Concrete removal in Federal Way
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In Federal Way, the sidewalk in front of your house is yours to keep safe, and replacing the part of a driveway that meets the street needs a city right-of-way permit. Those two rules shape more concrete jobs here than anything about the slab itself.
This page covers what the City of Federal Way asks for before a driveway or sidewalk comes out, and what you can settle before anyone quotes. When you are ready, send us the details and a few photos. We pass your job to one local concrete removal company, and it costs you nothing to ask.
Local facts for Federal Way
- Sidewalk responsibility
- Federal Way property owners must keep the sidewalk next to their property fit and safe for public travel (FWRC Chapter 4.40), and owners or HOAs are responsible for the roots of trees abutting the property. Source: City of Federal Way: Sidewalk Maintenance and Repair
- Right-of-way permit
- Federal Way requires a right-of-way permit for replacement or modification of driveways and any sidewalk repair, and asks for applications at least two weeks before the start date. Permit desk: 253-835-2725. Source: City of Federal Way: Right of Way Permits
- Permit, bond and insurance
- For sidewalk repairs at single-family homes, the city says owners must apply for a permit and bond, carry insurance, and follow the city sidewalk standards. Source: City of Federal Way: Sidewalk Maintenance and Repair
- County transfer station serving Federal Way
- King County's Bow Lake Recycling & Transfer Station (18800 Orillia Road S, Tukwila) serves residents and businesses largely from the Federal Way, Auburn, Des Moines, Kent and Tukwila areas. Construction debris such as concrete is charged at the garbage rate, and pieces larger than 2x2x2 ft and over 200 lb need a county waste clearance. Source: King County: Bow Lake Recycling and Transfer Station fact sheet
The sidewalk out front is the owner's job
Federal Way's sidewalk page says property owners "keep the sidewalks adjacent to their property fit and safe for the purposes of public travel," under FWRC Chapter 4.40. If a panel has heaved or cracked into a trip edge, the repair is usually yours to arrange.
Trees count too. The same page says the owner, or in some cases the HOA, "has a legal duty to care for the trunk, branches, or roots" of trees next to the property so they do not create a trip hazard. If roots lifted the panel, plan for root work as part of the job, and ask the city before cutting anything large.
When Federal Way wants a right-of-way permit
Public Works lists "replacement or modifications to driveways, any sidewalk repairs, and installation of irrigation systems" among the private uses of the right-of-way that need a permit. For a single-family home, the sidewalk page adds that the owner must "apply for a permit and bond, have insurance, and follow the city sidewalk standards."
The city asks for the application at least two weeks before the start date. Build that into your schedule, especially if a new driveway pour or a sale is waiting on the removal.
- Driveway approach or apron at the street: permit
- Any sidewalk repair, even a single panel: permit
- Patio, walkway or slab entirely inside your lot: no right-of-way permit under this rule, though other codes can still apply
Getting a useful quote the first time
A removal company can price a Federal Way job far more closely when it knows where the concrete sits relative to the property line. Measure the length and width, note whether a truck can reach it from the street, and say whether any part crosses the sidewalk or curb. If it does, ask whether the quote includes pulling the city permit, the bond and the insurance certificate, or whether you are expected to arrange them.
Photos of the edges help most. A crack running under a garage slab or a neighbor's driveway changes where the saw cut has to go.
Questions about concrete removal in Federal Way
Do I need a permit to replace my driveway in Federal Way?
You need a right-of-way permit for any replacement or modification of the driveway where it crosses into the public right-of-way, according to Federal Way Public Works. Apply at least two weeks before you want work to start.
Who pays to fix a cracked sidewalk in front of my house in Federal Way?
The city's sidewalk page puts maintenance on the abutting property owner under FWRC Chapter 4.40, and that includes damage from the roots of trees next to the property. The repair needs a permit, a bond and insurance.
Who do I call about a right-of-way permit in Federal Way?
The city's right-of-way permit desk is on 253-835-2725, and applications are on the city's ROW page.
Can I take broken concrete to Bow Lake?
Yes, if you live in Federal Way, because the city is inside King County's solid waste service area. Construction debris is charged at the garbage rate and dense pieces over 2x2x2 ft and 200 lb need a waste clearance. Our guide on where to dump concrete compares the recyclers that take it.
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