Federal Way, Washington Building Permits
Navigate the Federal Way building permit process with our expert guide. Learn about timelines, fees, and code requirements for residential and commercial projects.
Wind
ASCE 7 basic wind speed: 110 mph (Ultimate design wind speed)
Snow Load
Ground snow load: 25 psf
Flood
Federal Way utilizes FEMA FIRM maps; most properties are outside high-risk zones, but shoreline areas near the Puget Sound may require flood elevation certificates.
Earthquake
Seismic Design Category D1/D2
Wildfire
Low risk; however, projects near forested gulches or critical areas must comply with local vegetation management and fire-resistive material requirements.
Building Department
City of Federal Way Community Development Department - Building Division
Approval Timeline
Residential permits typically take 4-8 weeks for review, while commercial projects generally range from 8-12 weeks depending on the complexity of the scope.
Common Requirements
Applicants typically require a site plan, structural framing plans, elevation drawings, energy code compliance forms, and proof of utility connection or septic approval.
Zoning Information
Federal Way uses a land-use zoning system categorized by residential (R), commercial (C), and industrial (M) districts, guided by the Federal Way Municipal Code Title 19.
Permit Costs
Fees are calculated based on the total valuation of the project, plus surcharges for state building code training and plan review hours.
Engineering Requirements
Engineered stamps are required for any structural modification, foundation work, or projects involving complex framing spans exceeding standard residential code prescriptive paths.
Local Code Adoption
2021 International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) with Washington State amendments.
Typical Projects
Residential kitchen remodels, deck additions, detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs), and commercial tenant improvements.