fire and Rescue improved from Class 3 to Class 2 in 2004 and currently remains
at Class 2. The majority of the District is served by this fire agency. Approximately
Fforty percent of the score for the rating process is based upon available water supply.
This rating improvement is a significant accomplishment, as the new classification is
on par with the rating held in Seattle and Bellevue, the only other departments to hold a
Class 2 rating (no fire agency in Washington holds a Class 1 rating). The pipeline
network is continuing to be expanded through developer extension projects undertaken
by land development activity.
Emergency Interties
The District has eight emergency interties with adjoining systems of other utilities.
Emergency interties allow the District to buy or sell water with adjoining utilities in an
emergency and provides enhanced system reliability. The District has three emergency
interties with the City of Tacoma’s water system, three emergency interties with Highline
Water District’s water systems, one emergency intertie with the City of Milton’s water
system, and one emergency intertie with the City of Auburn.
Forecast of Future Needs
The Water Plan estimates future need by analyzing existing water demand (measured
consumption plus unaccounted-for/non-revenue water loss) patterns on a daily, seasonal,
and yearly basis. The District breaks down the water demand values on an “equivalent
residential unit” (ERU) basis, which is essentially the amount of water used by an “average”
family residing in an “average” single family residence situated within the District’s water
service area, if used uniformly over the year. The six-year District-wide average of
measured unit consumption, including unaccounted for water, between 2006 and 2011 was
231.55 gallons per day (gpd) per ERU and ranged between 257 gpd per ERU in 2006 to 208
gpd per ERU in 2011. For planning purposes, the District conservatively used 248 gallons
per day per ERU. Population and employment growth projections converted to ERU’s are
then utilized to estimate future water demands. Utilizing a conservative methodology that
disregards the impact of the District’s water conservation efforts, the Water Plan estimateds
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average day demands wouldill increase from 11.43 MGD in 2014, to 13.03 MGD in 2024,
and to 14.3 MGD in 2034.
Expanded and Improved Facilities
The District has programmed a number of system improvements to maintain and expand
the existing water system. These improvements are summarized below.
Groundwater Resources
The District is continuing to pursue its OASIS (Optimization of Aquifer Storage for
Increased Supply) project, under the ASR (Aquifer Storage and Recovery) concept. The
OASIS feasibility study determined that the Mirror Lake Aquifer can be used to store up
to approximately 9.4 billion gallons of water filled over the winter from excess water
supply and withdrawn it over the drier summer months for water supply purposes.
Combining funding from its wastewater utility, the District is also pursuing its Water
Reuse/Reclamation Program, utilizing wastewater suitably treated at the Lakota
Wastewater Treatment Plant, conveyed through a separate pipeline system, and utilized
for beneficial purposes, such as augmenting groundwater supplies.
Second Supply Pipeline
Improvements continue to be implemented at the Howard Hanson Dam on the Green River
in order to expand storage behind the dam. This will help mitigate the seasonal variation in
available water by increasing in-stream flows during the drier parts of the year.
Water Quality
The implementation of a filtration facility on the Green River water
supply conveyed by the Second Supply Project will be completed in
2015 was recently completed in coordination with the SSP partners.
The District also has plans to install one additional treatment system
at the Well 10C site to remove iron, manganese, and other
impurities from the groundwater.
Transmission/Distribution System
Long-term improvements to the transmission and distribution
pipeline network are recommended in Sections 9 and 11 of the
2014 Water Plan. Significant investments are also contemplated to
relocate existing pipelines that will conflict with infrastructure
resulting from street improvement projects undertaken by other
agencies within the District’s water service area.
Finance Plan
A utility undertakes a capital program for many different reasons, including: expanding
the capacity of its systems, maintaining the integrity of existing systems, and addressing
regulatory requirements. The District is required to develop its own Water Plan and to
support regional decisions on population growth and land use.
The District has identified several significant capital improvement projects in its 2014
Water Plan. The scheduling of these projects is included in the District’s most recent
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Capital Improvement Program (CIP) that is developed and approved annually.
The District has access to sufficient funds that can be utilized for operation and
maintenance of its existing facilities, and for pursuing capital projects. In addition, the
District has depreciation, interest income, assessment income, and connection charge
monies that it can utilize for funding the CIP. Additionally, the District can also borrow
money or adjust rates, if necessary, to best meet the needs of its customers.
The District has utilized a very conservative approach in budgeting for the CIP by
utilizing the growth projections developed by each of the land use jurisdictions located
within the District. The District will provide facilities as required to support growth
within its service area. The schedule and project costs will be updated annually through
the District’s budget and capital improvement program process.
6.9 SEWER SYSTEMS
This section primarily summarizes the Lakehaven Water and Sewer Utility District (the
District) including the District’s most recently adopted’s Comprehensive Wastewater 2009
Comprehensive Wastewater System Plan (Wastewater Plan, incorporated in full by
reference as now or hereafter amended), while providing up-to- date information where
warranted. The Lakehaven Utility District’sDistrict’s (hereinafter referred to as “the
District” in this section) sewer area is located in the southwest portion of King County,
including the unincorporated areas east of the existing City limits of Federal Way. As of
the end of 2007, the District was serving a residential population of approximately 120,100
through 27,000 connections.
Map VI-9 shows the District’s sewer service area. Other utilities provide retail sewer
service to relatively small portions of the District’s corporate area, including Midway
Sewer District provides sewer service to a small area on the north end of Federal Way’s
City limits. on the north side of the District, the City of Auburn on the east side of the
District, and the City of Milton/Pierce County on the south side of the District. In addition,
other utilities provide conveyance and treatment services to portions of the District’s retail
sewer service area, including Midway Sewer District, Metro/King County, Pierce County,
and the City of Tacoma. As of the end of 2007, the District was serving a residential
population of approximately 120,100 through 27,000 connections. Lakehaven also
provides by contract the operation and maintenance requirements for most of the sewer
facilities within the City of Edgewood.As of 2023, Midway Sewer District has 9 business
connections, 7 single-family connections, as well as connections to two multifamily
complexes and one mobile home park in Federal Way.
Map xx shows the service areas of Lakehaven and Midway Sewer Districts.
Some of the information in this section is based on the most recent (2017) Lakehaven
Comprehensive Wastewater System Plan.
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Inventory of Existing Facilities
The sanitary sewer system is comprised of three major components: the trunk collection
system, the pump station system, and the wastewater treatment and disposal system. The
trunk system collects wastewater from drainage basins and conveys it to the treatment
facilities, primarily by gravity flow. In areas where the use of gravity flow is not possible,
pump stations and force mains are used to pump the sewage to a location where gravity
flow can be used. The locations of the major components are provided in the 2009
Wastewater Plan.
The existing collection system operated and maintained by the District consists of
approximately 340 miles of sanitary sewer pipe, 28 pump stations, six siphons, and two
secondary wastewater treatment plants, namely the Lakota Wastewater Treatment Plant
and the Redondo Wastewater Treatment Plant. The system has been constructed over a
number of years, as dictated by development trends in the area. The system is currently
divided into six primary basins and 40 smaller sub-basins. The wastewater generated
within the two largest basins, Lakota and Redondo, flow to the District’s wastewater
treatment plants. The remaining four basins currently discharge to the other utilities for
treatment and disposal, as mentioned above.
The District currently has the capacity in all the major components of the system to
accommodate the existing demand for sanitary sewer service
Forecast of Future Needs
Population forecasts are based on the adopted land use plans of the various jurisdictions
within which the District operates. The population figures are presented by drainage basin
to allow for evaluation of the system and consideration of future improvement alternatives.
The population within the District’s sewer service area is projected to increase to nearly
139,970 by 2030, approaching the projected “ultimate” population of 273,430 based upon
land capacity. An estimated 7,500 on-site wastewater disposal systems are in operation
within the District’s corporate boundary. It is anticipated that sewer service will be
extended to these “unsewered” areas as on-site systems become less viable to maintain
and/or when new development requires public sewers.
The average base daily flow tributary to the District’s two wastewater treatment plants,
excluding infiltration and inflow (I & I), is currently estimated at 6.71 MGD and is
expected to increase to nearly 9.06 MGD by 2030, and nearly 17.24 MGD at full
development. Peak hourly flows tributary to the District’s two wastewater treatment
plants, including I & I, are currently estimated at 30.3 MGD, and are expected to increase
to nearly 45.75 MGD by 2030, and 67.11 MGD at full development.
Hydraulic capacity at both wastewater treatment plants is estimated to be available up to the
original design peak hour capacities of 22.0 MGD for Lakota and 13.8 MGD for Redondo.
Expanded and Improved Facilities
The District has completed construction on the rehabilitation and lengthening of the
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Redondo Wastewater Treatment Plant’s outfall pipeline that discharges treated
wastewater into Puget Sound. The old biosolids dewatering equipment was replaced with
new, more efficient equipment to help reduce operating costs . The District is pursuing
many other projects to improve the performance of the facilities (energy conservation,
water quality, biosolid quality, reduced maintenance, etc.). Combining funding from its
water utility, the District also has long-range plans for its Water Reuse/Reclamation
Project, utilizing wastewater suitably treated at the Lakota Wastewater Treatment Plant,
conveyed through a separate pipeline system, and utilized for beneficial purposes, such as
augmenting groundwater supplies.
Additional new and expanded sewer facilities are planned to divert existing flows
currently being conveyed to other utilities for treatment to its own treatment facilities
(new Pump Station No. 44 and expanded Pump Station No. 33b). On-site emergency
generators are now in place at other existing pump stations (Pump Stations No. 12, 37
and 41) to allow their continuous operation during a commercial power outage. The
District is continuing to approve new pressure sewer collection systems as an alternative
to gravity systems to provide sewer service availability to residents in established
neighborhoods, particularly those around lakes.
Finance Plan
A utility undertakes a capital program for many different reasons, including: expanding
the capacity of its systems, maintaining the integrity of existing systems, and addressing
regulatory requirements. The District is required to develop its own Wastewater Plan and
to support regional decisions on population growth and land use. The District has
identified several significant capital improvement projects in its 2009 Wastewater Plan.
The scheduling of these projects is included in the District’s most current Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) that is developed and approved annually.
The District has access to sufficient funds that can be utilized for operations and
maintenance of its existing facilities, and for pursuing capital projects. In addition, the
District has depreciation, interest income, assessment income, and connection charge
monies that it can utilize for funding the CIP. Additionally, the District can borrow
money or adjust rates, if necessary, to best meet the needs of its customers.
The District has utilized a very conservative approach in budgeting for the CIP by
utilizing the growth projections developed by each of the land use jurisdictions located
within the District. The District will provide facilities as required to support growth
within its service area. The schedule and project costs will be updated annually through
the District’s budget and capital improvement program process.
6.10 FIRE FACILITIES
[UPDATES PENDING FOR ENTIRE SECTION BASED ON REVIEW FROM
SOUTH KING FIRE]
This section summarizes the South King Fire and Rescue Strategic Leadership Plan, and
the department’s subsequent updates. The fire department provides service to the entire
City of Federal Way, the entire City of Des Moines, and surrounding unincorporated
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area. Total population in the department’s service area is approximately 150,000
citizensresidents. Services include fire suppression, fire prevention (building inspection
and public information), emergency medical, hazardous materials responses, public
education, emergency management, and rescue emergencies (special operations). South
King Fire and Rescue has a contract with the City of Federal Way and Valley
Communications for the provision of emergency 911 communications, wherein they act
together with the City as a part owner of Valley Communications. The South King Fire
and Rescue Strategic Leadership Plan identifies and programs improvements that are
necessary to maintain existing service standards and to meet the needs of future residents
and businesses. The plan and future updates are adopted by reference into the FWCP as
now or hereafter amended.
The fire department provides fire suppression service to the entire City. In order to do
this, the department has adopted LOS standards found in the South King Fire and Rescue
Resolution Number 413.
• Each emergency fire response should include a minimum of 15 trained and
equipped firefighters and apparatus commensurate with the emergency (a
standard response of four engines, one ladder truck, and one command vehicle
are sent on all structural incidents).
• Each emergency medical response should include a minimum of one response
vehicle and three fully-equipped and fully-trained crew members on a responding
engine company, or two crew members on an aid car (either an engine or an aid
car, or a combination of both, can be sent on the response depending upon the
severity).
• The fire department provides a full building inspection service for fire code
compliance.
The department is currently providing service that is generally consistent with its adopted
LOS standards.
The fire department also depends on having adequate water pressure available in fire
hydrants to extinguish fires. The department works with the Lakehaven Utility District,
Highline Water District (in the City of Des Moines), and other water utilities within its
corporate limits, to ensure that adequate “fire flow” is always available. Lakehaven
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Utility District’s Water System Plan analyzes “fire flow” rates available at different
points in its water system, and programs improvements to the water system to ensure that
sufficient water is available for fire suppression.
Emergency Medical Services
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responds to 911 calls and provides field services.
This service is paid for by property taxes. EMS is provided as a marginal cost to the fire
department as fire facilities are utilized to provide this service to the community. The fire
department replaces its five front line aid cars, of which three are staffed on a normal
basis, commensurate with its capital replacement plan and capital reserves system. The
section on funding (Funding Plan) addresses how the ongoing replacement purchase of
these aid cars will be funded.
Inventory and Capacity of Existing Facilities
The department has two major types of capital
facilities. One is fire stations and the other is
capital investment in equipment and, in particular,
fire engines. The department’s fire stations are
shown on Map VI-10.
Forecast of Future Needs
From 1986 through 1992, emergency responses increased at an average annual rate of
over eight percent. In 1990, public education efforts included 911-use/abuse training. The
increases in call volume during 1993 and 1994 leveled off with 1994 volume increasing
only 1.5 percent from the 1992 level. It is unknown, however, how much, if any, effect
the 911 public education effort had on actual call volumes. In 1995 and 1996, calls for
service again increased at an average rate of 8.1 percent. Although calls actually
decreased slightly in 1997, call volumes increased by 14 percent in 1998. By 2013, call
volumes had exceeded 16,000 for the year and the historic . The call data indicateds a
fairly steady increase of approximately six percent per year. Emergency medical
incidents have increased more rapidly than non-medical incidents. Structure fires have
declined since the 1990s; however, emergency medical incidents have steadily increased.
It is unknown what the impact of the Affordable Health Care Act will have on call
volumes. The challenge for the fire department will be to manage fixed-cost investments,
such as new stations, and to be flexible in its ability to meet fluctuating call volumes.
Location and Capacity of Expanded or New Facilities
The Federal Way Fire Department (King County Fire Protection District #39) has existed
since 1949. In the early 1990s, the City of Federal Way annexed into the fire district via a
public vote, thus empowering the stand alone fire district the ability to provide fire and
EMS services to the newly formed city as a municipal corporation governed by an elected
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Board of Fire Commissioners. In September of 2005, the citizens within theresidents of
the City of Des Moines (protected by King County Fire Protection District #26) voted
overwhelmingly to merge with the Federal Way Fire Department (King County Fire
Protection District #39). The City of Des Moines had previously annexed into King #26,
just like the City of Federal Way’s annexation into King #39. The result of this merger
caused the name of the fire department to change from the Federal Way Fire Department
to its present South King Fire and Rescue. The legal name for the fire district is actually
King County Fire Protection District #39 (KCFPD #39), although the department does
business as South King Fire and Rescue.
South King Fire and Rescue operates out of eight stations,
seven of which are response stations with the eighth being a
training and maintenance facility. Two of the eight stations
are located within the City of Des Moines, two stations lie
within unincorporated King County, and four are located
within the City of Federal Way. The fire department responds on more than 16,000
emergencies annually.
The department may have need for an additional station in the near future in the south
end of the City in the vicinity of 356th and Pacific Highway. The department anticipates
that the calls for service in the south end of the district will also continue to grow. In this
eventuality, an additional station may be needed to maintain acceptable response times.
The department has acquired property in the area of 356th and Pacific Highway South
through a swap of properties with Lakehaven Utility District to assure future availability
of a station site.
Any new station should be able to accommodate an on-duty crew of three fire fighters,
with appropriate living and sleeping quarters. In addition, the structure should be able to
house two engines and an aid car, with room for growth dictated by LOS demands. It
may be appropriate to provide a public meeting room and an office for community
policing in new facilities. The cost of these facilities is approximately $6,000,000.
Equipment would be in the range of $1,000,000 for a new station. The fire department
does not presently have a timeline for construction of the new fire station, as it would
likely require a voter approved bond issue for funding.
Additionally, the department may have a need for a major station remodel at one of the
Des Moines stations located at approximately 272nd and 16th Avenue South; a major
upgrade to the Training Facility, currently located at 14th Avenue SW and 312th Street;
and the potential for additional fire stations to be built based upon need on property
owned by the fire district at 30th Avenue South and 288th; Hoyt Road and Dash Point
Road SW; and a major piece of property at 320th and 37th Avenue South. The property at
320th and 37th Avenue South has been purchased with a future goal of building an
expanded training facility, drill towers, administrative offices, emergency operations
center for disasters, a fleet shop, and a facilities maintenance building. Any future
development would likely be predicated upon community needs and funded through a
voter-approved bond issue in the future.
Funding Plan
The fire department has established a capital reserve fund for the systematic replacement
of all capital equipment, which took a hit during the recession of 2008-2012. These
reserves were funded from the annual revenues of the department. As the economy
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recovers, the capital reserve system will be funded and become active once again. To
bridge the gap created by the recession as related to the capital and equipment needs of
the district, a voter-approved bond issue will likely be placed in front of the electorate in
the 2015-2017 time frame.
The department also has established a long term goal of a minimum of four-paid fire
fighters on each fire apparatus (this is the national standard adopted by NFPA 1710).
Additional staff that is hired in support of that goal will be funded from either new
construction levies or additional voter-approved levies. The department has not
established any funds for purchase of new stations or associated equipment. These
purchases would require voter-approved bonds.
In the department’s annually adopted budget, capital projects are identified. This capital
projects list is up-dated based on completed projects and changing priorities. The FWCP
adopts by reference, as now or hereafter amended, the South King Fire and Rescue
Strategic Leadership Plan, as well as the annual capital improvements program update.
Additionally, the department is seeking to receive impact fees based upon growth within
the community, which directly affects its level of service. This is being sought both
locally and legislatively, as fire districts have to manage growth the same as schools and
other public facilities. If successful, impact fees could assist in offsetting the capital costs
of added infrastructure.
6.11 GOALS AND POLICIES
The goals and policies in this section implement the requirements of the GMA, VISION
2040 and the CWPPs. The City of Federal Way takes responsibility for implementing
only those goals and policies for services provided by the City.
Special service districts, such as the Federal Way School District, Lakehaven Utility
District, and South King Fire and Rescue, must implement goals and policies that are
consistent with their respective plans. The City does intend; however, to closely
coordinate the City’s plan with these service districts so that the citizens of Federal Way
receive the highest level of service possible.
Goal
CFG1 RegularlyAnnually update the Capital Facilities Plans to implement the
FWCP by coordinating urban services, land use decisions, level of service
standards, and financial resources with a fully funded schedule of capital
improvements.
Policies
CFP1.1 Provide needed public facilities and services to implement the FWCP.
CFP1.2 Support and encourage joint development and use of community facilities with
other governmental or community organizations in areas of mutual concern and
benefit.
CFP1.3 Emphasize capital improvement projects that promote the conservation,
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preservation, redevelopment, and revitalization of commercial, industrial, and
residential areas in Federal Way.
CFP1.4 ReferenceAdopt by reference all capital facilities plans and future amendments
prepared by other special districts that provide services within the City to
support implementation of the FWCP. These plans must be consistent with the
FWCP.
CFP1.5 RAdopt by reference the annual update of the Federal Way Capital
Improvement Program for parks/recreation, surface water management, and the
Transportation Improvement Program to support implementation of the FWCP.
CFP1.6 Protect investments in existing facilities through an appropriate level of funding
for maintenance and operations.
CFP1.7 Maximize the use of existing public facilities and promote orderly compact
urban growth.
Goal
CFG2 To meet current needs for capital facilities in Federal Way, correct deficiencies
in existing systems, and replace or improve obsolete facilities.
Balancing existing capital facilities needs with the need to provide additional facilities to
serve growth is a major challenge for Federal Way. It is important to maintain our prior
investments as well as serve new growth.
Policies
CFP8CFP2.1 Give priority consideration to projects mandated by local, state, and federal
law.
CFP9CFP2.2 Give priority consideration to subsequent phases of phased projects
when phase one is fully funded and under construction.
CFP2.310 Give priority consideration to projects that renovate existing facilities and
preserve the community’s prior investment or reduce maintenance and operating
costs.
CFP2.411 Give priority consideration to projects that correct existing capital facilities
deficiencies, encourage full utilization of existing facilities, or replace worn out
or obsolete facilities.
CFP2.512 Give priority to projects where leveraged monies such as grants and low
interest loans can be used.
Goal
CFG3 Provide capital facilities to serve and direct future growth within Federal Way
and its Potential Annexation Area asas it they further develops.
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It is crucial to identify, in advance of development, sites for schools, parks, fire and
police stations, major stormwater facilities, greenbelts, open space, and road connections.
Acquisition of sites for these facilities must occur in a timely manner and as early as
possible in the overall development of the area. Otherwise, acquisition opportunities will
be missed, with long-term functional or financial implications.
Policies
CFP3.113 Provide the capital facilities needed to serve the future growth anticipated
by the FWCP.
CFP3.214 Coordinate efforts between the Public Works and Parks Departments in the
acquisition of and planning for public open space, recreation, public education,
and stream preservation within the Hylebos Basin. Departments may combine
resources as appropriate to increase project efficiencies and success rates in
pursuit of grant opportunities.
CFP3.315 Give priority consideration to projects needed to meet concurrency
requirements for growth management.
CFP3.416 Plan and coordinate the location of public facilities and utilities in advance of need.
CFP3.517 Continue to iImplement a concurrency management system which permits
project approval only after a finding is made that there is capacity available in
the transportation system sufficient to maintain the adopted level of service
standard.
CFP3.618 The provision of urban services shall be Ccoordinated the provision of urban
services to ensure that areas identified for urban expansion growth are
accompanied with the maximum possible use of existing facilities and cost-
effective service provisions and extensions while ensuring the protection and
preservation of resources.
CFP3.719 Coordinate future economic activity with planning for public facilities and services.
CFP20 Purchase property in the Potential Annexation Area and keep it in reserve for
future City parks and surface water facilities.
CFP3.821 Consider public/private partnerships to leverage structured parking in
association with City Center development or redevelopment, in fulfillment of
comprehensive plan vision and goals.
CFP3.9 Require connection to sanitary sewer service where sewer service is available and where
there would be no harm to environmental critical areas..
Goal
CFPG4 Provide adequate funding for capital facilities in Federal Way to ensure the
FWCP vision and goals are implemented.
The GMA requires that the Land Use chapter be reassessed if funding for capital facilities
falls short of needs. The intent is to ensure that necessary capital facilities are available
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prior to, or concurrently with new growth and development. Capital facilities plans must
show a balance between costs and revenues. There are essentially five options available
for balancing the capital facilities budget: increase revenues, decrease level of service
standards, decrease the cost of the facilities, decrease the demand for the public service,
or reduce the rate of growth and new development.
Policies
CFP4.122 Manage the City of Federal Way’s fiscal resources to support provideing
needed capital improvements. Ensure a balanced approach to allocating
financial resources between: 1) major maintenance of existing facilities; 2)
eliminating existing capital facility deficiencies; and 3) providing new or
expanding existing facilities to serve new growth.
CFP4.223 Use the Capital Facilities Plans to integrate all of the community’s capital
project resources including grants, bonds, general funds, donations, impact fees,
and any other available funding.
CFP4.224 Ensure that long-term capital financing strategies and policies are consistent
with all the other FWCP chapters.
CFP4.325 Pursue funding strategies that require new growth and development to pay
its fair share of the cost of facilities that are required to maintain adopted
level of service standards. One such strategy that should be implemented in
the near term is an impact fee program for parks.
CFP4.426 Promote a more efficient use of all public facilities by enacting interlocal
agreements which facilitate joint maintenance and operations of those facilities.
CFP4.527 Use the following available contingency strategies should the City be
faced with capital facility funding shortfalls:
▪ Increase revenues by selling general obligation bonds, enacting utility
taxes, imposing impact fees, and/or raising property tax levy rates.
▪ Decrease level of service standards to a level that is more affordable.
▪ Decrease the cost of a proposed facility by changing or modifying the
scope of the project.
▪ Decrease the demand for the service or facilities by establishing a
moratorium on development, focusing development into areas where
facility capacity is available, or changing project timing and/or phasing.
CFP4.628 Aggressively pursue grants or private funds when available to finance
capital facility projects.
CFP4.729 Maximize the usefulness of bond funds by using these monies to the greatest
extent possible as matching funds for grants.
Goal
CFPG5 Ensure that the Federal Way Capital Facilities Plans areis current and
responsive to the community vision and goals.
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The role of monitoring and evaluation is vital to the effectiveness of any planning program
and particularly for the Capital Facilities chapter. The City’s revenues and expenditures
are subject to economic fluctuations and are used to predict fiscal trends in order to
maintain the City’s adopted level of service for public facilities. This Capital Facilities
Plan will be reviewed and amended in accordance with state update requirements to verify
that fiscal resources are available to provide public facilities needed to support adopted
LOS standards.
Policies
CFP5.130 Monitor the progress of the Capital Facilities Plan on an ongoing basis,
including the completion of major maintenance projects, the expansion of
existing facilities, and the addition of new facilities. Evaluate this progress with
respect to trends in the rate and distribution of growth, impacts upon service
quality, and FWCP direction.
CFP5.231 Review, update, and amend the Capital Facilities Plan in accordance with
state update requirements. Respond to changes in the rates of growth, new
development trends, and changing City priorities, budget, and financial
considerations.
Make provisions to reassess the FWCP periodically in light of the evolving
Capital Facilities Plan. Take appropriate action to ensure internal consistency of
the chapters in the plan.
CFP5.332 Continue to coordinate with other capital facility and service providers to
ensure that all necessary services and facilities are provided prior to or
concurrent with new growth and development.
CFP5.4 Establish new or expanded sites for public facilities, utilities, and infrastructure in a
manner that ensures disaster resiliency and public service recovery.
Goal
CFPG6 Manage the Surface Water Utility in a manner that makes efficient use of
limited resources to address the most critical problems first, and which
expresses community values and priorities.
Policies
CFP6.133 The utility shall continue to have a role in developing and implementing
regional, state, and federal surface water policies and programs and, in doing so,
shall seek to:
▪ Achieve the City’s environmental goals.
▪ Contain utility ratepayer costs.
▪ Ensure state and federal requirements are achievable.
▪ Maintain local control and flexibility in policy/program implementation.
The utility’s role in developing and implementing regional, state, and federal
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surface water policies and programs will include:
▪ Influencing legislation through lobbying and written and verbal testimony
during formal comment periods
▪ Participating in rule making
▪ Reviewing technical documents
▪ Serving on advisory committees and work groups
▪ Participating in multi-jurisdictional studies and basin planning
▪ Entering into cooperative agreements with neighboring and regional
agencies to accomplish common goals as appropriate and necessary
CFP6.234 The utility’s funds and resources shall be managed in a professional manner
in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and City financial policies.
CFP6.335 The utility shall remain a self-supporting enterprise fund.
CFP6.436 The utility Capital Improvement Program (CIP) will provide funding for the
following types of projects:
1) Projects addressing flood control problems.
2) Projects needed to meet water quality policies.
3) Projects needed for renewal/replacement or additions to current
infrastructure and facilities.
4) Projects necessary for resource protection and stewardship.
CFP6.537 To the extent of funding limitations, the CIP shall be sustained at a level of
service necessary to implement cost effective flood control mitigation; meet
water quality policies; maintain system integrity; provide required resource
stewardship and protection; and meet federal, state, and local regulations.
CFP6.638 The utility will continue to strive to minimize the use of loans to fund
necessary capital improvements, and will generally operate on a “pay-as-you-
go basis.” However, low interest loans (i.e. Public Works Trust Fund) and/or
grants will be used to leverage local funds when feasible.
CFP6.739 Rates shall be set at the lowest level necessary to cover utility program
expenses, meet levels of service identified in the “ 2015 2021 Surface
Water Management Comprehensive Plan Update, meet debt coverage
requirements, and sustain a reserve balance consistent with these policies
on a long-term basis.
CFP6.840 Utility rates shall be evaluated bi-annually and adjusted as necessary to
achieve utility financial policy objectives.
CFP6.941 Utility rates will allocate costs between different customer classes on an
equitable basis.
CFP6.1042 The utility rate structure will be based on a financial analysis considering
cost- of-service and other policy objectives, and will provide adjustments for
actions taken under approved City standards to reduce related service impacts.
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CFP6.1143 Rates shall be uniform for all utility customers of the same class
throughout the service area.
CFP6.1244 Rate assistance programs may be provided for specific low-income customers.
CFP6.1345 The utility’s annual budget and rate recommendations shall provide
funding for the following reserve components:
1. A working capital component based on 17 percent of the current year’s
budgeted operating and maintenance expenses. Under no circumstances
shall a budget be submitted for a planned drop in reserves below this level.
2. An emergency/contingency component to cover excessive costs resulting
from unexpected catastrophic events or system failures. Based on historical
utility experience, this amount will be set at $500,000, which is the estimate
of the net cost of emergency services to be paid from rate resources,
excluding any potential reimbursements that may be received from Federal
Emergency Management Act grants, the City’s General Liability Fund, or
other external revenue sources.
Goal
CFG7 Ensure planning and siting for all capital facilities is conducted in an environmentally
sound, socially equitable and inclusive manner.
Policies
CFP7.1 Inform the siting or expansion of essential public facilities or facilities of regional
importance using a process that incorporates broad public involvement, especially from historically
marginalized and disproportionately burdened communities, and that equitably disperses impacts
and benefits while supporting the Countywide Planning Policies.
CFP7.2 Work toward more affordable and equitable access to public facilities throughout Federal
Way, with a particular focus on identifying coverage gaps and supporting increased access by
historically marginalized and disproportionately burdened communities.
CFP7.3 Consider climate change, economic, equity, and health impacts when supporting the
siting and building of essential public services and facilities.
CFP7.4 Implement water conservation and efficiency efforts to protect natural resources, reduce
environmental impacts, and support a sustainable long-term water supply to serve the growing
population.
CFP7.5 Identify opportunities for water reuse and reclamation by high-volume non-potable water
users such as parks, schools, and golf courses, and require where feasible.
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6.12 Appendix
Plans Incorporated by Reference
The following plans, developed for the operations of different City programs and external agencies, are
incorporated by reference into the Capital Facilities Chapter as now or hereafter amended:
1 Federal Way 2021 Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan
2 Federal Way Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan
3 Federal Way Public Schools 2024 Capital Facilities Plan
4 Lakehaven Water and Sewer District Comprehensive Water System Plan
5 Lakehaven Water and Sewer District Comprehensive Wastewater System Plan
6 South King Fire and Rescue Strategic Leadership Plan
7 South King Fire and Rescue Capital Improvements Program
Maps
Map xx, Surface Water Trunk System and Drainage Basins
Map xx, Existing City Buildings
Map xx, Water and Sewer District Service Providers
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CHAPTER SIX
CAPITAL FACILITIES
6.1 INTRODUCTION & VISION 1
Introduction
Vision
6.2 FUNDING CAPITAL FACILITIES 3
Level of Service 3
Concurrency 4
Impact Fees 4
Funding/Financing 5
6.3 SURFACE WATER 5
Inventory of Existing Facilities 5
Forecast of Future Needs 7
Locations and Capacities of Future Facilities 7
Finance Plan 7
6.4 TRANSPORTATION 9
6.5 PARKS AND RECREATION 9
6.6 COMMUNITY FACILITIES 11
Community Gathering Facilities
Municipal Facilities (General Government, Police, and Court
Operations) 14
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Maintenance Facility 14
Public Parking Facility 16
Summary of Existing Facilities and Future Needs
Financing Plan 16
6.7 SCHOOL FACILITIES 17
6.8 WATER SYSTEMS 21
Inventory of Existing Facilities 21
Forecast of Future Needs 23
Expanded and Improved Facilities 23
Finance Plan 24
6.9 SEWER SYSTEMS 25
Inventory of Existing Facilities 25
Forecast of Future Needs 25
Expanded and Improved Facilities 26
Finance Plan 26
6.9.1 FIRE FACILITIES 27
Emergency Medical Services 28
Inventory and Capacity of Existing Facilities 28
Forecast of Future Needs 29
Location and Capacity of Expanded or New Facilities 29
Funding Plan 30
6.11 GOALS AND POLICIES 31
6.12 APPENDIX
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6.1 INTRODUCTION & VISION
Introduction
The Capital Facilities chapter addresses public facilities and services necessary to support Federal
Way’s planned growth. The City of Federal Way is expected to add 11,260 new housing units and
20,460 new jobs between the years 2019 and 2044. This growth will stimulate the local economy
and maintain a diverse and vibrant community. It will also generate a corresponding demand for
new public services and facilities, for stormwater management, transportation improvements, new
parks and other community facilities, schools, water and sewer utilities, and fire facilities. These
new facilities, and the financial implications they will have for Federal Way and its citizens, are
the subject of this chapter.
Capital Facilities Vision
Capital facilities in Federal Way provide safe and reliable urban services that accommodate the
City’s expected growth, respond and adapt to unexpected changes and needs, and position
the City to achieve its 20-year vision and growth management priorities. Capital Facilities are
provided through seamless and efficient collaboration and communication both internally
within the City and in partnership with outside agencies and special districts.
6.2 FUNDING CAPITAL FACILITIES
Level of Service
A level of service (LOS), per WAC 365-196-210, is “an established minimum capacity of
public facilities or services that must be provided per unit of demand or other appropriate
measure of need. Level of service standards are synonymous with locally established
minimum standards.” In short, it is the amount and quality of services and facilities that a
community wants. For example, the LOS for a parks system is usually described in terms of
the number of acres of parkland per 1,000 population. If a community has a strong desire for
a good parks system, it will establish a higher LOS standard for itself. On the other hand,
higher levels of service are more expensive to acquire, develop, operate, and maintain. As a
result, the community may be forced, for financial reasons, to accept a lower LOS. Adopting
a LOS for all of the services and facilities the City provides would help it: 1) evaluate how
well it is serving existing residents; and 2) determine how many new facilities will have to be
constructed to service new growth and development.
Levels of services are established for different capital facilities in each of the following plans
that are incorporated by reference, as now or hereafter amended, into the Capital Facilities
chapter: 151 of 219
o Transportation Chapter of Federal Way Comprehensive Plan
o Federal Way 2021 Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan
o Federal Way Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan
o Federal Way Public Schools 2024 Capital Facilities Plan
o Lakehaven Water and Sewer District Comprehensive Water System Plan
o Lakehaven Water and Sewer District Comprehensive Wastewater System Plan
o South King Fire Strategic Leadership Plan
Concurrency
In addition to mandating that a Capital Facilities chapter be included in comprehensive plans, the GMA
also introduced the concept of concurrency. Concurrency, per WAC 365-196-210, means that “adequate
public facilities are available when the impacts of development occur, or within a specified time
thereafter.”
Concurrency has two levels of applicability. The first is at the planning level and refers to all
services and facilities, over the long term, and at the citywide scale. Planning level concurrency is
addressed in this chapter. It inventories all existing facilities and services, establishes a LOS
standard for each, estimates new facility requirements to accommodate projected growth, and
develops a financing plan that identifies the revenues necessary to pay for all the new facilities. If
the necessary revenues are not available, then the jurisdiction fails the planning level concurrency
test and must take appropriate action. Those actions include lowering the LOS standard, raising
taxes, restricting growth, or a combination of these actions. This chapter satisfies the planning level
concurrency requirement as outlined in the GMA.
The second level of concurrency analysis is project specific and only required for
transportation facilities. Specifically, the GMA (RCW 36.70A. 070[6]) states:
“...local jurisdictions must adopt and enforce ordinances which prohibit development
approval if the development causes the level of service on a locally owned or locally or
regionally operated transportation facility to decline below the standards adopted in the
transportation element of the comprehensive plan, unless transportation improvements or
strategies to accommodate the impacts of development are made concurrent with the
development.”
That same section goes on to say that “concurrent with the development” means that
improvements or strategies are in place at the time of development, or that a financial
commitment is in place to complete the improvements or strategies within six years.
Although project level concurrency is only required for transportation system facilities, WAC
365-196-840(1)(c) states that, “With respect to facilities other than transportation facilities,
counties and cities may fashion their own regulatory responses and are not limited to imposing
moratoria on development during periods when concurrency is not maintained.”
The City adopted a Transportation Concurrency Management System, which became effective
January 1, 2007.
Impact Fees
Local jurisdictions planning under the GMA are authorized to assess impact fees for development
activity as part of financing for public facilities, such as parks, transportation, and schools. The fire
district also has a direct impact on their level of service based on growth and thus, is working both
locally and legislatively to ensure that they also secure additional revenue sources to offset the
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impacts to service directly related to growth.
Impact fees must be based on an adopted capital facilities plan. In addition, the collected fees must
be used for projects that are reasonably related to and will reasonably benefit the development
paying the fees. The fees must also be used within a specified time from the date they were
collected or returned to the payee. Impact fees may be imposed for system improvement costs
previously incurred to the extent that new growth and development will be served by the previously
constructed improvements, provided they not be imposed to make up for any system improvement
deficiencies. To impose an impact fee program, the City must have a plan in place to make up any
existing system deficiencies.
As of the time of this periodic update, Federal Way has adopted the ability to charge Parks,
School, and Traffic Impact Fees.
Funding/Financing
Federal Way has worked to provide the highest LOS possible without raising taxes. However, all
cities face demands for services that exceed available funding. The city continually seeks options
to fund capital facilities and the associated maintenance and operations costs.
If the City decides to generate additional revenues to fund capital facilities, there are several
sources available.
• On-going revenue: The City levies taxes and collects other revenues in the City’s
general fund on an annual basis. Current taxing revenues include property taxes, sales
taxes, utility taxes, and a real estate excise tax (REET). The City also charges impact
fees. New taxes could include business and occupation tax or employee tax, additional
taxes coming from a Tax Increment Financing area, and business improvement area tax.
• “One time” funds are those that the City cannot count on having available on an annual
basis. These funds include state and federal transportation, parks and stormwater
management grants, and the sale of real property. On-going funds can be used for either
capital facilities, debt service or maintenance and operations. One-time funds may be
used only for one-time spending. For example, the City proposed two bond issues to
finance capital facilities in 1995 and voters approved a permanent utility tax to pay for
the maintenance and operations costs associated with new capital facilities. The City
currently has the following General Obligation bonds as of the end of 2023:
Bond In Millions
Community Center Bond $7.125
SCORE Bond $9.335
PAEC (LTGO) $3.035
PAEC (Sect. 108) $1.917
6.3 SURFACE WATER
Inventory of Existing Facilities
Natural Systems
The City of Federal Way drains to five major drainage basins: the Hylebos Creek, Lower
Puget Sound, Green River, and Mill Creek basins. The Hylebos Creek Basin consists of the
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East and West Hylebos sub-basins divided geographically in the vicinity of the Interstate 5
alignment. The Lower Puget Sound Basin consists of the Dumas Bay, Joe’s
Creek, Lakota Creek, Cold Creek, Redondo Creek, Central Puget Sound, Poverty Bay,
Lower North Puget Sound, and Browns-Dash sub-basins. Map VI-1 shows the planning area
boundary and major drainage basin boundaries. Map VI-2 shows the major features of the
natural system. The natural systems have been reviewed on a sub-basin level. This sub-basin
information is contained in the City’s 2021 Surface Water Management Comprehensive
Plan and 2023 West Hylebos Stormwater Management Action Plan).
Man-Made System
The City maintains a comprehensive GIS inventory of storm drainage assets in the City
(available for download from the City’s website). Map VI-2 shows existing regional
facilities, storm drain trunk lines and streams. Based on the latest available data , public
storm drain assets include:
• Over 386 miles of storm drainage pipe
• Over 91 miles of open channels and ditches
• Over 21,735 junction structures (catch basins, manholes, flow splitters, etc.)
• 271 outfalls
• 165 bioswales facilities
• 19 coalescing plate filters
• 48 dispersal trench facilities
• 299 stormwater ponds
• 99 stormwater filter vaults
• 388 stormwater vaults or tanks
The City has made a significant number of improvements to the
manmade system since incorporation in 1990. Many of the projects
completed to date corrected existing localized flooding problems.
During the comprehensive plan update in 2005, the City was
transitioning to a regional system for surface water flow control (detention/retention). Regional
facilities were constructed as capital projects based on existing and planned roads, land use,
and zoning in the contributing watershed, and developments were able to buy into storage
capacity in the facilities if they provided stormwater quality treatment on-site prior to releasing
to the regional system. At present, flow control has shifted to an on-site approach due to
increased regulatory requirements from the state and federal level as part of the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) permit for discharges from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewers (MS4s).
Municipal stormwater permits have become more stringent and both flow control and water
quality facilities are required on-site at new development and re-development sites. The
NPDES permit also requires new development and re-development to utilize Low Impact
Development (LID) techniques where feasible. Additional regulatory information is discussed
in the current Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit and the King
County Surface Water Design Manual (KCSWDM).
System Capacity
All new facility construction use the following design standards based on the 2021
KCSWDM core requirements and the 2021
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• 25-year peak flow conveyance capacity for storm drains
• 25-year peak flow conveyance capacity for culverts
• 25-year peak flow conveyance for ditches and channels
• Tiered duration standard for flow control (see core requirement #3 in KCSWDM)
Based on current design requirements and data on existing facilities, the City identifies
deficiencies and the most cost effective ways to resolve them. The existing facilities
inventory and design requirements also allow the City to plan for new facilities that will be
needed to accommodate growth and development outlined in the Land Use Chapter.
Additional surface water system information is discussed in the 2021 Surface Water
Management Comprehensive Plan.
Forecast of Future Needs
The City bi-annually updates a detailed six-year capital facilities plan. The plan identifies
projects, prioritizes them, estimates the cost, and re-examines the utility rate structure to ensure
that there is sufficient funding available over the next six years to construct these projects. See
the 2021 Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan for more information.
Locations and Capacities of Future Facilities
See the 2021 Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan for the latest and complete
locations and capacities of future stormwater facilities. As noted earlier, these projects address
existing system deficiencies as well as the new facilities that will be needed to accommodate
projected growth.
Finance Plan
The City has created a surface water utility to manage stormwater drainage, prevent flooding, and
improve water quality. The City charges property owners an annual surface water fee, which, for
commercial properties, is based upon the amount of impervious surface on the property and for
residential properties is a fixed fee per parcel. These fees, along with any outside grant monies,
provide the revenues that pay for new capital facilities projects, and operation and maintenance of
the surface water system. Additional information regarding the annual surface water rate structure
is available in Federal Way Revised Code Chapter 11.45.
Projects are scheduled based on anticipated revenues, taking perpetual replacement into account.
The capital facilities Table 5-1 in the 2021 Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan
indicates project scheduling based on available funding and priority ranking. The City bi-annually
updates the capital facilities plan to add, remove, reschedule, or reprioritize projects as needed. The
2021 Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan, which includes the capital facilities plan, is
adopted by reference in this plan as now or hereafter amended.
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6.4 TRANSPORTATION
The GMA requires that local jurisdictions prepare a transportation chapter as part of the Federal
Way Comprehensive Plan (FWCP). The GMA also authorizes jurisdictions to assess impact fees
for transportation system improvements that are necessary to offset the traffic impacts created by
new development. In order to assess impact fees, the capital facilities plan must include the list of
transportation improvements and associated costs that necessitate the payment of impact fees.
FWCP Chapter 3, “Transportation,” includes complete background, levels of service, inventory,
forecast of future needs, proposed locations and capacities, and financing plan for transportation
capital facilities.
6.5 PARKS AND RECREATION
Parks and Recreation capital facilities planning information is found in FWCP Chapter 14,
“Parks and Recreation”, with complete details found in the Parks, Recreation and Open Space
(PROS) Plan which is incorporated by reference, as now or hereafter amended, into both the
Parks and Recreation and Capital Facilities Chapters. Chapter 14 and the PROS plan include
complete background, levels of service, inventory, forecast of future needs, proposed locations
and capacities, and financing plan for parks and recreation capital facilities. Capital facilities
planning information for some of the larger parks-managed facilities are found in the next
section on “Community Facilities.”
6.6 COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Significant community investments have been made since the city’s incorporation to
implement the community’s vision for Federal Way. In addition to the investments in the
surface water, transportation, and parks, the City also acquired and improved community
facilities to house City operations and provide space for community gatherings and
recreation. The following subsections describe all community facilities where the public
gathers for events or recreation, municipal facilities with office space for conducting
government operations, Parks and Public Works maintenance facilities, and an overview of
future community facility needs. With the exception of certain Parks and Recreation
buildings, most parks facilities are not inventoried in this section since they’re addressed in
the PROS Plan which is incorporated by reference, as now or hereafter amended, in this
Capital Facilities Chapter.
Community Gathering Facilities
Dumas Bay Centre
The City acquired Dumas Bay Centre (a conference and
retreat facility) in 1993. Strong local support for community
recreation and arts activities translated into the City
Council’s adoption of a 2% For the Arts ordinance to
provide funding for arts in public places in 1994, and the
construction of the 234-seat Knutzen Family Theatre in
1998, which is located at the Dumas Bay Centre.
Community Center
The City completed construction of a new 72,000 square
foot Community Center in 2007. The facility houses 156 of 219
Recreation and Cultural Services staff, and includes athletic
and community facilities suitable for a wide variety of
events and programs.
Performing Arts and Events Center
The City of Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center
(PAEC) opened in 2017. This 44,000 sq. foot, 700 seat
facility provides year-round space for performances, events,
conferences and meetings.
Municipal Facilities (General Government, Police, and Court Operations)
City Hall
City Hall, which consolidates most City administrative offices, Police, and the Municipal
Court in one facility, was acquired in 2003. In addition to the City Hall parcel, the City also
acquired two vacant lots to the north which is the location of the Police Evidence facility and
overflow parking for the City Hall/ Municipal Court.
Other Police Facilities
Federal Way Police Department currently leases xx [four – double checking]
substations. Since 2015, there has been an agreement between Balli Road, LLC and
the Police Department for the use of office space, approximately 1,500 square feet,
identified as the Federal Way Police Department Downtown Substation, located
across the street from the Federal Way Transit Center. The space is used primarily
by the Traffic and the Special Operations Unit. The location of the Downtown
Substation is strategic to enhance patrol operations and visibility but was also
necessary as to the limited office space at the main station at City Hall.
In the next 10 years, the Police Department will require additional 10,000 square
feet or more to accommodate the anticipated growth.
In 2018, due to unsustainable financial obligation, the City of Federal Way
discontinued utilizing South Correction Entity (SCORE) for inmate housing and
began managing our own jail services by using available regional jail services,
bringing significant financial savings for the City.
Maintenance Facility
The Parks and Public Works maintenance facility is located at 31132 28th Avenue South. The
entire site is 4.1 acres with 4,110 square feet of office and work space and 172,000 square
feet in fenced storage space. The structure was originally constructed as a Fire Station and
subsequently acquired by the City. The current shop area is where the fire engines were
stored.
Parks Maintenance operates seven days a week, two shifts per day. The space needed for the
maintenance operations includes crew quarters (including an area for daily time cards,
breaks, and crew meetings/training, etc.), as well as a locker room. Public Works streets and
surface water maintenance operations have similar needs for office space; operating Monday
through Friday, year round, one shift per day. Both Parks and Public Works maintenance
operations tend to intensify during the summer months.
The City has outgrown the existing facility and has begun the process to secure additional
adjacent properties to the north while simultaneously working on the design of a replacement
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facility to meet the City’s current and projected needs. Construction of the new facility is
anticipated to commence in 2024.
Public Parking Facility
Since the City sold the Town Center-3 (TC-3) site to Trent Development, there exists a
shortage of parking for the PAEC. The City needs to acquire additional land to replace the
parking that is being eliminated as part of property development.
Public Parking Facility Recommendation
Purchase property and construct approximately 350 new parking spaces to benefit the PAEC and
visitors to Downtown
Summary of Existing Facilities and Future Needs
Existing Facilities
Table xx
Summary of Existing Community Facilities
[Highlighted language/#s still being verified with other dept. staff]
Building Name Own/
Leased Use Sq. ft. /Occupancy
City Hall Own City operations not otherwise listed 88,085/approximately 304 FTE and
Council Chamber
Police Evidence Own Police evidence room 6,000/2 FTE
Police Substations (4
total)
Leased [still verifying information] [still verifying information]
Federal Way Community
Center
Own Community recreation center with gym,
pools, indoor track, climbing wall, senior
lounge, pre-school, and educational
classrooms, day care, arts and crafts
program, and multipurpose room with
kitchen. Recreation staff offices.
72,000/ 16 regular FTE and
approximately 40-100 part-time
temporary personnel
Opened in 2007
Steel Lake Annex Own Historical Society 1,161/program only
Steel Lake Maintenance
Shop
Own Maintenance operations, outdoor
equipment and material storage
4,110 office and maintenance bay,
24.5 FTE, approximately 132,000 sq.
ft. storage yard
Celebration Park
Maintenance Building
Own Grounds equipment and sporting
equipment
2,044 sq. ft. maintenance building
Dumas Bay Centre
(DBC)
Own Public park, meeting/banquet/ overnight
lodging
47,214 sq. ft. – 6 meeting rooms, 70
overnight rooms, 12 acre park ground
Knutzen Family Theater
(at DBC)
Own 234 seats performing arts theatre and
rehearsal room
Miscellaneous Outdoor
Storage
Leased Street maintenance material and park
equipment storage
10,000 material storage
2,000 equipment storage
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Miscellaneous Indoor
Storage
Leased Spare office equipment/facility parts/
records
260 sq. ft.
2,160 cubic ft. boxes stored offsite in a
document storage facility
Future Facilities
The City has identified a number of facilities to help deliver services more efficiently and
adjust to the changing demographics of this community in the future. These projected needs
are beyond the City’s ability to fund within the six-year planning horizon.
However, in order to keep the community’s vision alive, we purposely did not exclude any of
these community projects. The City Council will periodically review and prioritize these
projects and provide funding when available. A description of these facilities with a
summary list is provided in Table xx.
Joint Operations and Maintenance Facility
The new facility will expand the site of the existing Operations and Maintenance Facility.
Downtown Parking
Purchase property and construct approximately 350 new parking spaces to benefit the PAEC
and visitors to Downtown.
City Hall
Conduct a needs analysis to evaluate the current utilization of City Hall. Included in this
study will be a forecast for when the City should either build a new City Hall; or, lease
additional space to accommodate growth; or, build an expansion to the existing building.
Police Department
Federal Way Police Department anticipates needing another 10,000 sq. ft. of office space by
approximately 2033.
Table xx
Future Community Facility Needs
Facility Type Approximate Date Size Approximate
Cost
Downtown Parking 2028 350-375 spaces $15 million
City Hall 2030 120,000 sq. ft. $100 million
Operations & Maintenance
Facility
2025 $52 million
Additional Police
Department Office Space
2033 10,000 additional
square feet
Likely part of
City Hall
Financing Plan
The City updates its capital improvements program every other year in conjunction with its
biennial budget process. These updates reflect new project priorities and funding availability.
While it may be desirable to deliver these facilities to the community as soon as possible, the
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City’s projected revenues may not be able to support both their construction and required
operating and on-going maintenance in the near term. Such public facilities may depend on
future private or voter-approved funding sources.
However, the City has approved the overall budget for the Operations and Maintenance
Facility and is working to refine the design. Currently the expectation is that construction
will be funded through a combination of cash on hand, utility funds, REET, and bonding
which repayment will in part be funded through programmatic savings. As the design
progresses the budget and available funding will continue to be refined.
6.7 SCHOOL FACILITIES
The Federal Way Public School (FWPS) District includes the City of Federal Way, portions
of incorporated City of Kent, City of Des Moines, City of Auburn, City of Algona, City of
Milton and unincorporated areas of King County to the east of Interstate 5. The District
provides educational programs to all students who live in the school district service area,
whether they live in Federal Way, Kent, Des Moines, Auburn, Algona, Milton or
unincorporated King County. A school outside the Federal Way City limits may provide
service to students who live within the City limits and visa versa.
The FWPS Capital Facilities Plan is incorporated by reference, as now or hereafter
amended, and provides complete background, levels of service, inventory, forecast of future
needs, proposed locations and capacities, and financing plan for school facilities.
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6.8 WATER SYSTEMS
This section primarily summarizes the water system operated by the Lakehaven Water
and Sewer District (the District ) including information from the District’s most recently
adopted Comprehensive Water System Plan (Water Plan, incorporated in full by
reference as now or hereafter amended) while providing up-to-date information where
warranted.
Two other purveyors provide water service within Federal Way City limits. Tacoma
Public Utilities, specifically Tacoma Water, serves an area on the west side of the Federal
Way and the Highline Water District serves a small portion of the north side of Federal
Way. For comparison, the District provides service to over 20,000 accounts in Federal
Way, while Tacoma Water has approximately 3,200 active accounts, and Highline Water
District has 263 active accounts in Federal Way.
Map xx shows the service areas of Lakehaven, Tacoma Water, and Highline as water
service providers in Federal Way.
Some of the information in this section is based on the most recent (2016) Lakehaven
Comprehensive Water System Plan.
Inventory of Existing Facilities
The locations of the District’s wells, storage, and other major components of the
distribution system are provided in the Water Plan. The water system includes
approximately 450 miles of water main, 25 production wells, 12 storage tanks, and
connection to the Second Supply Project (SSP), which provides surface water from the
Green River. The average annual daily demand during the years 2020 through 2022 was
9.68 million gallons-per-day (MGD). The facilities are described in the following
sections.
Second Supply Project (SSP)
The District is a partner in the SPP (Green River water source) with the City of Tacoma,
City of Kent, and Covington Water Districts. The District’s share of the project provides a
water right capacity of up to 12.6 MGD. Due to operational considerations, stream flows,
and water quality, the SSP is estimated to provide approximately 7.6 MGD on an annual
basis. The District is accessing the pipeline at three flow control facilities provided at
strategic locations along its route through the greater Federal Way area. These facilities
allow the District to receive water from and send water to the SSP.
Water Quality
The District’s status with respect to regulated drinking water contaminants covered by the
WAC 246-290 and anticipated water quality regulations is summarized in Section 10,
“Water Quality,” of the Water System Plan. Regulations that have prompted treatment of the
District’s groundwater supplies include the Lead and Copper Rule, Iron and Manganese
Regulations, Arsenic Rule, and the Surface Water Treatment Rule (due to distribution of surface
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water obtained from the SSP). To maintain optimized corrosion control in the distribution
system (per the Lead and Copper Rule), the District adjusts the pH of groundwater pumped from
Well Sites 10/10A, 15/15A, 18, and 19/19A. The District has installed water filtration treatment
systems at Well Sites 9, 17/17A/17B, 19/19A, 20/20A, 21, 22/22A/22B, 23/23A, 29, and Well
33 for the removal of iron and manganese. Arsenic is removed from Wells 19 and 21.
In 2006, the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, regulated by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), required unfiltered surface water utilities to plan
for and provide water treatment to protect against waterborne parasites such as
cryptosporidium (a protozoan that can cause gastro-intestinal illness in humans). After
significant analysis and evaluation, Tacoma Water, Lakehaven Water and Sewer District,
Covington Water District, and the City of Kent agreed to design and construct a surface
water filtration facility for the Green River supply to meet the new EPA compliance
requirements. The Green River Filtration Facility was completed and began operation in
2015. In addition to meeting the federal surface water treatment rules, the filtration facility
will also remove turbidity and potential algae that can degrade the reliability and aesthetic
quality of the water from the Green River.
Storage Facilities
The District’s water system was evaluated during the most recent (2016) Lakehaven Water
System Plan Update using extended-period simulation modeling to evaluate the storage
draw-down during fire flow events and to evaluate storage equalization during multiple-
day periods of maximum- day demand conditions. The storage analysis model is
summarized in Section 9, “System Analysis,” of the 2016 Water System Plan. In general,
the District has a robust water system with redundant supply, large volumes of storage,
and adequate, reliable pumping.
Water Conservation Measures
The District is committed to implementing aggressive water conservation measures to
reduce per capita water consumption. These include programs such as public information
campaigns, an inclining block water rate structure to reduce peak day consumption,
winter-summer water rate adjustments to reduce summer consumption, and a “wet-month
average” sewer rate structure.
The District will be also working with the City to introduce water conservation measures
by amending the zoning and building codes. These measures include a requirement for
low flow showerheads and toilets, utilizing species for landscaping with reduced
irrigation needs, and use of reclaimed water for irrigation.
Transmission/Distribution System
The results of computer modeling have found the transmission and distribution pipeline
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network to be very robust. Of particular note is that the fire insurance rating for South
King Fire improved from Class 3 to Class 2 in 2004 and currently remains at Class 2.
The majority of the District is served by this fire agency. Approximately forty percent
of the score for the rating process is based upon available water supply. This rating
improvement is a significant accomplishment, as the new classification is on par with
the rating held in Seattle and Bellevue, the only other departments to hold a Class 2
rating (no fire agency in Washington holds a Class 1 rating). The pipeline network is
continuing to be expanded through developer extension projects undertaken by land
development activity.
Emergency Interties
The District has eight emergency interties with adjoining systems of other utilities.
Emergency interties allow the District to buy or sell water with adjoining utilities in an
emergency and provides enhanced system reliability. The District has three emergency
interties with the City of Tacoma’s water system, three emergency interties with Highline
Water District’s water systems, one emergency intertie with the City of Milton’s water
system, and one emergency intertie with the City of Auburn.
Forecast of Future Needs
The Water Plan estimates future need by analyzing existing water demand (measured
consumption plus unaccounted-for/non-revenue water loss) patterns on a daily, seasonal,
and yearly basis. The District breaks down the water demand values on an “equivalent
residential unit” (ERU) basis, which is essentially the amount of water used by an “average”
family residing in an “average” single family residence situated within the District’s water
service area, if used uniformly over the year. The six-year District-wide average of
measured unit consumption, including unaccounted for water, between 2006 and 2011 was
231.55 gallons per day (gpd) per ERU and ranged between 257 gpd per ERU in 2006 to 208
gpd per ERU in 2011. For planning purposes, the District conservatively used 248 gallons
per day per ERU. Population and employment growth projections converted to ERU’s are
then utilized to estimate future water demands. Utilizing a conservative methodology that
disregards the impact of the District’s water conservation efforts, the Water Plan estimated
average day demands would increase from 11.43 MGD in 2014to 14.3 MGD in 2034.
Expanded and Improved Facilities
The District has programmed a number of system improvements to maintain and expand
the existing water system. These improvements are summarized below.
Groundwater Resources
The District is continuing to pursue its OASIS (Optimization of Aquifer Storage for
Increased Supply) project, under the ASR (Aquifer Storage and Recovery) concept. The
OASIS feasibility study determined that the Mirror Lake Aquifer can be used to store up
to approximately 9.4 billion gallons of water filled over the winter from excess water
supply and withdrawn it over the drier summer months for water supply purposes.
Combining funding from its wastewater utility, the District is also pursuing its Water
Reuse/Reclamation Program, utilizing wastewater suitably treated at the Lakota
Wastewater Treatment Plant, conveyed through a separate pipeline system, and utilized
for beneficial purposes, such as augmenting groundwater supplies.
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Second Supply Pipeline
Improvements continue to be implemented at the Howard Hanson Dam on the Green River
in order to expand storage behind the dam. This will help mitigate the seasonal variation in
available water by increasing in-stream flows during the drier parts of the year.
Water Quality
The implementation of a filtration facility on the Green River water
supply conveyed by the Second Supply Project was recently
completed in coordination with the SSP partners.
Transmission/Distribution System
Long-term improvements to the transmission and distribution
pipeline network are recommended in the Water Plan. Significant
investments are also contemplated to relocate existing pipelines
that will conflict with infrastructure resulting from street
improvement projects undertaken by other
agencies within the District’s water service area.
Finance Plan
A utility undertakes a capital program for many different reasons, including: expanding
the capacity of its systems, maintaining the integrity of existing systems, and addressing
regulatory requirements. The District is required to develop its own Water Plan and to
support regional decisions on population growth and land use.
The District has identified several significant capital improvement projects in its
Water Plan. The scheduling of these projects is included in the District’s most recent
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) that is developed and approved annually.
The District has access to sufficient funds that can be utilized for operation and
maintenance of its existing facilities, and for pursuing capital projects. In addition, the
District has depreciation, interest income, assessment income, and connection charge
monies that it can utilize for funding the CIP. Additionally, the District can also borrow
money or adjust rates, if necessary, to best meet the needs of its customers.
The District has utilized a very conservative approach in budgeting for the CIP by
utilizing the growth projections developed by each of the land use jurisdictions located
within the District. The District will provide facilities as required to support growth
within its service area. The schedule and project costs will be updated annually through
the District’s budget and capital improvement program process.
6.9 SEWER SYSTEMS
This section primarily summarizes the Lakehaven Water and Sewer District (the District)
including the District’s most recently adopted Comprehensive Wastewater (Wastewater
Plan, incorporated in full by reference as now or hereafter amended), while providing up-
to-date information where warranted. The District’s sewer area is located in the southwest
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portion of King County, including the unincorporated areas east of the existing City limits
of Federal Way.
Midway Sewer District provides sewer service to a small area on the north end of Federal
Way’s City limits. As of 2023, Midway Sewer District has 9 business connections, 7
single-family connections, as well as connections to two multifamily complexes and one
mobile home park in Federal Way.
Map xx shows the service areas of Lakehaven and Midway Sewer Districts.
Some of the information in this section is based on the most recent (2017) Lakehaven
Comprehensive Wastewater System Plan.
Inventory of Existing Facilities
The sanitary sewer system is comprised of three major components: the trunk collection
system, the pump station system, and the wastewater treatment and disposal system. The
trunk system collects wastewater from drainage basins and conveys it to the treatment
facilities, primarily by gravity flow. In areas where the use of gravity flow is not possible,
pump stations and force mains are used to pump the sewage to a location where gravity
flow can be used. The locations of the major components are provided in the Wastewater
Plan.
The existing collection system operated and maintained by the District consists of
approximately 340 miles of sanitary sewer pipe, 28 pump stations, six siphons, and two
secondary wastewater treatment plants, namely the Lakota Wastewater Treatment Plant
and the Redondo Wastewater Treatment Plant. The system has been constructed over a
number of years, as dictated by development trends in the area. The system is currently
divided into six primary basins and 40 smaller sub-basins. The wastewater generated
within the two largest basins, Lakota and Redondo, flow to the District’s wastewater
treatment plants. The remaining four basins currently discharge to the other utilities for
treatment and disposal, as mentioned above.
The District currently has the capacity in all the major components of the system to
accommodate the existing demand for sanitary sewer service
Forecast of Future Needs
Population forecasts are based on the adopted land use plans of the various jurisdictions
within which the District operates. The population figures are presented by drainage basin
to allow for evaluation of the system and consideration of future improvement alternatives.
An estimated 7,500 on-site wastewater disposal systems are in operation within the
District’s corporate boundary. It is anticipated that sewer service will be extended to
these “unsewered” areas as on-site systems become less viable to maintain and/or when
new development requires public sewers.
The average base daily flow tributary to the District’s two wastewater treatment plants,
excluding infiltration and inflow (I & I), is currently estimated at 6.71 MGD and is
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expected to increase to nearly 9.06 MGD by 2030, and nearly 17.24 MGD at full
development. Peak hourly flows tributary to the District’s two wastewater treatment
plants, including I & I, are currently estimated at 30.3 MGD, and are expected to increase
to nearly 45.75 MGD by 2030, and 67.11 MGD at full development.
Hydraulic capacity at both wastewater treatment plants is estimated to be available up to the
original design peak hour capacities of 22.0 MGD for Lakota and 13.8 MGD for Redondo.
Expanded and Improved Facilities
The District has completed construction on the rehabilitation and lengthening of the
Redondo Wastewater Treatment Plant’s outfall pipeline that discharges treated
wastewater into Puget Sound. The old biosolids dewatering equipment was replaced with
new, more efficient equipment to help reduce operating costs. The District is pursuing
many other projects to improve the performance of the facilities (energy conservation,
water quality, biosolid quality, reduced maintenance, etc.). Combining funding from its
water utility, the District also has long-range plans for its Water Reuse/Reclamation
Project, utilizing wastewater suitably treated at the Lakota Wastewater Treatment Plant,
conveyed through a separate pipeline system, and utilized for beneficial purposes, such as
augmenting groundwater supplies.
Additional new and expanded sewer facilities are planned to divert existing flows
currently being conveyed to other utilities for treatment to its own treatment facilities
(new Pump Station No. 44 and expanded Pump Station No. 33b). On-site emergency
generators are now in place at other existing pump stations (Pump Stations No. 12, 37
and 41) to allow their continuous operation during a commercial power outage. The
District is continuing to approve new pressure sewer collection systems as an alternative
to gravity systems to provide sewer service availability to residents in established
neighborhoods, particularly those around lakes.
Finance Plan
A utility undertakes a capital program for many different reasons, including: expanding
the capacity of its systems, maintaining the integrity of existing systems, and addressing
regulatory requirements. The District is required to develop its own Wastewater Plan and
to support regional decisions on population growth and land use. The District has
identified several significant capital improvement projects in its Wastewater Plan.
The scheduling of these projects is included in the District’s most current Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) that is developed and approved annually.
The District has access to sufficient funds that can be utilized for operations and
maintenance of its existing facilities, and for pursuing capital projects. In addition, the
District has depreciation, interest income, assessment income, and connection charge
monies that it can utilize for funding the CIP. Additionally, the District can borrow
money or adjust rates, if necessary, to best meet the needs of its customers.
The District has utilized a very conservative approach in budgeting for the CIP by
utilizing the growth projections developed by each of the land use jurisdictions located
within the District. The District will provide facilities as required to support growth
within its service area. The schedule and project costs will be updated annually through
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the District’s budget and capital improvement program process.
6.10 FIRE FACILITIES
[UPDATES PENDING FOR ENTIRE SECTION BASED ON REVIEW FROM
SOUTH KING FIRE]
This section summarizes the South King Fire and Rescue Strategic Leadership Plan, and
the department’s subsequent updates. The fire department provides service to the entire
City of Federal Way, the entire City of Des Moines, and surrounding unincorporated
area. Total population in the department’s service area is approximately 150,000
residents. Services include fire suppression, fire prevention (building inspection and
public information), emergency medical, hazardous materials responses, public
education, emergency management, and rescue emergencies (special operations). South
King Fire has a contract with the City of Federal Way and Valley Communications for
the provision of emergency 911 communications, wherein they act together with the City
as a part owner of Valley Communications. The South King Fire and Rescue Strategic
Leadership Plan identifies and programs improvements that are necessary to maintain
existing service standards and to meet the needs of future residents and businesses. The
plan and future updates are adopted by reference into the FWCP as now or hereafter
amended.
The fire department provides fire suppression service to the entire City. In order to do
this, the department has adopted LOS standards found in the South King Fire Resolution
Number 413.
• Each emergency fire response should include a minimum of 15 trained and
equipped firefighters and apparatus commensurate with the emergency (a
standard response of four engines, one ladder truck, and one command vehicle
are sent on all structural incidents).
• Each emergency medical response should include a minimum of one response
vehicle and three fully-equipped and fully-trained crew members on a responding
engine company, or two crew members on an aid car (either an engine or an aid
car, or a combination of both, can be sent on the response depending upon the
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severity).
• The fire department provides a full building inspection service for fire code
compliance.
The department is currently providing service that is generally consistent with its adopted
LOS standards.
The fire department also depends on having adequate water pressure available in fire
hydrants to extinguish fires. The department works with the Lakehaven Utility District,
Highline Water District (in the City of Des Moines), and other water utilities within its
corporate limits, to ensure that adequate “fire flow” is always available. Lakehaven
Utility District’s Water System Plan analyzes “fire flow” rates available at different
points in its water system, and programs improvements to the water system to ensure that
sufficient water is available for fire suppression.
Emergency Medical Services
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responds to 911 calls and provides field services.
This service is paid for by property taxes. EMS is provided as a marginal cost to the fire
department as fire facilities are utilized to provide this service to the community. The fire
department replaces its five front line aid cars, of which three are staffed on a normal
basis, commensurate with its capital replacement plan and capital reserves system. The
section on funding (Funding Plan) addresses how the ongoing replacement purchase of
these aid cars will be funded.
Inventory and Capacity of Existing Facilities
The department has two major types of capital
facilities. One is fire stations and the other is
capital investment in equipment and, in particular,
fire engines. The department’s fire stations are
shown on Map VI-10.
Forecast of Future Needs
By 2013, call volumes had exceeded 16,000 for the year and the historic call data
indicated a fairly steady increase of approximately six percent per year. Emergency
medical incidents have increased more rapidly than non-medical incidents. Structure fires
have declined since the 1990s; however, emergency medical incidents have steadily
increased. It is unknown what the impact of the Affordable Health Care Act will have on
call volumes. The challenge for the fire department will be to manage fixed-cost
investments, such as new stations, and to be flexible in its ability to meet fluctuating call
volumes.
Location and Capacity of Expanded or New Facilities
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In September of 2005, the residents of the City of Des Moines (protected by King County
Fire Protection District #26) voted overwhelmingly to merge with the Federal Way Fire
Department (King County Fire Protection District #39). The City of Des Moines had
previously annexed into King #26, just like the City of Federal Way’s annexation into
King #39. The result of this merger caused the name of the fire department to change
from the Federal Way Fire Department to its present South King Fire. The legal name for
the fire district is actually King County Fire Protection District #39 (KCFPD #39),
although the department does business as South King Fire.
South King Fire operates out of eight stations, seven of
which are response stations with the eighth being a training
and maintenance facility. Two of the eight stations are
located within the City of Des Moines, two stations lie
within unincorporated King County, and four are located
within the City of Federal Way. The fire department responds on more than 16,000
emergencies annually.
The department may have need for an additional station in the near future in the south
end of the City in the vicinity of 356th and Pacific Highway. The department anticipates
that the calls for service in the south end of the district will also continue to grow. In this
eventuality, an additional station may be needed to maintain acceptable response times.
The department has acquired property in the area of 356th and Pacific Highway South
through a swap of properties with Lakehaven Utility District to assure future availability
of a station site.
Any new station should be able to accommodate an on-duty crew of three fire fighters,
with appropriate living and sleeping quarters. In addition, the structure should be able to
house two engines and an aid car, with room for growth dictated by LOS demands. It
may be appropriate to provide a public meeting room and an office for community
policing in new facilities. The cost of these facilities is approximately $6,000,000.
Equipment would be in the range of $1,000,000 for a new station. The fire department
does not presently have a timeline for construction of the new fire station, as it would
likely require a voter approved bond issue for funding.
Additionally, the department may have a need for a major station remodel at one of the
Des Moines stations located at approximately 272nd and 16th Avenue South; a major
upgrade to the Training Facility, currently located at 14th Avenue SW and 312th Street;
and the potential for additional fire stations to be built based upon need on property
owned by the fire district at 30th Avenue South and 288th; Hoyt Road and Dash Point
Road SW; and a major piece of property at 320th and 37th Avenue South. The property at
320th and 37th Avenue South has been purchased with a future goal of building an
expanded training facility, drill towers, administrative offices, emergency operations
center for disasters, a fleet shop, and a facilities maintenance building. Any future
development would likely be predicated upon community needs and funded through a
voter-approved bond issue in the future.
Funding Plan
The fire department has established a capital reserve fund for the systematic replacement
of all capital equipment, which took a hit during the recession of 2008-2012. These
reserves were funded from the annual revenues of the department. As the economy
recovers, the capital reserve system will be funded and become active once again. To
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bridge the gap created by the recession as related to the capital and equipment needs of
the district, a voter-approved bond issue will likely be placed in front of the electorate in
the 2015-2017 time frame.
The department also has established a long term goal of a minimum of four-paid fire
fighters on each fire apparatus (this is the national standard adopted by NFPA 1710).
Additional staff that is hired in support of that goal will be funded from either new
construction levies or additional voter-approved levies. The department has not
established any funds for purchase of new stations or associated equipment. These
purchases would require voter-approved bonds.
In the department’s annually adopted budget, capital projects are identified. This capital
projects list is up-dated based on completed projects and changing priorities. The FWCP
adopts by reference, as now or hereafter amended, the South King Fire and Rescue
Strategic Leadership Plan, as well as the annual capital improvements program update.
Additionally, the department is seeking to receive impact fees based upon growth within
the community, which directly affects its level of service. This is being sought both
locally and legislatively, as fire districts have to manage growth the same as schools and
other public facilities. If successful, impact fees could assist in offsetting the capital costs
of added infrastructure.
6.11 GOALS AND POLICIES
Goal
CFG1 Regularly update Capital Facilities Plans to implement the FWCP by
coordinating urban services, land use decisions, level of service standards, and
financial resources with a fully funded schedule of capital improvements.
Policies
CFP1.1 Provide needed public facilities and services to implement the FWCP.
CFP1.2 Support and encourage joint development and use of community facilities with
other governmental or community organizations in areas of mutual concern and
benefit.
CFP1.3 Emphasize capital improvement projects that promote the conservation,
preservation, redevelopment, and revitalization of commercial, industrial, and
residential areas in Federal Way.
CFP1.4 Reference capital facilities plans and future amendments prepared by other
special districts that provide services within the City to support implementation
of the FWCP. These plans must be consistent with the FWCP.
CFP1.5 Reference the annual update of the Federal Way Capital Improvement Program
for parks/recreation, surface water management, and the Transportation
Improvement Program to support implementation of the FWCP.
CFP1.6 Protect investments in existing facilities through an appropriate level of funding
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for maintenance and operations.
CFP1.7 Maximize the use of existing public facilities and promote orderly compact
urban growth.
Goal
CFG2 To meet current needs for capital facilities in Federal Way, correct deficiencies
in existing systems, and replace or improve obsolete facilities.
Policies
CFP2.1 Give priority consideration to projects mandated by local, state, and federal law.
CFP2.2 Give priority consideration to subsequent phases of phased projects when phase
one is fully funded and under construction.
CFP2.3 Give priority consideration to projects that renovate existing facilities and preserve
the community’s prior investment or reduce maintenance and operating costs.
CFP2.4 Give priority consideration to projects that correct existing capital facilities
deficiencies, encourage full utilization of existing facilities, or replace worn out
or obsolete facilities.
CFP2.5 Give priority to projects where leveraged monies such as grants and low interest
loans can be used.
Goal
CFG3 Provide capital facilities to serve and direct future growth within Federal Way
as it further develops.
Policies
CFP3.1 Provide the capital facilities needed to serve the future growth anticipated by
the FWCP.
CFP3.2 Coordinate efforts between the Public Works and Parks Departments in the
acquisition of and planning for public open space, recreation, public education,
and stream preservation within the Hylebos Basin. Departments may combine
resources as appropriate to increase project efficiencies and success rates in
pursuit of grant opportunities.
CFP3.3 Give priority consideration to projects needed to meet concurrency
requirements for growth management.
CFP3.4 Plan and coordinate the location of public facilities and utilities in advance of need.
CFP3.5 Continue to implement a concurrency management system which permits
project approval only after a finding is made that there is capacity available in
the transportation system sufficient to maintain the adopted level of service
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standard.
CFP3.6 Coordinate the provision of urban services to ensure that areas identified for
growth are accompanied with the maximum possible use of existing facilities
and cost-effective service provisions and extensions while ensuring the
protection and preservation of resources.
CFP3.7 Coordinate future economic activity with planning for public facilities and services.
CFP3.8 Consider public/private partnerships to leverage structured parking in
association with City Center development or redevelopment, in fulfillment of
comprehensive plan vision and goals.
CFP3.9 Require connection to sanitary sewer service where sewer service is available
and where there would be no harm to environmental critical areas.
Goal
CFPG4 Provide adequate funding for capital facilities in Federal Way to ensure the
FWCP vision and goals are implemented.
Policies
CFP4.1 Manage the City of Federal Way’s fiscal resources to provide needed capital
improvements. Ensure a balanced approach to allocating financial resources
between: 1) major maintenance of existing facilities; 2) eliminating existing
capital facility deficiencies; and 3) providing new or expanding existing
facilities to serve new growth.
CFP4.2 Use Capital Facilities Plans to integrate all of the community’s capital project
resources including grants, bonds, general funds, donations, impact fees, and
any other available funding.
CFP4.2 Ensure that long-term capital financing strategies and policies are consistent
with all the other FWCP chapters.
CFP4.3 Pursue funding strategies that require new growth and development to pay its
fair share of the cost of facilities that are required to maintain adopted level of
service standards.
CFP4.4 Promote a more efficient use of all public facilities by enacting interlocal
agreements which facilitate joint maintenance and operations of those facilities.
CFP4.5 Use the following available contingency strategies should the City be faced
with capital facility funding shortfalls:
▪ Increase revenues by selling general obligation bonds, enacting utility
taxes, imposing impact fees, and/or raising property tax levy rates.
▪ Decrease level of service standards to a level that is more affordable.
▪ Decrease the cost of a proposed facility by changing or modifying the
scope of the project.
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▪ Decrease the demand for the service or facilities by establishing a
moratorium on development, focusing development into areas where
facility capacity is available, or changing project timing and/or phasing.
CFP4.6 Aggressively pursue grants or private funds when available to finance capital
facility projects.
CFP4.7 Maximize the usefulness of bond funds by using these monies to the greatest
extent possible as matching funds for grants.
Goal
CFPG5 Ensure that the Federal Way Capital Facilities Plans are current and
responsive to the community vision and goals.
Policies
CFP5.1 Monitor the progress of the Capital Facilities Plan on an ongoing basis,
including the completion of major maintenance projects, the expansion of
existing facilities, and the addition of new facilities. Evaluate this progress with
respect to trends in the rate and distribution of growth, impacts upon service
quality, and FWCP direction.
CFP5.2 Review, update, and amend the Capital Facilities Plan in accordance with state
update requirements. Respond to changes in the rates of growth, new
development trends, and changing City priorities, budget, and financial
considerations.
Make provisions to reassess the FWCP periodically in light of the evolving
Capital Facilities Plan. Take appropriate action to ensure internal consistency of
the chapters in the plan.
CFP5.3 Continue to coordinate with other capital facility and service providers to
ensure that all necessary services and facilities are provided prior to or
concurrent with new growth and development.
CFP5.4 Establish new or expanded sites for public facilities, utilities, and infrastructure in a
manner that ensures disaster resiliency and public service recovery.
Goal
CFPG6 Manage the Surface Water Utility in a manner that makes efficient use of
limited resources to address the most critical problems first, and which
expresses community values and priorities.
Policies
CFP6.1 The utility shall continue to have a role in developing and implementing
regional, state, and federal surface water policies and programs and, in doing so,
shall seek to:
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▪ Achieve the City’s environmental goals.
▪ Contain utility ratepayer costs.
▪ Ensure state and federal requirements are achievable.
▪ Maintain local control and flexibility in policy/program implementation.
The utility’s role in developing and implementing regional, state, and federal
surface water policies and programs will include:
▪ Influencing legislation through lobbying and written and verbal testimony
during formal comment periods
▪ Participating in rule making
▪ Reviewing technical documents
▪ Serving on advisory committees and work groups
▪ Participating in multi-jurisdictional studies and basin planning
▪ Entering into cooperative agreements with neighboring and regional
agencies to accomplish common goals as appropriate and necessary
CFP6.2 The utility’s funds and resources shall be managed in a professional manner in
accordance with applicable laws, standards, and City financial policies.
CFP6.3 The utility shall remain a self-supporting enterprise fund.
CFP6.4 The utility Capital Improvement Program (CIP) will provide funding for the
following types of projects:
1) Projects addressing flood control problems.
2) Projects needed to meet water quality policies.
3) Projects needed for renewal/replacement or additions to current
infrastructure and facilities.
4) Projects necessary for resource protection and stewardship.
CFP6.5 To the extent of funding limitations, the CIP shall be sustained at a level of
service necessary to implement cost effective flood control mitigation; meet
water quality policies; maintain system integrity; provide required resource
stewardship and protection; and meet federal, state, and local regulations.
CFP6.6 The utility will continue to strive to minimize the use of loans to fund necessary
capital improvements, and will generally operate on a “pay-as-you-go basis.”
However, low interest loans (i.e. Public Works Trust Fund) and/or grants will
be used to leverage local funds when feasible.
CFP6.7 Rates shall be set at the lowest level necessary to cover utility program
expenses, meet levels of service identified in the 2021 Surface Water
Management Comprehensive Plan Update, meet debt coverage
requirements, and sustain a reserve balance consistent with these policies
on a long-term basis.
CFP6.8 Utility rates shall be evaluated bi-annually and adjusted as necessary to
achieve utility financial policy objectives.
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CFP6.9 Utility rates will allocate costs between different customer classes on an
equitable basis.
CFP6.10 The utility rate structure will be based on a financial analysis considering cost-
of-service and other policy objectives, and will provide adjustments for actions
taken under approved City standards to reduce related service impacts.
CFP6.11 Rates shall be uniform for all utility customers of the same class throughout
the service area.
CFP6.12 Rate assistance programs may be provided for specific low-income customers.
CFP6.13 The utility’s annual budget and rate recommendations shall provide funding
for the following reserve components:
1. A working capital component based on 17 percent of the current year’s
budgeted operating and maintenance expenses. Under no circumstances
shall a budget be submitted for a planned drop in reserves below this level.
2. An emergency/contingency component to cover excessive costs resulting
from unexpected catastrophic events or system failures. Based on historical
utility experience, this amount will be set at $500,000, which is the estimate
of the net cost of emergency services to be paid from rate resources,
excluding any potential reimbursements that may be received from Federal
Emergency Management Act grants, the City’s General Liability Fund, or
other external revenue sources.
Goal
CFG7 Ensure planning and siting for all capital facilities is conducted in an environmentally
sound, socially equitable and inclusive manner.
Policies
CFP7.1 Inform the siting or expansion of essential public facilities or facilities of regional
importance using a process that incorporates broad public involvement, especially from historically
marginalized and disproportionately burdened communities, and that equitably disperses impacts
and benefits while supporting the Countywide Planning Policies.
CFP7.2 Work toward more affordable and equitable access to public facilities throughout Federal
Way, with a particular focus on identifying coverage gaps and supporting increased access by
historically marginalized and disproportionately burdened communities.
CFP7.3 Consider climate change, economic, equity, and health impacts when supporting the
siting and building of essential public services and facilities.
CFP7.4 Implement water conservation and efficiency efforts to protect natural resources, reduce
environmental impacts, and support a sustainable long-term water supply to serve the growing
population.
CFP7.5 Identify opportunities for water reuse and reclamation by high-volume non-potable water
users such as parks, schools, and golf courses, and require where feasible.
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6.12 Appendix
Plans Incorporated by Reference
The following plans, developed for the operations of different City programs and external agencies, are
incorporated by reference into the Capital Facilities Chapter as now or hereafter amended:
1. Federal Way 2021 Surface Water Management Comprehensive Plan
2. Federal Way Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan
3. Federal Way Public Schools 2024 Capital Facilities Plan
4. Lakehaven Water and Sewer District Comprehensive Water System Plan
5. Lakehaven Water and Sewer District Comprehensive Wastewater System Plan
6. South King Fire and Rescue Strategic Leadership Plan
7. South King Fire and Rescue Capital Improvements Program
Maps
Map xx, Surface Water Trunk System and Drainage Basins
Map xx, Existing City Buildings
Map xx, Water and Sewer District Service Providers
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S t a f f R e p o r t
DATE: April 10, 2024
TO: Federal Way Planning Commission
FROM: Evan Lewis, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: Briefing – Utilities Chapter of Comprehensive Plan
BACKGROUND
Staff updates to the Utilities Chapter focused on refreshing or clarifying background information and statistics;
adding information about new utilities planning underway or expected; removing or simplifying unnecessary
information that doesn’t need to be shown in the body of a comprehensive plan chapter; clarifying unclear
information; reframing how external plans are referenced; establishing a chapter Vision statement; and updating
goals and policies consistent with city priorities and with state, regional and county planning requirements.
CHAPTER FORMAT
• Introduction and Vision: Added ‘Vision’ and both an ‘Introduction’ and ‘Vision’ subsection consistent
with other chapters.
• Deleted Policy Background: Deleted section consistent with new format for all chapters.
• Deleted Regulatory and Legal Context: Deleted section since content was more appropriate for
introduction and thus moved to Introduction section.
• Electric and Natural Gas: Renamed from “Puget Sound Energy;” subsection headers otherwise
unchanged. Section content incorporates updated information about electric and gas utility (Puget Sound
Energy).
• Telecommunications Plan: Section/subsections unchanged except for minor wording updates for
clarity/consistency. Some utility provider names were updated.
• Fiber Optic Network: Section header unchanged. Information was added about recent fiber-optic
planning in the city.
• Solid Waste Management: Section header unchanged. Updated information was provided about King
County solid waste planning.
• Moderate Risk Waste Management: Section header unchanged. Updated information was provided
about King County moderate risk waste management planning.
• Goals and Policies section: Updated consistent with city priorities and with state, regional and county
planning requirements. Also deleted lead-in information about the Goals/Policies section to be
consistent with other chapters.
• Deleted Maps: Deleted an outdated Puget Sound Energy map and thus the ‘Maps’ section.
Some images in the chapter may change before the final draft of this chapter. Numbering of each image, table
and map will also occur at a later date as the number of images and maps may change.
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
253-835-7000
www.cityoffederalway.com
Jim Ferrell, Mayor
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GOALS AND POLICIES SUMMARY
For goals and policies not listed, there were either no changes or no changes of substance to their meaning
and/or intent.
In updating this section, certain goals/policies were moved around so that all policies are logically arranged with
goals. Such moved content is not shown in track changes, for this stage of review, to ensure clarity about how
the wording of each policy changed.
Goals or Policy Changed Reason for Change
PUG1
Work with private utilitiesy companie, s other
jurisdictions, and interdepartmentally to allow them
to providefor full and timely service that meets the
needs of the cCity’s residents and businesses, both
present and future, and to position the city to
accommodate new energy and communications
technologies.
1) As most utilities in Federal Way are not
provided by the city, interjurisdictional
and interdepartmental coordination is
particularly important, and
2) Technology is always changing at a fast
pace and it’s important to have a goal
that reflects the importance of the city
being positioned to accommodate new
technologies.
UP1.6
Identify new public works and development regulations,
or amendments to existing regulations, that allow for or
facilitate the adoption of new and emerging energy and
communications technologies in the City.
Technology is always changing at a fast pace
and it’s important to have a policy that
reflects the importance of the city regulations
adapting to such new technologies.
PUG2
Work with private utilitiiesty companies to allow them to
provide service in a way that balances cost-effectiveness
with environmental protection, aesthetic impact, public
safety, and public health.
Updated consistent with all edits in the
chapter that refer to utilities more broadly,
rather than private utility companies
specifically.
PUP1UP2.7
AThrough its development regulations, the City shall
continue to address the siting, screening, and design
standards for wireless/cellular and small cell facilities,
substations, and antenna facilities in such a manner as to
allow for reasonable and predictable review while
minimizing potential land use and visual impacts on adjacent
property.
1) The way this policy is implemented may
be through development regulations, but
possibly through other means so it’s
useful to not be so specific on that in the
policy; how a policy is implemented will
be specified in the implementation
appendix.
2) “Small cell” facilities are types of
wireless/cellular facilities but different
than what people traditionally think of
with wireless/cellular facilities, so it’s
worth mentioning small cells specifically.
UP2.9
Ensure that all applicable public works policies and/or
development regulations specify requirements that all utilities
operating in city right of ways have a franchise agreement
with the city.
There may be areas of city code or city
policies where requirements for franchise
agreements could be more clearly stated.
PUG3
Increase opportunities to create and utilize
renewable and sustainable energy sources such as
solar and wind power, to reduce the City’s
greenhouse gas emissions, and to improve the City’s
Goal is reframed to recognize the relationship
to the Climate Change & Resiliency chapter.
Renewable energy is also mentioned in
Countywide Planning Policies.
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Goals or Policy Changed Reason for Change
resiliency to hazards.
PUP7UP3.1
To facilitatEe energy conservation the City shall, at
minimum, ensure that cityits buildings comply with state and
federal standards for energy conservation.
The policy’s purpose (energy conservation)
doesn’t need to be stated twice.
UP3.5
Evaluate ways to accommodate small-scale,
neighborhood-level power generation.
There may be areas in Federal Way where
neighborhood-level power generation makes
sense and possibly pursued to further the
City’s environmental goals.
UP3.6
Establish new or expanded sites for public facilities,
utilities, and infrastructure in a manner that ensures
disaster resiliency and public service recovery.
This is a required countywide planning
policy.
PUG4
EThe City actively ensures appropriate recycling
and disposal options are in place and made known
to the public to protect the health and welfare of
both residents and our environment.
Ensuring people know about recycling
options, and how to utilize them, can be as
important as providing those recycling
options.
PUP4.4G27
Develop and implement Preferred Building Code
Elements, including space allocation for several waste
streams (garbage, compostables, recyclables, hazardous
materials, food waste, and other process wastes).
Incorporate design elements that enable access to services,
both for tenants and collection service vehicle. Consider
development of a preference for covered solid waste
enclosures or facilities that are tied to sanitary sewer to help
reduce potential surface water management issues, and
perform a comprehensive analysis to determine which
elements should be grandfathered versus required
improvements.
Food waste is a specific type of compostable
that is important to mention specifically.
UP4.7
Ensure compliance with new state requirements on
commercial compost collection
Policy added in communication with Public
Works Environmental Services staff.
UG7
Work toward more equitable and affordable access to
telecommunications services throughout Federal Way, with a
particular focus on identifying coverage gaps and supporting
increased access by historically marginalized and
disproportionately burdened communities.
Goal added consistent with several new
regional and county requirements regarding
service equity.
UP7.3
Identify development regulations and policies that
support the equitable, affordable, convenient and
reliable utilities in Federal Way.
Policy added consistent with several new
regional and county requirements regarding
service equity.
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IMPLEMENTATION
Planning staff anticipate briefing the Planning Commission on an implementation appendix at the June 5
Planning Commission meeting. That appendix will include actions for implementing policies in all
Comprehensive Plan chapters.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft updated Utilities Comprehensive Plan chapter; a version showing track-changed edits, and a
version showing all edits accepted.
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CHAPTER TEN
PRIVATE UTILITIES
10.0 INTRODUCTION & VISION 1
10.1 POLICY BACKGROUND 1
The Growth Management Act 2
VISION 2040 2
Countywide Planning Policies 2
10.2 REGULATORY AND LEGAL CONTEXT 3
10.13 PUGET SOUND ENERGYELECTRIC AND NATURAL GAS 3
General Location 3
Electric Plan 3
Gas Plan 5
10.24 TELECOMMUNICATIONS PLAN 5
Telephone System 6
Wireless Networks 6
Internet Service 7
Cable TV 7
ServiceProposed Improvements 7
10.35 FIBER OPTIC NETWORK 7
10.46 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT 8
10.57 MODERATE RISK WASTE MANAGEMENT 9
10.68 GOALS AND POLICIES FOR CITY ACTION 9
Map
Map X-1, Existing & Proposed Improvements to the Sub-
Transmission System
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10.0 INTRODUCTION & VISION
Introduction
This chapter satisfies a Growth Management Act (GMA) requirement that cities prepare a
Private Utilities chapter (RCW 36.70A.070). The GMA requires the Federal Way
Comprehensive Plan (FWCP) to have internal consistency. This means that the Private
Utilities chapter must be fully coordinated with other chapters of the FWCP. This is
particularly important for Federal Way’s City Center and in the I-5/99 corridor where
new development and other land use change is anticipated in the near future. Areas
expected to change significantly over the next 20 years include the City Center, the South
Station area, and the area south of S 336th Street, between Pacific Highway S and I-5.
WAC 365-196-4205-320(1) requires a Private Utilities
chapter to include the general location, proposed
location, and capacity offor all existing and proposed
utilities, including, but not limited to, electrical lines,
telecommunication lines, and natural gas lines. Each
utility plan describes and analyzes existing and
proposed utility systems within Federal Way and
improvements necessary to meet growing consumer
demand. Information used to develop the plan was
provided by private utilities. Private utility companies
are continually upgrading and expanding their systems,
therefore, maps quickly become obsolete. However,
Puget Sound Energy (PSE) provided a map of their
existing and proposed electrical facilities as of 2012
(Map X-1). Plans for water supply and sewer are found
in the Capital Facilities chapter of the FWCP.
The City sees Tthe GMA requirement to prepare a Private Utilities chapter ias an
opportunity to identify ways of improving the quality of services provided within the
cCity. The City will use this Private Utilities chapter to identifyies goals and develops
policies to ensure that: provision of utilities is properly coordinated with land use; utility
provision minimizes impacts upon public facilities such as roads; sustainable sources of
power generation are encouraged; and technological innovation is facilitated.
Regulatory and Legal Context
Large scale privately owned electrical, natural gas, and line telephone utilities are
regulated by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC).
Cellular telephone communication companies are licensed by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC). Cable television companies are regulated by the
FCC and the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Private utilities must have a
franchise agreement to place utilities in the public right-of-way. Franchise agreements
give each utility the non- exclusive right to provide its category of service within the
city. As of the time of the 2024 comprehensive plan update, the City has active
franchise agreements with more than a dozen private entities.
Vision
Utilities in Federal Way provide safe and reliable urban services that accommodate
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the city’s expected growth, respond and adapt to unexpected changes and needs, and position
the city to achieve its 20-year vision and growth management priorities. Utilities are
provided through seamless and efficient collaboration and communication both internally
within the city and in partnership with outside agencies and companies.
10.1 POLICY BACKGROUND
The GMA, VISION 2040, and the King County Countywide Planning Policies (CWPPs)
call for a full range of urban services in the Urban Growth Area (UGA) to support the
Regional Growth Strategy. They also state that facilities should be sited in ways to avoid
adverse social, environmental, and economic impacts. This Private Utilities chapter is
consistent with these goals and policies.
The Growth Management Act
Goal No. 12 of The GMA refers to public facilities and services as follows:
Public facilities and services. Ensure that those public facilities and services
necessary to support development shall be adequate to serve the development
at the time the development is available for occupancy and use without
decreasing current service levels below locally established minimum standards.
VISION 2040
Key private utilities addressed in VISION 2040 include solid waste, energy, and
telecommunications. As the region plans for growth, conservation and improved
efficiencies in providing services are essential.
An overarching goal of VISION 2040 is to provide sufficient and efficient public services
and facilities in a manner that is healthy, safe, and economically viable. Multicounty
planning policies address conservation measures to increase recycling and reduce waste.
They also encourage more efficient use of renewable and alternative energy.
VISION 2040 also encourages improving infrastructure to support development and
maintain healthy and livable communities. Having reliable power and
telecommunications, along with other services and infrastructure, contributes to quality of
life and the region’s economic well-being. The following are VISION 2040 policies most
relevant to Federal Way:
MPP-PS-12: Promote the use of renewable energy resources to meet the region’s energy
needs.
MPP-PS-13: Reduce the rate of energy consumption through conservation and alternative
energy forms to extend the life of existing facilities and infrastructure.
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MPP-PS-14: Plan for the provision of telecommunication infrastructure to serve growth
and development in a manner that is consistent with the regional vision and is friendly to
the environment.
Countywide Planning Policies
The 2012 King County Countywide Planning Policies (CWPPs) includes the following
overarching goal for private utilities:
County residents in both Urban and Rural Areas have access
to the public services needed in order to advance public
health and safety, protect the environment, and carry out the
out the Regional Growth Strategy.
The following CWPPs are most relevant to Federal Way:
PF‐13: Reduce the solid waste stream and encourage reuse and recycling.
PF‐14: Reduce the rate of energy consumption through efficiency and
conservation as a means to lower energy costs and mitigate environmental
impacts associated with traditional energy supplies.
PF‐15: Promote the use of renewable and alternative energy resources to help
meet the county’s long‐term energy needs, reduce environmental impacts
associated with traditional energy supplies, and increase community sustainability.
PF‐16: Plan for the provision of telecommunication infrastructure to serve growth
and development in a manner consistent with the regional and countywide vision.
10.2 REGULATORY AND LEGAL CONTEXT
Large scale Privately owned electrical, natural gas, and line telephone utilities are
regulated by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC).
Cellular telephone communication companies are licensed by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC). Cable television companies are regulated by the
FCC and the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Private utilities must have a
franchise agreement to place utilities in the public right-of-way. Franchise agreements
give each utility the non- exclusive right to provide its category of service within the
City.
10.310.1 E
LECTRIC AND NATURAL GASPUGET SOUND ENERGY
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Utility Provider Overview
Electric and natural gas services are provided within the City of Federal Way by Puget
Sound Energy, Inc. (PSE). The City has franchise agreements with PSE that ran
through December 8, 2021 (Ordinance 11-707) and November 18, 2018 (Ordinance
93-189) for electricity and natural gas service respectively.
PSE (formerly Puget Sound Power and Light Company [Puget Power] and
Washington Natural Gas Company) is an investor-owned private utility company
headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. It is regulated by the Washington Utilities
and Transportation Commission (WUTC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission.
PSE builds, operates, and maintains an extensive electric and gas distribution system
consisting of generating plants, electric transmission lines, gas supply mains,
distribution system substations and pressure regulating stations. This system provides
gas and electricity to over one million residential, commercial, and industrial
customers in portions of western and central Washington.
PSE’s sources of energy include natural gas/diesel, hydropower,
wind/solar/biomass/battery and coal and aims to stop relying on coal-generated
electricity to serve customers after 2025. PSE owns nine natural gas-fired power
plants and is the largest utility producer of renewable energy in the Pacific Northwest.
PSE also owns and operates two hydropower projects in Western Washington.
Fossil natural gas is purchased by PSE from Western Canada and the Rocky Mountain
States. PSE obtains renewable natural gas (RNG) produced by Klickitat Public Utility
District at the H.W. Hill Renewable Natural Gas facility in Roosevelt, WA and co-
owns a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility at the Port of Tacoma. PSE owns over
25,000 miles of gas mains and service lines to distribute natural gas and co-owns and
operates the Jackson Prairie Underground Natural Gas Storage Facility, the largest
natural gas storage depot in the Pacific Northwest.
Level of Service
PSE must file reliability reports at least once a year to the Washington Utilities and
Transportation Commission and the report must distinguish between sustained
interruptions and power quality. PSE uses two main metrics to describe reliability of
service, the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) and the System
Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI). SAIDI describes the average length of
a power outage in minutes and SAIFI describes the average number of outages a
customer experiences.
PSE continues to plan and assess development and demand requirements within
Federal Way, but foresees no immediate energy issues and will continue to be able to
supply energy to Federal Way as the City grows. Additionally, PSE currently provides
programs to Transportation Electrification Programs to reduce EV adoption barriers
and boost charging infrastructure within the state and foresees no immediate concerns
with providing supply for the City’s EV charging requirements.
General Location
PSE supplies electric and natural gas service within the entire limits of the cCity and
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Potential Annexation Area (PAA).
Private utility companies are continually upgrading and expanding their systems,
therefore, maps quickly become obsolete. Site-specific mapping of PSE’s existing
facilities can be procured via MapRequest@PSE.com.
Existing facilities are depicted on Map X-1
Electric Plan
Federal Way is served mostly by Puget Sound Energy (PSE), a private electric utility
whose operation and rates are governed by the Washington Utilities and Transportation
Commission, the National Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). PSE is part of a Western-states regional
coordination system and provides electric service to over 1.1 million customers in nine
Washington State counties. Electricity is produced elsewhere and transported to
switching stations in Kent and Renton through high-voltage transmission lines. As
electricity nears its destination, the voltage is reduced and redistributed through lower-
voltage transmission lines, distribution substations, and smaller transformers. PSE
provides electrical service to approximately 41,00039,700 electric customers in Federal
Way. Also within the city are several 115 kV transmission lines and a number of
neighborhood distribution substations. The 115 kV lines also deliver electrical energy
to other neighborhood substations in communities adjacent to Federal Way.
PSE imports electrical energy from generation sources in Canada, the Columbia River
basin and other regions outside of PSE’s service territory. Additionally, PSE has its own
hydro, thermal, wind and solar power-generating facilities. There are more than 5,500
also about 1,500 small, customer-owned generation facilities that are interconnected
with PSE’s system and can export surplus energy into the grid. The vast majority of
these are solar panel installations. Although this provides a very small portion of PSE’s
electrical supply portfolio, the number of customer-owned installations increases more
every year.
PSE locates and operates electric facilities within public rights-of-way in accordance
with State law and a franchise agreement with King County. Facilities are also located
on property owned by Puget Sound Energy and easements across private properties. The
transmission system that covers Federal Way is a grid which provides a link between
the Bulk Transmission System and the local distribution system, which connects with
customers. The Bulk Transmission System is operated by the BPA, which operates a
region wide, interconnecting transmission system that supplies electric power to utilities
from federal hydroelectric projects throughout the Northwest.
All major transmission lines supplying electricity to Federal Way are energized at 230
kilovolts (kV). These lines supply power into the Federal Way distribution system and
provide connections to Algona, Auburn, Kent, and other electric systems serving both
King and Pierce Counties. Power is transferred from the transmission system to Federal
Way’s local electric distribution substations, each serving multiple distribution circuits.
The existing transmission lines are meeting the current loads. As local demand grows,
additional distribution and transmission capacity will be needed. To meet future
population demand within Federal Way, PSE anticipates the need for new transmission
lines and conversion of existing transmission lines to higher load.
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PSE’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is updated and filed with the Washington Utilities
and Transportation Commission every two years. The current plan , which was
submitted in Marchay of 2023 with the expectation that the next iterative IRP will be
submitted in 2025. 13,The IRP focuses on details the energy resources needed to
reliably meet customers’ wintertime, peak-hour electric demand over the next 20 years
and also addresses emergent summertime peak loads. The plan, which will be updated in
the fall of 2015, forecasted that PSE would have to acquire approximately 4,900
megawatts of new power-supply capacity by 2033. This resource need is driven mainly
by expiring purchased-power contracts and expected population and economic growth
in the Puget Sound region. The IRP suggests that roughly half of the utility’s long-term
electric resource need can be met by energy efficiency and the renewal of transmission
contracts. The IRPPR stated that the rest of PSE’s gap in long-term power resources is
likely to be met most economically with added natural gas -fired resources.
PSE’s current preferred portfolio requires over 6,700 MW of new generation by 2030.
As stipulated, this is a portfolio of diverse resources that can fulfill PSE’s Clean Energy
Transportation Act (CETA) commitments and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and a
carbon-free electric energy supply by 2045. As described in Table 3.1, this portfolio
significantly increases conservation, demand response, renewable resources, and energy
storage. However, given the large amounts of variable energy resources such as wind
and solar, and energy-limited resources such as energy storage, PSE relies on newer
technologies, specifically hydrogen, as a fuel to meet peak energy needs to achieve a
carbon-free energy supply by 2045 while maintaining reliability and resource adequacy.
PSE acknowledges the risk of relying on an uncertain fuel source, so it intentionally
diversified this portfolio to reduce risk. Additionally, in future IRP cycles, PSE will
continue to evaluate and consider emerging technologies, including green hydrogen and
advanced nuclear small modular reactors (SMR).
The capacity of individual electric lines depends on
voltage, diameter of the wire, and the clearance to objects
below the line. To meet this demand, some new
transmission lines and substations will need to be
constructed, as well as existing ones rebuilt and/or
maintained. Utility work is sometimes needed to comply
with federal system reliability regulations. Specific
construction that is anticipated includes the following:
Expand Marine View substation to accommodate a new
115kV line that will improve reliability through an
automatic switching scheme.
As electric loads increase a new 115kV transmission line
will be necessary from the Christopher substation to the
115kV line that serves the Weyerhaeuser substation. This
line would continue to the intersection of Enchanted
Parkway South and Military Road South.
Increases in the electric demand on the former Weyerhaeuser campus and surrounding
area may require additional substations in any combination of the Five Mile Lake,
Enchanted Parkway or Weyerhaeuser substation areas. Additionally, infrastructure
necessary to support Sound Transit continues to be emergent.
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PSE’s 2023 Electric Report represents the company’s continued progress to embed
equity into the resource planning process. PSE began incorporating equity in 2021 by
assessing highly impacted communities and developing initial customer benefit
indicators. Since then, PSE has expressed that it’s made progress by defining vulnerable
populations and creating customer benefit indicators with input from interested parties,
including the Equity Advisory Group (EAG) formed during the 2021 CEIP process. PSE
expressed that this is one step of many toward ensuring an equitable clean energy
transition. PSE expressed that equity is complex to measure and assess, especially in
energy system planning. However, PSE continues to refine its analysis and work with
interested parties to embed equity throughout the resource planning process.
CETA requires that all customers benefit from the transition to clean energy through the
equitable distribution of energy and non-energy benefits and the reduction of burdens to
vulnerable populations and highly impacted communities.
Gas Plan
Puget Sound EnergyPSE provides natural gas service to more than 80750,000 customers
in six Western Washington counties: Snohomish, King, Kittitas, Pierce, Thurston, and
Lewis. It is estimated that PSE currently serves over 19,0008,880 gas customers within
the City of Federal Way.
Natural gas comes from gas wells in the Rocky Mountains and in Canada and is
transported through interstate pipelines by Williams Northwest Pipeline to Puget Sound
Energy’s gate stations. Supply mains then transport the gas from the gate stations to
district regulators where the pressure is reduced to less than 60 psig. The supply mains
are made of welded steel pipe that has been coated and is cathodically protected to
prevent corrosion. They range in size from 4 to 20 inches.
Distribution mains are fed from the district regulators. They
range in size from 1¼ to 8 inches and the pipe material
typically is polyethylene (PE) or wrapped steel (STW).
Individual residential service lines are fed by the distribution
mains and are typically ⅝ or 1-⅛ inches in diameter.
Individual commercial and industrial service lines are
typically 1¼, 2, or 4 inches in diameter.
The capacity of the system is primarily constrained by the volume of gas entering the
network. The minimum pressure at which gas can be delivered is 15 psi. According to
PSE, the average house using natural gas for both heat and hot water consumes about
1,000 therms per year. Given that 10 therms equal approximately one “mcf” of gas (or
one thousand cubic feet), then 1,000 therms per house equals approximately 100,000
cubic feet of gas per year per house.
When planning the size of new gas mains, PSE uses a model which assumes all new
households will use natural gas. Extension of service, typically conversion, is based on
request and the results of a market analysis to determine if revenues from an extension
will offset the cost of construction.
Changes to federal law over the last two decades were designed to increase competition
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among energy sources by encouraging the development of new natural gas resources
and the development of nationwide transmission pipelines. Most new homes use
natural gas for heat. Facility technology for electricity transmission may change in the
future in response to the need to create more efficient facilities and in response to
various electromagnetic field and health concerns. Utility policies may be updated in
the future to take into consideration changes in technology, facilities, and services.
PSE Gas System Integrity-Maintenance Planning has several DuPont manufactured main
and service piping and STW main replacements planned began in for 2015 and continues
today. There will be several pipe investigations throughout the cCity to determine the
exact location of the DuPont
manufactured pipe. Identified DuPont manufactured piping in PSE’s entire system will
be ranked and replaced accordingly.
PSE Gas System Integrity-System Planning does not have any major projects planned in
202415 at this time, but new projects can be developed in the future at any time due t.
Potential methods for increasing supply to a particular area within City limits include
these types of construction activities: o:
1) Replacement of the lines, looping, installing parallel lines, and inserting higher
pressure lines into greater diameter but lower pressure mains.
2) New installation to increase capacity of existing customers or conversions from
an alternate fuel.
3) Main replacement projects to improve maintenance and system reliability.
4) Replacement or relocation of facilities due to municipal and State projects.
1. New or replacement of existing facilities to increase capacity requirements
due to new building construction and conversion from alternate fuels.
2. Main replacement to facilitate improved maintenance of facilities.
3. Replacement or relocation of facilities due to municipal and state projects.
10.410.2 T
ELECOMMUNICATIONS PLAN
Telecommunications is not only important for voice transmission but also provides the
infrastructure for the transmission of images and electronic data. Telecommunications in
Federal Way include both wired (land based) and wireless telephone services, internet
service, and cable and satellite TV. CenturyLink Lumen Technologies (CenturyLink)
and Comcast provide land-based telephone, cable TV service, and internet service.
There are also several wireless telephone providers, wireless internet, and voice over
internet providers (VoIP). Direct TV and Dish Network provide satellite television
services.
The city is adapting to new telecommunications technologies and is committed to
supporting the rollout of new telecommunication services in Federal Way in a manner
consistent with the city’s land use, environmental, economic development and human
services priorities.
Telephone System
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Existing Facilities and Operations –CenturyLink Lumen and Comcast deliver land- based
telephone service throughout the cCity. Comcast also provides digital phone service
(VoIP) while CenturyLink Lumen provides digital phone service only to its business
customers. Their facilities are constructed overhead and in some cases underground.
Proposed Improvements – The telephone industry tends to be secretive about their
facilities and plans. For this reason the City had difficulty obtaining information and
mapped facility plans. CenturyLink Lumen isTelecommunication providers are required
by law to provide adequate telecommunications services on demand in compliance
with RCW80.36.090 and WUTC regulations.
Accordingly, Telecommunication providers CenturyLink Lumen will provide facilities,
upon reasonable notice, to accommodate whatever growth pattern occurs within the City.
Due to advances in technology, additional capacity is easily and quickly added to the
system.
Wireless Networks
Existing Systems – The cCity is currently served with a number of wireless service
providers including AT&T, T-Mobile, Direct Wireless, and Verizon.Sprint, and
Verizon.
Wireless technologies use a line-of-sight radio signal transmitted and received by
antennas. Therefore, it is not possible to underground the antennas or structures on which
the antennas are mounted. Antennas and ancillary equipment are located on freestanding
poles and towers and on existing structures and buildings. City code regulates their siting.
The FCC regulates the cellular telephone industry to ensure that their operation does not
interfere with AM/FM radio and cable television transmissions.
System Capacity – Capacity is a function of frequency of use, the number of sites in a
geographic area, and the number of customers. Cellular facilities are located throughout
the cCity. Frequent changes in their siting are not conducive to mapping.
Improvements to the Cellular System – Like the non-cellular telephone companies, wireless
companies expand services in response to growth. For this reason, companies closely
analyze market demand to determine expansions into new service areas. Cellular
technology is constantly advancing so capacity is frequently expanded through
technological advances at existing sites.
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Internet Service
Various companies provide internet service by telephone, cable, wireless, and satellite.
As the cCity constructs or reconstructs streets, it is providing conduits to assist in the
installation of fiber optic communication systems. See the “Fiber Optic” section below
for additional information about city owned fiber optic lines and conduits.
Cable TV
Cable television service in the cCity is provided by Comcast, CenturyLinkLumen, Direct
TV, and Dish Network. Comcast and CenturyLink utilize cable and fiber optic
technologies and Direct TV and Dish Network utilize satellite technologies.
Proposed Service Improvements
Cable television installations are made to new subscribers (either to new dwelling units or,
to a much smaller degree, to residences who have not opted for cable before) at published
rates; provided they are less than 125 feet from a distribution or feeder line.
Connections requiring longer runs are charged on a time and material basis. Most public
work considerations, such as tree trimming, work in the right-of-way, and restoration of
property, and so on, are covered in the City of Federal Way Master Cable Television
Ordinance and Franchise Agreements with Cable Television providers.
10.510.3 F
IBER OPTIC NETWORK
Fiber Optic Franchise Agreements
The City has entered into franchise agreements with Comcast and Williams
Communications which have fiber optic networks in the cCity’s rights-of-way.
Williams Communication has upgraded the cCity’s conduits along Military road.
In 2013, the City of Federal Way granted the Zayo Group, LLC a franchise for
installation of fiber optic within certain empty and occupied conduit owned by the cCity.
The main section of conduit runs along Pacific Highway South from approximately South
272nd Street to 16th Avenue South and South 340th Street. Additional conduits are located
along South 320th Street, South 336th Street, South 348th Street, and Enchanted Parkway.
In exchange for leasing the conduit, Zayo Group, LLC is providing an extensive list of
in-kind services to the cCity. Zayo is in the process of providing fiber optics at several
intersections. This will enable the cCity to connect additional traffic signals via fiber
optic for enhanced signal synchronizations. Zayo will connect the east and west portions
of South 320th street over I-5 with fiber optics , which will greatly enhance the signal
coordination along South 320th Street, Federal Way’s busiest arterial.
Other in-kind services provided by Zayo include improving certain conduits to increase
capacity, allowing City Hall to connect to the Federal Way School District Educational
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Service Center; the South Correctional Entity (SCORE) for enhanced video
servicesarraignments;
the Sabey Datacenter in Tukwila for future use for disaster recovery services; as well as a
connection to the regional Community Connectivity Consortium.
The cCity is responsible for its portion
of maintenance and repair fees, should
a fiber break occur. The in-kind
services provided by Zayo are a huge
benefit to the cCity both in the present
and long term.
AT&T and CenturyLink Lumen have
fiber optic networks within the cCity
but they have not entered into
franchises with the cCity. The City of
Federal Way, City of Tacoma, King
County, the Washington State
Department of Transportation
(WSDOT), and the School District also
have fiber optic networks. Public
agencies do not require franchises to
operate in the cCity.
Current City-Owned Fiber Optic
Federal Way has approximately 33
miles of city-owned fiber optic cables
that traverse the city, as well as
approximately 40 miles of city-owned fiber conduits.
Future City-Owned Fiber Optic
Potential expansion of city-owned fiber optic lines is addressed in the 2023 Federal
Way Broadband Planning Study, found in Appendix xx. This includes conduits
planned as part of Link Light Rail extension agreements, and other future plans and
opportunities to expand the City’s fiber lines. The Broadband Planning Study also
provides a market and needs assessment, and provides several recommendations and
suggested next steps to improve broadband service in Federal Way
[placeholder for further info from IT re. city’s intent for future city-owned fiber]
10.610.4 S
OLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Figure xx: City-Owned Fiber (source: 2023
Federal Way Broadband Planning Study)
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The cCity’s sSolid wWaste mManagement roles
include solid waste planning, public education
and outreach, plus support and promotion of
convenient and sustainable disposal and recycling
options. The cCity procures and administers
contracts with service providers and monitors
their performance in collecting solid waste,
recyclables, compostable materials, yardyard and
food waste, and public area litter. In this regard,
the cCity is an advocate for ratepayers in
obtaining the highest service levels at the lowest
cost. In addition, the cCity is active in managing
litter and materials illegally dumped in public
areas.
A variety of other service providers manage
specific waste types generated in the cCity,
including service providers for demolition and
land clearing debris, commercial bi-product
management, bio-medical wastes, and charitable reuse.
Regionally, Federal Way and King County have a long-term (through 2040) Solid Waste
Interlocal Agreement (SWIA) that is part of our solid waste planning foundation. The
SWIA references the King County Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan (KC-
CSWMP), a state-required plan that focuses on broader waste collection, processing,
transfer, recycling, and disposal elements. The KC-CSWMP also incorporates some
elements outside cCity purview (such as landfill operations and collection standards in
adjacent unincorporated areas) that are relevant to our cCity’s Waste waste Management
management system. Cities participate in periodic plan updates, plan ratification, then
carry out the plan’s objectives at the local level. The FWCP incorporates the policies and
initiatives that originate in the KC-CSWMP by reference, as now or hereafter amended.
However, the cCity will also tailor KC- CSWMP elements to best meet Federal Way’s
solid waste planning and service administration objectives. The cCity actively
participates in ongoing forums hosted by King County Solid Waste Division (KCSWD)
to focus on implementation of plan elements.
The largest near-term impact of the KC-CSWMP is construction of a state-of-the-art
transfer station to replace the aging Algona facility, and new facility will feature
extensive no-cost and fee-based recycling options, making these services more accessible
to area waste generators. Planning for this facility has taken well over a decade. Once
operational (circa 2026), the facility will enhance service equity for South King County
by featuring services that are standard at other transfer stations in the region.
KCSWD is also planning for broader system changes to enable more waste diversion into
the future. The County is revising the solid waste tipping fee rate structure and
implementing elements under a program called “Re+” to foster waste diversion initiatives.
To maximize efficiency and effectiveness, solid waste and recycling shall also be
considered along with the many other elements that go into building design and site
planning. If site access, tenant access, or space for adequate containers is overlooked, it
may mean long-term inefficiency and higher overall ratepayer costs. In 2017, Tthe cCity
will amended FWRC 19.125.150 to incorporate procedures standards into the plan
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review process and City code that to promote adequate infrastructure to achieve these
solid waste policies objectives.
10.710.5 M
ODERATE RISK WASTE MANAGEMENT
The Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County was established in 1990 in
response to RCW 70.105.220 which requires jurisdictions to develop a plan for managing
hazardous wastes generated by residents, businesses, and institutions. Jurisdictions within
King County collaborated to develop the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program
Plan (LHWMP) which was last updated in 202110. City staff participate in Moderate
Risk Waste (MRW) collection and communications forums regularly.
The FWCP incorporates the more detailed policies and initiatives that originate in the
LHWMP by reference, as now or hereafter amended. However, the cCity will also tailor
LHWMP elements to best meet Federal Way’s solid waste planning and service
administration objectives. Hazardous wastes should be properly managed and disposed of
according to procedures and standards set by federal, state, or regional agencies, such as
those set forth in the LHWMP. The City intends to coordinate with South King Fire &
Rescue, King County Board of Health regulations, and Public Health – Seattle & King
County in the ongoing implementation of LHWMP objectives.
As outlined above, the cCity recognizes that King County is building a new transfer
station to replace the aging Algona facility. As designed, this transfer station will include
a state-of-the-art Moderate Risk Waste drop-off site which (funded, like the rest of
HWMP’s drop-off system, through solid waste and sewer rate surcharges). This site will
be accessible to qualifying residents and to businesses that are Small Quantity Generators
(SQGs), and will replace a ‘temporary’ drop site that has operated with far less service
capacity in Auburn. This drop-off site will bring service equity to south King County,
increasing service levels so they are on par with the rest of the region.
10.810.6 G
OALS AND POLICIES FOR CITY ACTION
The Private Utilities chapter provides an opportunity for the City to assist utility
companies in delivering efficient service to customers and to seek to reduce potential
negative impacts on the natural and built environments. This section builds upon system
descriptions to identify issues and sets forth policies to coordinate the provision of
utilities with City planning.
The GMA requires that the utilities element include the general location, proposed
location, and capacity of all existing and proposed utilities. This has resulted in cities
and counties becoming more actively involved in the way in which utilities are sited and
provided. In order to protect both citizens and utility customers, the City will work in
accordance with the following goals and policies:
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Goals
PUG1 Work with private utilitiesy companie, s other jurisdictions, and
interdepartmentally to allow them to providefor full and timely service that
meets the needs of the cCity’s residents and businesses, both present and
future, and to position the city to accommodate new energy and
communications technologies.
Policies
PUP1.1 CThe City will, if possible, coordinate with other jurisdictions
on proposed utility improvements that impact a multi-
jurisdictional area.
PUP1.24 EThe City encourages utilities to inform one another of plans
to expand or improve utility services.
PUP1.35 IThe City will endeavor to inform utilities of upcoming
improvements or expansions that may provide opportunities
for joint use.
PUP1.418 PThe City should provide utility companies with plans, forecasts,
and supporting data to assist in the proper planning for utilities.
PUP1.520 Encourage utilities to provide the cCity with their utility service
plans to allow better integration with other utilities and cCity
plans.
UP1.6 Identify new public works and development regulations, or
amendments to existing regulations, that allow for or facilitate the
adoption of new and emerging energy and communications
technologies in the city.
Goal
PUG2 Work with private utilitiiesty companies to allow them to provide service in a
way that balances cost-effectiveness with environmental protection, aesthetic
impact, public safety, and public health.
Policies
PUP2.13 EThe City encourages the joint use of trenches, conduits, or poles, so
that utilities may coordinate expansion, maintenance, and upgrading
facilities with the least amount of right-of-way disruption.
PUP2.26 EThe City will endeavor to notify utilities of proposed plans to make
highway or right-of-way improvements.
PUP1UP2.33 To the maximum extent possible and based upon
applicable regulations, the City should require the
undergrounding of utility distribution lines in new subdivisions,
new construction, and significantly reconstructed facilities,
consistent with all applicable laws.
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PUP1UP2.4 To the maximum extent possible and based upon
applicable regulations, the City should work with the utilities in
preparing a plan for undergrounding utilities in areas where their
visual impact is critical to improving the appearance of the cCity,
such as the City Center and along Highway 99.
PUP1UP2.5 WThe City should, to the extent practical, work
with utility providers in preparing a right-of-way vegetation
plan that ensures that the needs of landscaping and screening
are balanced with the need to prevent power outages.
PUP1UP2.6 RThe City should require that site-specific utility
facilities such as antennas and substations be reasonably and
appropriately sited and screened to mitigate adverse aesthetic
impacts.
PUP1UP2.7 AThrough its development regulations, the City shall
continue to address the siting, screening, and design standards for
wireless/cellular and small cell facilities, substations, and antenna
facilities in such a manner as to allow for reasonable and
predictable review while minimizing potential land use and visual
impacts on adjacent property.
PUP1UP2.89 EThe City should encourage utility providers to base
extension and sizing of systems on the Land Use Plan in order to
adequately serve anticipated growth.
UP2.9 Ensure that all applicable public works policies and/or development
regulations specify requirements that all utilities operating in city
right of ways have a franchise agreement with the city.
Goal
PUG3 Increase opportunities to create and utilize renewable and sustainable energy
sources such as solar and wind power, to reduce the City’s greenhouse gas
emissions, and to improve the City’s resiliency to hazards.
Policies
PUP7UP3.1 To facilitatEe energy conservation the City shall, at
minimum, ensure that cityits buildings comply with state and
federal standards for energy conservation.
PUP8UP3.2 WThe City will endeavor to work with utility companies
to promote and educate the public about strategies for conserving
energy.
PUP9UP3.3 FThe City should facilitate the use of solar power in
residential, governmental and commercial applications by
implementing straight-forward review and approval processes.
PUP10UP3.4 EThe City should evaluate and if necessary revise zoning
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regulations to address the siting of small-scale wind power
generation facilities (for the use of individual properties).
UP3.5 Evaluate ways to accommodate small-scale, neighborhood-level
power generation.
UP3.6 Establish new or expanded sites for public facilities, utilities, and
infrastructure in a manner that ensures disaster resiliency and
public service recovery.
Goal
PUG4 EThe City actively ensures appropriate recycling and disposal options are in
place and made known to the public to protect the health and welfare of both
residents and our environment.
Policies
PUP4.1G22 Promote the recycling of solid waste materials by
providing opportunities for convenient recycling and by
developing educational materials on recycling, composting, and
other waste reduction methods. Waste reduction and source
separation are the cCity’s preferred strategies for managing solid
waste.
Materials remaining after effective waste reduction and source
separation should be managed in accordance with the KC-
CSWMP and HWMP Plan.
PUP4.2G25 Administer solid waste collection services in ways
that minimize adverse impacts such as noise, litter,
environmental pollution, and disruption to businesses and
neighborhoods.
PUP4.3G26 Provide uniform collection service to areas annexed to the
cCity as soon as practicable, referencing RCW policies but also
seeking uniformity via contract or franchise elements.
PUP4.4G27 Develop and implement Preferred Building Code
Elements, including space allocation for several waste streams
(garbage, compostables, recyclables, hazardous materials, food
waste, and other process wastes). Incorporate design elements that
enable access to services, both for tenants and collection service
vehicle. Consider development of a preference for covered solid
waste enclosures or facilities that are tied to sanitary sewer to help
reduce potential surface water management issues, and perform a
comprehensive analysis to determine which elements should be
grandfathered versus required improvements.
PUP4.5G30 Provide for the safe and convenient disposal of
hazardous household waste through permanent and conveniently
located collection facilities for residents and small businesses to
access.
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PUP4.6G29 Educate the public in the proper handling and disposal of
hazardous household waste and on the use of alternative products or
practices which result in reducing the use and storage of hazardous
materials in homes and businesses.
UP4.7 Ensure compliance with new state requirements on commercial
compost collection
Goal
PUG5 EThe City’s goal is to ensure that ratepayers receive high-quality and reliable
services at reasonable cost when contracting with collection service providers.
Policies
PUP5.1G24 Maintain a cost-effective and responsive solid waste
collection system, with the overarching objective of ratepayers
receiving high-quality services at a reasonable cost. Planning of our
solid waste collection system will consider costs (internal to the
cCity’s ratepayers – both residents and businesses, and external at
the system level) as well as long-term factors such as cost-effective
and environmentally preferred disposal options.
Goal
PUG6 AThe City actively engages and participates in KC-CSWMP updates and
implementation, working toward aligning the plan with Federal Way’s needs
and the needs of ratepayers.
Policies
PUP6.1G21 The City recognizes the KC-CSWMP and the HWMP
Plan. Policies in these plans will be referenced by the cCity as
appropriate.
PUP6.2G23 SEncourage and actively seek an effective regional
approach to solid waste management, to leverage economies of
scale and move toward similarities in services and parallel
educational messaging.
PUP6.3G28 Cooperate with other private and public agencies in the
region to manage and control hazardous waste and moderate risk
waste, including household hazardous substances and moderate
risk wastes generated by area businesses and institutions.
Goal
UG7 Work toward more equitable and affordable access to telecommunications services
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throughout Federal Way, with a particular focus on identifying coverage gaps and
supporting increased access by historically marginalized and disproportionately burdened
communities.
Policies
PUP7.12 EThe City should work to encourage, to the extent practicalossible, the supply of
all utilities to existing and new homes, offices, industrial, and commercial
buildings.
PUP7.12 UThe City will utilize existing and emerging communications technologies
to communicate with citizens residents and businesses.
UP7.3 Identify development regulations and policies that support equitable,
affordable, convenient and reliable utilities in Federal Way.
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CHAPTER TEN
UTILITIES
10.0 INTRODUCTION & VISION 1
10.1 ELECTRIC AND NATURAL GAS 3
General Location 3
Electric Plan 3
Gas Plan 5
10.2 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 5
Telephone System 6
Wireless Networks 6
Internet Service 7
Cable TV 7
Service Improvements 7
10.3 FIBER OPTIC NETWORK 7
10.4 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT 8
10.5 MODERATE RISK WASTE MANAGEMENT 9
10.6 GOALS AND POLICIES 9
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10.0 INTRODUCTION & VISION
Introduction
This chapter satisfies a Growth Management Act (GMA) requirement that cities prepare a
Utilities chapter (RCW 36.70A.070). The GMA requires the Federal Way
Comprehensive Plan (FWCP) to have internal consistency. This means that the Utilities
chapter must be fully coordinated with other chapters of the FWCP. This is particularly
important where new development and other land use change is anticipated in the near
future. Areas expected to change significantly over the next 20 years include the City
Center, the South Station area, and the area south of S 336th Street, between Pacific
Highway S and I-5.
WAC 365-196-420(1) requires a Utilities chapter to
include the general location, proposed location, and
capacity of all existing and proposed utilities,
including, but not limited to, electrical lines,
telecommunication lines, and natural gas lines. Each
utility plan describes and analyzes existing and
proposed utility systems within Federal Way and
improvements necessary to meet growing consumer
demand. Information used to develop the plan was
provided by utilities. Private utility companies are
continually upgrading and expanding their systems,
therefore, maps quickly become obsolete. Plans for
water supply and sewer are found in the Capital
Facilities chapter of the FWCP.
The Utilities chapter is an opportunity to identify ways of improving the quality of
services provided within the city. The Utilities chapter identifies goals and develops
policies to ensure that: provision of utilities is properly coordinated with land use; utility
provision minimizes impacts upon public facilities such as roads; sustainable sources of
power generation are encouraged; and technological innovation is facilitated.
Regulatory & Legal Context
Large scale privately owned electrical, natural gas, and line telephone utilities are
regulated by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC).
Cellular telephone communication companies are licensed by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC). Cable television companies are regulated by the
FCC and the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Private utilities must have a
franchise agreement to place utilities in the public right-of-way. Franchise agreements
give each utility the non- exclusive right to provide its category of service within the
city. As of the time of the 2024 comprehensive plan update, the City has active
franchise agreements with more than a dozen private entities.
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Vision
Utilities in Federal Way provide safe and reliable urban services that accommodate
the city’s expected growth, respond and adapt to unexpected changes and needs, and position
the city to achieve its 20-year vision and growth management priorities. Utilities are
provided through seamless and efficient collaboration and communication both internally
within the city and in partnership with outside agencies and companies.
10.1 ELECTRIC AND NATURAL GAS
Utility Provider Overview
Electric and natural gas services are provided within the City of Federal Way by Puget
Sound Energy, Inc. (PSE). The City has franchise agreements with PSE that ran
through December 8, 2021 (Ordinance 11-707) and November 18, 2018 (Ordinance
93-189) for electricity and natural gas service respectively.
PSE (formerly Puget Sound Power and Light Company [Puget Power] and
Washington Natural Gas Company) is an investor-owned private utility company
headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. It is regulated by the Washington Utilities
and Transportation Commission (WUTC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission.
PSE builds, operates, and maintains an extensive electric and gas distribution system
consisting of generating plants, electric transmission lines, gas supply mains,
distribution system substations and pressure regulating stations. This system provides
gas and electricity to over one million residential, commercial, and industrial
customers in portions of western and central Washington.
PSE’s sources of energy include natural gas/diesel, hydropower,
wind/solar/biomass/battery and coal and aims to stop relying on coal-generated
electricity to serve customers after 2025. PSE owns nine natural gas-fired power
plants and is the largest utility producer of renewable energy in the Pacific Northwest.
PSE also owns and operates two hydropower projects in Western Washington.
Fossil natural gas is purchased by PSE from Western Canada and the Rocky Mountain
States. PSE obtains renewable natural gas (RNG) produced by Klickitat Public Utility
District at the H.W. Hill Renewable Natural Gas facility in Roosevelt, WA and co-
owns a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility at the Port of Tacoma. PSE owns over
25,000 miles of gas mains and service lines to distribute natural gas and co-owns and
operates the Jackson Prairie Underground Natural Gas Storage Facility, the largest
natural gas storage depot in the Pacific Northwest.
Level of Service
PSE must file reliability reports at least once a year to the Washington Utilities and
Transportation Commission and the report must distinguish between sustained
interruptions and power quality. PSE uses two main metrics to describe reliability of
service, the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) and the System
Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI). SAIDI describes the average length of
a power outage in minutes and SAIFI describes the average number of outages a
customer experiences.
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PSE continues to plan and assess development and demand requirements within
Federal Way, but foresees no immediate energy issues and will continue to be able to
supply energy to Federal Way as the City grows. Additionally, PSE currently provides
programs to Transportation Electrification Programs to reduce EV adoption barriers
and boost charging infrastructure within the state and foresees no immediate concerns
with providing supply for the City’s EV charging requirements.
General Location
PSE supplies electric and natural gas service within the entire limits of the city and
Potential Annexation Area (PAA).
Private utility companies are continually upgrading and expanding their systems,
therefore, maps quickly become obsolete. Site-specific mapping of PSE’s existing
facilities can be procured via MapRequest@PSE.com.
Electric Plan
PSE provides electric service to over 1.1 million customers in nine Washington State
counties. Electricity is produced elsewhere and transported to switching stations in
Kent and Renton through high-voltage transmission lines. As electricity nears its
destination, the voltage is reduced and redistributed through lower- voltage
transmission lines, distribution substations, and smaller transformers. PSE provides
electrical service to approximately 41,000 electric customers in Federal Way. Also
within the city are several 115 kV transmission lines and a number of neighborhood
distribution substations. The 115 kV lines also deliver electrical energy to other
neighborhood substations in communities adjacent to Federal Way.
PSE imports electrical energy from generation sources in Canada, the Columbia River
basin and other regions outside of PSE’s service territory. Additionally, PSE has its own
hydro, thermal, wind and solar power-generating facilities. There are more than 5,500
small, customer-owned generation facilities that are interconnected with PSE’s system
and can export surplus energy into the grid. The vast majority of these are solar panel
installations. Although this provides a very small portion of PSE’s electrical supply
portfolio, the number of customer-owned installations increases every year.
PSE locates and operates electric facilities within public rights-of-way in accordance
with State law and a franchise agreement with King County. Facilities are also located
on property owned by Puget Sound Energy and easements across private properties. The
transmission system that covers Federal Way is a grid which provides a link between
the Bulk Transmission System and the local distribution system, which connects with
customers. The Bulk Transmission System is operated by the BPA, which operates a
region wide, interconnecting transmission system that supplies electric power to utilities
from federal hydroelectric projects throughout the Northwest.
All major transmission lines supplying electricity to Federal Way are energized at 230
kilovolts (kV). These lines supply power into the Federal Way distribution system and
provide connections to Algona, Auburn, Kent, and other electric systems serving both
King and Pierce Counties. Power is transferred from the transmission system to Federal
Way’s local electric distribution substations, each serving multiple distribution circuits.
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The existing transmission lines are meeting the current loads. As local demand grows,
additional distribution and transmission capacity will be needed. To meet future
population demand within Federal Way, PSE anticipates the need for new transmission
lines and conversion of existing transmission lines to higher load.
PSE’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is updated and filed with the Washington Utilities
and Transportation Commission every two years. The current plan was submitted in
March of 2023 with the expectation that the next iterative IRP will be submitted in
2025. The IRP focuses on the energy resources needed to reliably meet customers’
wintertime, peak-hour electric demand over the next 20 years and also addresses
emergent summertime peak loads. This resource need is driven mainly by expiring
purchased-power contracts and expected population and economic growth in the Puget
Sound region. The IRP suggests that roughly half of the utility’s long-term electric
resource need can be met by energy efficiency and the renewal of transmission
contracts. The IRP stated that the rest of PSE’s gap in long-term power resources is
likely to be met most economically with added natural gas -fired resources.
PSE’s current preferred portfolio requires over 6,700 MW of new generation by 2030.
As stipulated, this is a portfolio of diverse resources that can fulfill PSE’s Clean Energy
Transportation Act (CETA) commitments and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and a
carbon-free electric energy supply by 2045. As described in Table 3.1, this portfolio
significantly increases conservation, demand response, renewable resources, and energy
storage. However, given the large amounts of variable energy resources such as wind
and solar, and energy-limited resources such as energy storage, PSE relies on newer
technologies, specifically hydrogen, as a fuel to meet peak energy needs to achieve a
carbon-free energy supply by 2045 while maintaining reliability and resource adequacy.
PSE acknowledges the risk of relying on an uncertain fuel source, so it intentionally
diversified this portfolio to reduce risk. Additionally, in future IRP cycles, PSE will
continue to evaluate and consider emerging technologies, including green hydrogen and
advanced nuclear small modular reactors (SMR).
The capacity of individual electric lines depends on
voltage, diameter of the wire, and the clearance to objects
below the line. To meet this demand, some new
transmission lines and substations will need to be
constructed, as well as existing ones rebuilt and/or
maintained. Utility work is sometimes needed to comply
with federal system reliability regulations.
Increases in the electric demand on the former Weyerhaeuser campus and surrounding
area may require additional substations in any combination of the Five Mile Lake,
Enchanted Parkway or Weyerhaeuser substation areas. Additionally, infrastructure
necessary to support Sound Transit continues to be emergent.
PSE’s 2023 Electric Report represents the company’s continued progress to embed
equity into the resource planning process. PSE began incorporating equity in 2021 by
assessing highly impacted communities and developing initial customer benefit
indicators. Since then, PSE has expressed that it’s made progress by defining vulnerable
populations and creating customer benefit indicators with input from interested parties,
including the Equity Advisory Group (EAG) formed during the 2021 CEIP process. PSE
expressed that this is one step of many toward ensuring an equitable clean energy
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transition. PSE expressed that equity is complex to measure and assess, especially in
energy system planning. However, PSE continues to refine its analysis and work with
interested parties to embed equity throughout the resource planning process.
CETA requires that all customers benefit from the transition to clean energy through the
equitable distribution of energy and non-energy benefits and the reduction of burdens to
vulnerable populations and highly impacted communities.
Gas Plan
PSE provides natural gas service to more than 800,000 customers in six Western
Washington counties: Snohomish, King, Kittitas, Pierce, Thurston, and Lewis. It is
estimated that PSE currently serves over 19,000 gas customers within the City of Federal
Way.
Natural gas comes from gas wells in the Rocky Mountains and in Canada and is
transported through interstate pipelines by Williams Northwest Pipeline to Puget Sound
Energy’s gate stations. Supply mains then transport the gas from the gate stations to
district regulators where the pressure is reduced to less than 60 psig. The supply mains
are made of welded steel pipe that has been coated and is cathodically protected to
prevent corrosion. They range in size from 4 to 20 inches.
Distribution mains are fed from the district regulators. They
range in size from 1¼ to 8 inches and the pipe material
typically is polyethylene (PE) or wrapped steel (STW).
Individual residential service lines are fed by the distribution
mains and are typically ⅝ or 1-⅛ inches in diameter.
Individual commercial and industrial service lines are
typically 1¼, 2, or 4 inches in diameter.
The capacity of the system is primarily constrained by the volume of gas entering the
network. The minimum pressure at which gas can be delivered is 15 psi. According to
PSE, the average house using natural gas for both heat and hot water consumes about
1,000 therms per year. Given that 10 therms equal approximately one “mcf” of gas (or
one thousand cubic feet), then 1,000 therms per house equals approximately 100,000
cubic feet of gas per year per house.
When planning the size of new gas mains, PSE uses a model which assumes all new
households will use natural gas. Extension of service, typically conversion, is based on
request and the results of a market analysis to determine if revenues from an extension
will offset the cost of construction.
Changes to federal law over the last two decades were designed to increase competition
among energy sources by encouraging the development of new natural gas resources
and the development of nationwide transmission pipelines. Most new homes use
natural gas for heat. Facility technology for electricity transmission may change in the
future in response to the need to create more efficient facilities and in response to
various electromagnetic field and health concerns. Utility policies may be updated in
the future to take into consideration changes in technology, facilities, and services.
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PSE Gas System Integrity-Maintenance Planning has several DuPont manufactured main
and service piping and STW main replacements began in 2015 and continues today.
There will be several pipe investigations throughout the city to determine the exact
location of the DuPont manufactured pipe. Identified DuPont manufactured piping in
PSE’s entire system will be ranked and replaced accordingly.
PSE Gas System Integrity-System Planning does not have any major projects planned in
2024, but new projects can be developed in the future at any time. Potential methods for
increasing supply to a particular area within City limits include these types of
construction activities:
1) Replacement of the lines, looping, installing parallel lines, and inserting higher
pressure lines into greater diameter but lower pressure mains.
2) New installation to increase capacity of existing customers or conversions from
an alternate fuel.
3) Main replacement projects to improve maintenance and system reliability.
4) Replacement or relocation of facilities due to municipal and State projects.
10.2 TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Telecommunications is not only important for voice transmission but also provides the
infrastructure for the transmission of images and electronic data. Telecommunications in
Federal Way include both wired (land based) and wireless telephone services, internet
service, and cable and satellite TV. Lumen Technologies (CenturyLink) and Comcast
provide land-based telephone, cable TV service, and internet service. There are also
several wireless telephone providers, wireless internet, and voice over internet providers
(VoIP). Direct TV and Dish Network provide satellite television services.
The city is adapting to new telecommunications technologies and is committed to
supporting the rollout of new telecommunication services in Federal Way in a manner
consistent with the city’s land use, environmental, economic development and human
services priorities.
Telephone System
Existing Facilities and Operations –Lumen and Comcast deliver land-based telephone service
throughout the city. Comcast also provides digital phone service (VoIP) while Lumen
provides digital phone service only to its business customers. Their facilities are
constructed overhead and in some cases underground.
Proposed Improvements – Telecommunication providers are required by law to provide
adequate services on demand in compliance with RCW80.36.090 and WUTC
regulations.
Accordingly, Telecommunication providers will provide facilities, upon reasonable notice,
to accommodate whatever growth pattern occurs within the City. Due to advances in
technology, additional capacity is easily and quickly added to the system.
Wireless Networks
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Existing Systems – The city is currently served with a number of wireless service providers
including AT&T, T-Mobile, Direct Wireless, Sprint, and Verizon.
Wireless technologies use a line-of-sight radio signal transmitted and received by
antennas. Therefore, it is not possible to underground the antennas or structures on which
the antennas are mounted. Antennas and ancillary equipment are located on freestanding
poles and towers and on existing structures and buildings. City code regulates their siting.
The FCC regulates the cellular telephone industry to ensure that their operation does not
interfere with AM/FM radio and cable television transmissions.
System Capacity – Capacity is a function of frequency of use, the number of sites in a
geographic area, and the number of customers. Cellular facilities are located throughout
the city. Frequent changes in their siting are not conducive to mapping.
Improvements to the Cellular System – Like the non-cellular telephone companies, wireless
companies expand services in response to growth. For this reason, companies closely
analyze market demand to determine expansions into new service areas. Cellular
technology is constantly advancing so capacity is frequently expanded through
technological advances at existing sites.
Internet Service
Various companies provide internet service by telephone, cable, wireless, and satellite.
As the city constructs or reconstructs streets, it is providing conduits to assist in the
installation of fiber optic communication systems. See the “Fiber Optic” section below
for additional information about city owned fiber optic lines and conduits.
Cable TV
Cable television service in the city is provided by Comcast, Lumen, Direct TV, and Dish
Network. Comcast and CenturyLink utilize cable and fiber optic technologies and Direct
TV and Dish Network utilize satellite technologies.
Service Improvements
Cable television installations are made to new subscribers (either to new dwelling units or,
to a much smaller degree, to residences who have not opted for cable before) at published
rates; provided they are less than 125 feet from a distribution or feeder line.
Connections requiring longer runs are charged on a time and material basis. Most public
work considerations, such as tree trimming, work in the right-of-way, and restoration of
property, are covered in the City of Federal Way Master Cable Television Ordinance
and Franchise Agreements with Cable Television providers.
10.3 FIBER OPTIC NETWORK
Fiber Optic Franchise Agreements
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The City has franchise agreements with Comcast and Williams Communications which
have fiber optic networks in the city’s rights-of-way. Williams Communication has
upgraded the city’s conduits along Military road.
In 2013, the City of Federal Way granted the Zayo Group, LLC a franchise for
installation of fiber optic within certain empty and occupied conduit owned by the city.
The main section of conduit runs along Pacific Highway South from approximately South
272nd Street to 16th Avenue South and South 340th Street. Additional conduits are located
along South 320th Street, South 336th Street, South 348th Street, and Enchanted Parkway.
In exchange for leasing the conduit, Zayo Group, LLC is providing an extensive list of
in-kind services to the city. Zayo is in the process of providing fiber optics at several
intersections. This will enable the city to connect additional traffic signals via fiber optic
for enhanced signal synchronizations. Zayo will connect the east and west portions of
South 320th street over I-5 with fiber optics, which will greatly enhance the signal
coordination along South 320th Street, Federal Way’s busiest arterial.
Other in-kind services provided by Zayo include improving certain conduits to increase
capacity, allowing City Hall to connect to the Federal Way School District Educational
Service Center for enhanced video services; the Sabey Datacenter in Tukwila for future use
for disaster recovery services; as well as a connection to the regional Community
Connectivity Consortium.
The city is responsible for its portion of maintenance and repair fees, should a fiber break
occur. The in-kind services provided by Zayo benefit the city both in the present and long
term.
AT&T and Lumen have fiber optic networks within the city but they have not entered
into franchises with the city. The City
of Federal Way, City of Tacoma, King
County, the Washington State
Department of Transportation
(WSDOT), and the School District also
have fiber optic networks. Public
agencies do not require franchises to
operate in the city.
Current City-Owned Fiber Optic
Federal Way has approximately 33
miles of city-owned fiber optic cables
that traverse the city, as well as
approximately 40 miles of city-owned
fiber conduits.
Future City-Owned Fiber Optic
Potential expansion of city-owned
fiber optic lines is addressed in the
2023 Federal Way Broadband
Planning Study, found in Appendix xx. This includes conduits planned as part of Link
Figure xx: City-Owned Fiber (source: 2023
Federal Way Broadband Planning Study)
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Light Rail extension agreements, and other future plans and opportunities to expand the
City’s fiber lines. The Broadband Planning Study also provides a market and needs
assessment, and provides several recommendations and suggested next steps to
improve broadband service in Federal Way
[placeholder for further info from IT re. city’s intent for future city-owned fiber]
10.4 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
The city’s solid waste management roles include
solid waste planning, public education and
outreach, plus support and promotion of
convenient and sustainable disposal and recycling
options. The city procures and administers
contracts with service providers and monitors
their performance in collecting solid waste,
recyclables, yard and food waste, and public area
litter. In this regard, the city is an advocate for
ratepayers in obtaining the highest service levels
at the lowest cost. In addition, the city is active in
managing litter and materials illegally dumped in
public areas.
A variety of other service providers manage
specific waste types generated in the city,
including service providers for demolition and
land clearing debris, commercial bi-product
management, bio-medical wastes, and charitable reuse.
Regionally, Federal Way and King County have a long-term (through 2040) Solid Waste
Interlocal Agreement (SWIA) that is part of our solid waste planning foundation. The
SWIA references the King County Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan (KC-
CSWMP), a state-required plan that focuses on broader waste collection, processing,
transfer, recycling, and disposal elements. The KC-CSWMP also incorporates some
elements outside city purview (such as landfill operations and collection standards in
adjacent unincorporated areas) that are relevant to our city’s waste management system.
Cities participate in periodic plan updates, plan ratification, then carry out the plan’s
objectives at the local level. The FWCP incorporates the policies and initiatives that
originate in the KC-CSWMP by reference, as now or hereafter amended. However, the
city will also tailor KC-CSWMP elements to best meet Federal Way’s solid waste
planning and service administration objectives. The city actively participates in ongoing
forums hosted by King County Solid Waste Division (KCSWD) to focus on
implementation of plan elements.
The largest near-term impact of the KC-CSWMP is construction of a state-of-the-art
transfer station to replace the aging Algona facility, and new facility will feature
extensive no-cost and fee-based recycling options, making these services more accessible
to area waste generators. Planning for this facility has taken well over a decade. Once
operational (circa 2026), the facility will enhance service equity for South King County
by featuring services that are standard at other transfer stations in the region.
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KCSWD is also planning for broader system changes to enable more waste diversion into
the future. The County is revising the solid waste tipping fee rate structure and
implementing elements under a program called “Re+” to foster waste diversion initiatives.
To maximize efficiency and effectiveness, solid waste and recycling shall also be
considered along with the many other elements that go into building design and site
planning. If site access, tenant access, or space for adequate containers is overlooked, it
may mean long-term inefficiency and higher overall ratepayer costs. In 2017, the city
amended FWRC 19.125.150 to incorporate standards into the plan review process to
promote adequate infrastructure to achieve these objectives.
10.5 MODERATE RISK WASTE MANAGEMENT
The Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County was established in 1990 in
response to RCW 70.105.220 which requires jurisdictions to develop a plan for managing
hazardous wastes generated by residents, businesses, and institutions. Jurisdictions within
King County collaborated to develop the Hazardous Waste Management Program Plan
(HWMP) which was last updated in 2021. City staff participate in Moderate Risk Waste
(MRW) collection and communications forums regularly.
The FWCP incorporates the more detailed policies and initiatives that originate in the
HWMP by reference, as now or hereafter amended. However, the city will also tailor
HWMP elements to best meet Federal Way’s solid waste planning and service
administration objectives. Hazardous wastes should be properly managed and disposed of
according to procedures and standards set by federal, state, or regional agencies, such as
those set forth in the HWMP.
As outlined above, the city recognizes that King County is building a new transfer station
to replace the aging Algona facility. As designed, this transfer station will include a state-
of-the-art Moderate Risk Waste drop-off site which (funded, like the rest of HWMP’s
drop-off system, through solid waste and sewer rate surcharges). This site will be
accessible to qualifying residents and to businesses that are Small Quantity Generators
(SQGs), and will replace a ‘temporary’ drop site that has operated with far less service
capacity in Auburn. This drop-off site will bring service equity to south King County,
increasing service levels so they are on par with the rest of the region.
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10.6 GOALS AND POLICIES
Goal
UG1 Work with utilities, other jurisdictions, and interdepartmentally to allow for full and
timely service that meets the needs of city’s residents and businesses, both present and
future, and to position the city to accommodate new energy and communications
technologies.
Policies
UP1.1 Coordinate with other jurisdictions on proposed utility
improvements that impact a multi-jurisdictional area.
UP1.2 Encourage utilities to inform one another of plans to expand or
improve utility services.
UP1.3 Inform utilities of upcoming improvements or expansions
that may provide opportunities for joint use.
UP1.4 Provide utility companies with plans, forecasts, and supporting data
to assist in the proper planning for utilities.
UP1.5 Encourage utilities to provide the city with their utility service
plans to allow better integration with other utilities and city plans.
UP1.6 Identify new public works and development regulations, or
amendments to existing regulations, that allow for or facilitate the
adoption of new and emerging energy and communications
technologies in the city.
Goal
UG2 Work with utilities to allow them to provide service in a way that balances cost-
effectiveness with environmental protection, aesthetic impact, public safety, and
public health.
Policies
UP2.1 Encourage the joint use of trenches, conduits, or poles, so that
utilities may coordinate expansion, maintenance, and upgrading
facilities with the least amount of right-of-way disruption.
UP2.2 Endeavor to notify utilities of proposed plans to make highway or
right-of-way improvements.
UP2.3 To the maximum extent possible and based upon applicable
regulations, require the undergrounding of utility distribution
lines in new subdivisions, new construction, and significantly
reconstructed facilities, consistent with all applicable laws.
UP2.4 To the maximum extent possible and based upon applicable
regulations, work with the utilities in preparing a plan for
undergrounding utilities in areas where their visual impact is
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critical to improving the appearance of the city, such as the City
Center and along Highway 99.
UP2.5 Work with utility providers in preparing a right-of-way
vegetation plan that ensures that the needs of landscaping
and screening are balanced with the need to prevent power
outages.
UP2.6 Require that site-specific utility facilities such as antennas and
substations be reasonably and appropriately sited and screened to
mitigate adverse aesthetic impacts.
UP2.7 Address the siting, screening, and design standards for
wireless/cellular and small cell facilities, substations, and antenna
facilities in such a manner as to allow for reasonable and
predictable review while minimizing potential land use and visual
impacts on adjacent property.
UP2.8 Encourage utility providers to base extension and sizing of systems
on the Land Use Plan in order to adequately serve anticipated
growth.
UP2.9 Ensure that all applicable public works policies and/or development
regulations specify requirements that all utilities operating in city
right of ways have a franchise agreement with the city.
Goal
UG3 Increase opportunities to create and utilize renewable and sustainable energy sources
such as solar and wind power, to reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions, and to
improve the City’s resiliency to hazards.
Policies
UP3.1 Ensure that city buildings comply with state and federal
standards for energy conservation.
UP3.2 Work with utility companies to promote and educate the public
about strategies for conserving energy.
UP3.3 Facilitate the use of solar power in residential, governmental and
commercial applications by implementing straight-forward review
and approval processes.
UP3.4 Evaluate and if necessary revise zoning regulations to address the
siting of small-scale wind power generation facilities (for the use of
individual properties).
UP3.5 Evaluate ways to accommodate small-scale, neighborhood-level
power generation.
UP3.6 Establish new or expanded sites for public facilities, utilities, and
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infrastructure in a manner that ensures disaster resiliency and
public service recovery.
Goal
UG4 Ensure appropriate recycling and disposal options are in place and made known to
the public to protect the health and welfare of both residents and our environment.
Policies
UP4.1 Promote the recycling of solid waste materials by providing
opportunities for convenient recycling and by developing
educational materials on recycling, composting, and other waste
reduction methods. Waste reduction and source separation are the
city’s preferred strategies for managing solid waste.
Materials remaining after effective waste reduction and source
separation should be managed in accordance with the KC-
CSWMP and HWMP Plan.
UP4.2 Administer solid waste collection services in ways that
minimize adverse impacts such as noise, litter, environmental
pollution, and disruption to businesses and neighborhoods.
UP4.3 Provide uniform collection service to areas annexed to the city as
soon as practicable, referencing RCW policies but also seeking
uniformity via contract or franchise elements.
UP4.4 Develop and implement Preferred Building Code Elements,
including space allocation for several waste streams (garbage,
compostables, recyclables, hazardous materials, food waste, and
other process wastes). Incorporate design elements that enable
access to services, both for tenants and collection service vehicle.
Consider development of a preference for covered solid waste
enclosures or facilities that are tied to sanitary sewer to help reduce
potential surface water management issues, and perform a
comprehensive analysis to determine which elements should be
grandfathered versus required improvements.
UP4.5 Provide for the safe and convenient disposal of hazardous
household waste through permanent and conveniently located
collection facilities for residents and small businesses to access.
UP4.6 Educate the public in the proper handling and disposal of hazardous
household waste and on the use of alternative products or practices
which result in reducing the use and storage of hazardous materials
in homes and businesses.
UP4.7 Ensure compliance with new state requirements on commercial
compost collection
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Goal
UG5 Ensure that ratepayers receive high-quality and reliable services at reasonable cost
when contracting with collection service providers.
Policies
UP5.1 Maintain a cost-effective and responsive solid waste collection
system, with the overarching objective of ratepayers receiving high-
quality services at a reasonable cost. Planning of our solid waste
collection system will consider costs (internal to the city’s ratepayers
– both residents and businesses, and external at the system level) as
well as long-term factors such as cost-effective and environmentally
preferred disposal options.
Goal
UG6 Actively engage and participate in KC-CSWMP updates and implementation,
working toward aligning the plan with Federal Way’s needs and the needs of
ratepayers.
Policies
UP6.1 The City recognizes the KC-CSWMP and the HWMP Plan. Policies
in these plans will be referenced by the city as appropriate.
UP6.2 Seek an effective regional approach to solid waste management,
to leverage economies of scale and move toward similarities in
services and parallel educational messaging.
UP6.3 Cooperate with other private and public agencies in the region to
manage and control hazardous waste and moderate risk waste,
including household hazardous substances and moderate risk
wastes generated by area businesses and institutions.
Goal
UG7 Work toward more equitable and affordable access to telecommunications services throughout
Federal Way, with a particular focus on identifying coverage gaps and supporting increased
access by historically marginalized and disproportionately burdened communities.
Policies
UP7.1 Encourage, to the extent practical, the supply of all utilities to existing and new
homes, offices, industrial, and commercial buildings.
UP7.2 Utilize existing and emerging communications technologies to
communicate with residents and businesses.
UP7.3 Identify development regulations and policies that support equitable,
affordable, convenient and reliable utilities in Federal Way.
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