You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-09-16.
Federal Way building permits
Federal Way, Washington — as published 2026-09-16.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Building Permit
Required for construction in Federal Way under FWRC Title 13. The city adopts the 2021 IBC by name, with accessibility provisions expressly beyond local amendment.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Requirements
- Built to the 2021 Edition of the International Building Code, with Appendices E and J
- Accessibility is to IBC Chapter 11 and ICC A117.1-2017 and CANNOT be locally amended
- Plumbing is to the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code
- A private sewage disposal system needs King County Department of Health approval
Required documents
- RequiredPermit application as required by the City of Federal WayPermit application as required by the City of Federal Way
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Not stated in this guide - see notes | NO PERMIT AMOUNTS ARE STATED HERE FOR FEDERAL WAY. Show full citationHideNO PERMIT AMOUNTS ARE STATED HERE FOR FEDERAL WAY. The chapters read for this entry adopt the codes and set the appeal procedure; they do not carry a permit fee schedule, and no fee chapter was opened. WHAT THE CODE DOES SAY ABOUT FEES IS WORTH KNOWING: FWRC 13.11.084 requires "an appeal fee consistent with the fee schedule maintained by the city clerk" - so the schedule lives with the clerk, outside the code - and adds that "The appeal fee may be refunded to the appellant should the appellant prevail before the hearing examiner." |
Appeal a Building Code Decision
Federal Way sends appeals to a hearing examiner on a 14-day clock, with a fee that can be refunded if you win.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Requirements
- File a written appeal within 14 days of the date of the building official's decision
- Pay an appeal fee consistent with the fee schedule maintained by the city clerk
- The appeal must claim the code was incorrectly interpreted or applied, that the provisions do not apply, or that an equally good or better form of construction, method of protection or safety is proposed
- The notice must clearly reference the matter and state the specific elements appealed
Required documents
- RequiredWritten notice of appeal referencing the matter and the specific elements of the decisi...Written notice of appeal referencing the matter and the specific elements of the decision appealed, plus the appeal fee
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Not stated in this guide - see notes | NO PERMIT AMOUNTS ARE STATED HERE FOR FEDERAL WAY. Show full citationHideNO PERMIT AMOUNTS ARE STATED HERE FOR FEDERAL WAY. The chapters read for this entry adopt the codes and set the appeal procedure; they do not carry a permit fee schedule, and no fee chapter was opened. WHAT THE CODE DOES SAY ABOUT FEES IS WORTH KNOWING: FWRC 13.11.084 requires "an appeal fee consistent with the fee schedule maintained by the city clerk" - so the schedule lives with the clerk, outside the code - and adds that "The appeal fee may be refunded to the appellant should the appellant prevail before the hearing examiner." |
Verify a Contractor Licence
Washington contractors register with the Department of Labor & Industries. Registration is a STATE record; Federal Way does not issue it.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Requirements
- Check contractor registration with Washington State Labor & Industries
Required documents
- OptionalNo city document requiredNo city document - check the state register
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Not stated in this guide - see notes | NO PERMIT AMOUNTS ARE STATED HERE FOR FEDERAL WAY. Show full citationHideNO PERMIT AMOUNTS ARE STATED HERE FOR FEDERAL WAY. The chapters read for this entry adopt the codes and set the appeal procedure; they do not carry a permit fee schedule, and no fee chapter was opened. WHAT THE CODE DOES SAY ABOUT FEES IS WORTH KNOWING: FWRC 13.11.084 requires "an appeal fee consistent with the fee schedule maintained by the city clerk" - so the schedule lives with the clerk, outside the code - and adds that "The appeal fee may be refunded to the appellant should the appellant prevail before the hearing examiner." |
Sources & verification
Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-09-16.
Codes & ordinances
Department & other records
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Federal Way building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.