Federal Way Firearm Laws - Permits, Storage & Discharge
Federal Way, Washington residents must follow both local ordinances and Washington state statutes when owning, storing, transporting, or discharging firearms. This guide summarizes how city rules interact with state law, who enforces those rules, where to find official text, and practical steps to comply and report violations. For the controlling city code and local provisions consult the Federal Way municipal code.[1] For statewide firearms regulations, including background on licensing and prohibited conduct, consult Washington state law.[2]
Where rules come from
The main legal sources are the Federal Way municipal code and Washington state statutes (Chapter 9.41 RCW and related sections). Local regulations implement public safety priorities and define prohibited conduct within city limits, while state law governs licensing, transfers, and many criminal offenses.
Permits, possession, and carrying
Federal Way does not publish a separate city-issued concealed-carry permit system; concealed pistol licenses and certain state-regulated permits are governed by Washington law and implemented by county authorities or state agencies. City police enforce local prohibitions on firearms in designated public places and respond to complaints.
- Permits: Concealed pistol licenses are governed by state law; see RCW 9.41 and county permit offices.[2]
- Age and possession rules: Subject to state statutes and federal restrictions; local code addresses public-safety locations.
- Prohibited locations: City-owned facilities may restrict firearms by policy or posted signs.
Safe storage and transfer
Safe storage expectations are primarily addressed in state law; local enforcement focuses on preventing unauthorized access, especially by minors. If safe-storage obligations or penalties are amended locally they will appear in the municipal code or police guidance.
- Storage penalties: Not specified on the cited municipal code page.[1]
- Transfer rules: Transfers and background checks are governed by state and federal law; consult RCW 9.41 for state provisions.[2]
- Preventing access by minors: Use locked containers or certified safety devices and follow state guidance.
Discharge of firearms within city limits
City ordinances typically prohibit negligent or unsafe discharge inside municipal limits except where expressly allowed (approved ranges, law enforcement actions, authorized hunting outside urban growth boundaries, or other exceptions). Consult the municipal code for any location-based prohibitions or exceptions.
- General prohibition: Discharging firearms in populated areas is restricted; see municipal code for specific language and exceptions.[1]
- Reporting unsafe discharge: Contact Federal Way Police non-emergency or 911 for active danger.
- Authorized uses: Law enforcement, permitted ranges, and statutory exceptions under state law.[2]
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is carried out by the Federal Way Police Department for local violations and by state law enforcement for state offenses. Where the municipal code or local orders set penalties, those amounts and escalation rules are stated in the ordinance text; if a fine or specific sanction is not listed on the cited page we note that below.
- Fines and monetary penalties: Not specified on the cited municipal code page.[1]
- Escalation: First, repeat, or continuing-offence ranges are not specified on the cited municipal code page where general firearm restrictions are summarized.[1]
- Non-monetary sanctions: Orders to cease activity, seizure of weapons, or referral for criminal charges are available under city enforcement and state law.
- Enforcer and complaints: Federal Way Police Department handles complaints and investigations; see the police contact page in Resources.
- Appeals and review: Appeals of municipal penalties follow the process in the municipal code or municipal court rules; specific time limits are not specified on the cited municipal code summary page.[1]
- Defences and discretion: Defences available under state law (self-defense, law enforcement action, statutory exceptions) apply; permitting or variances are handled per local permitting rules if offered.
Applications & Forms
City-level forms specific to firearm permits are not published because concealed-pistol licensing and many firearm authorizations are governed by state law and county offices. For state licensing and forms consult Washington statutes and your county permit office.[2]
- City forms: None published specifically for firearm permits on the municipal-code summary page; see municipal code for any local application requirements.[1]
- State/county forms: Concealed pistol license or similar permits are handled per state law and by county sheriff/auditor offices; check county permit pages.
FAQ
- Do I need a city permit to possess or carry a firearm in Federal Way?
- No. The city does not operate a separate concealed-pistol permit program; licensing and many carry rules are governed by Washington state law and county offices.[2]
- Where can I legally shoot a firearm inside or near Federal Way?
- Discharge inside city limits is generally restricted; authorized ranges or rural areas outside city jurisdiction may allow discharge. Check municipal code for local restrictions and state law for exceptions.[1]
- How do I report unsafe storage or illegal discharge?
- Report threats or active danger to 911; non-emergency complaints can be made to Federal Way Police via their non-emergency contact or online complaint form.
How-To
- Identify the issue: Is it unsafe storage, illegal discharge, or illegal possession?
- Immediate danger: Call 911 for ongoing threats or violent incidents.
- Non-emergency report: Contact Federal Way Police non-emergency line or file an online complaint with the department.
- Gather documentation: Note dates, times, locations, witness names, and any physical evidence or photos you can safely obtain.
- Follow up: If the matter results in citation or hearing, follow appeal instructions and deadlines on notices or municipal code guidance.
Key Takeaways
- Federal Way enforces local firearm restrictions in concert with Washington state law.
- Report emergencies to 911 and non-emergencies to Federal Way Police.
- Concealed-pistol licensing and many permitting issues are governed by state statute and county offices.
Help and Support / Resources
- Federal Way Police Department - Contact and non-emergency reporting
- Federal Way Municipal Code (municode)
- King County Sheriff - Permits and licensing information