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Council votes to notify property owners of historic race- and faith‑based restrictive covenants
Summary
The council unanimously approved a staff recommendation to notify up to 288 property owners that their titles may include historic race‑ and faith‑restrictive covenants and to outline steps for removal, with staff to coordinate information and links to King County resources.
The Federal Way City Council voted unanimously on Oct. 21 to notify property owners about historic race‑ and faith‑based restrictive covenants that remain on some deeds in the city.
Community Development Director Keith Dibben told the council the city’s inventory lists 288 properties with such covenants, many created decades before Federal Way incorporated. Dibben said the covenants are legally unenforceable but that “the symbolism of it is basically what we’re addressing.”
After questions from several council members about how notifications should be handled, Councilmember McDaniel urged care and timing. McDaniel — who helped identify the covenants while reviewing the city’s comprehensive plan update — said the outreach should be “light is the best disinfectant” and recommended avoiding the holiday season for mailings.
Council members discussed two approaches: simply notify owners that the covenants exist and provide a King County link explaining removal steps; or notify owners and offer more active assistance (for example, hosting an informational meeting or working with King County/the courts). Staff said the recommended option would be to issue a notice that includes step‑by‑step information and links to county resources; staff noted it will be difficult to avoid some additional phone and email inquiries once mailings start.
The council approved a motion to provide notification and outline options for property owners, directing staff to include instructions and contact information for King County and to prepare materials residents can use if they seek removal. The vote was unanimous.
Why it matters: the notices are intended to surface historical discriminatory language that, while not legally enforceable, causes community harm and discomfort. City officials said the outreach is informational — not mandatory — and will point residents to the legal, county‑level steps to challenge or remove restrictive covenants.
Implementation notes: staff said the letters will include a link to a King County website and contact information for city staff who can answer process questions. Dibben recommended against a mass in‑person meeting as the first step but said the city could host follow‑up sessions if property owners request help.
Ending: Councilmembers praised the effort as a symbolic step toward addressing historic discrimination; the council’s motion instructs staff to issue notices and provide clear, vetted guidance on next steps for property owners.
