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Federal Way permit search

For Federal Way building permits, use MyBuildingPermit’s public status search and select Federal Way before entering a permit number or location. The city Permit Center handles application review and inspections; its residential exemption guidance excludes work in critical areas and their buffers. Search MyBuildingPermit records

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Sources read: 2026-10-31Updated 2026-10-31

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Federal Way permit timing: current guidance and historical report

Inspection scheduling, current city guidanceUp to 48 hours, depending on workload; priority for homeowners and time-sensitive inspectionsInspection Information | City of Federal Way, City of Federal Way (authority grain), read 2026-10-31
2024 Construction Permit: processing with pauses126 calendar days on average; one decision in the report rowPermit Center | City of Federal Way, City of Federal Way (authority grain), read 2026-10-31
2024 Construction Permit: review without pauses102 calendar days on average; one decision in the report rowPermit Center | City of Federal Way, City of Federal Way (authority grain), read 2026-10-31

Download this table: CSV · JSON

Federal Way permit status

Use the public Check Status form with Federal Way selected. Search by permit number or location; the Project Info option includes a Permit Status field. The search page is separate from the application link on the MyBuildingPermit home page.

For older online applications, open E-Permits Archive. The archive draws its boundary at applications made on or before October 19, 2023; its notice dates the move to MyBuildingPermit to October 20, 2023.

Only use this portal to access permits applied for on or before October 19, 2023.

Source: CSDC eNtraprise - City of Federal Way's Online Services, read 2026-10-31

Do I need a permit for a fence in Federal Way?

The city places the following fence item in its residential building-permit exemption list under IRC Section R105.2. Read it with the critical-area exception below: the height item does not remove that exception.

Fences not over 6 feet high**

Source: Residential Permit Exemptions | City of Federal Way, read 2026-10-31

Exception: Any work in any critical area including but not limited to wetlands, streams, landslide hazard and their buffers is not exempt from permits.

Source: Residential Permit Exemptions | City of Federal Way, read 2026-10-31

The double asterisk on the fence item means other code requirements may apply to the improvement. The page also says separate permits may be required for the listed exempt items unless otherwise exempted; use the Permit Center link for a project-specific question.

Start my request for a fence in Federal Way

Do I need a permit for a shed in Federal Way

The residential exemption list describes one-story detached accessory structures by floor area and excludes storm shelters from that item. This is the city’s published exemption language, under IRC Section R105.2:

Other than storm shelters, one-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58m2)

Source: Residential Permit Exemptions | City of Federal Way, read 2026-10-31

Critical-area work, including work in the listed buffers, is outside the city’s permit exemptions. Separate permits may also be needed for an otherwise exempt item. Apply those limitations alongside the accessory-structure description when discussing a shed with the Permit Center.

Start my request for a shed in Federal Way

Can a homeowner pull their own permit in Federal Way?

MyBuildingPermit describes eligibility to apply in terms of a registered user. Its separate instruction for a property owner using a contractor requires that contractor to complete online registration before the owner can obtain a permit through the portal.

Any registered user of this site can apply.

Source: Before You Start | MBP, read 2026-10-31

What work does not need a permit in Federal Way?

Federal Way’s residential list includes finish work such as painting, tiling and cabinets. Its deck item is more conditional: floor area, height above grade, attachment to a dwelling and service to the required exit door appear together in the exemption.

Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.

Source: Residential Permit Exemptions | City of Federal Way, read 2026-10-31

Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling, and do not serve the exit door required by IRC, Section R311.4.

Source: Residential Permit Exemptions | City of Federal Way, read 2026-10-31

These items remain subject to the page’s critical-area exception, and the page warns that separate permits may be required unless otherwise exempted. The exemption list is a place to read the stated conditions, rather than evidence that a project in a critical area is exempt.

How much is a permit and how long does it take in Federal Way?

The city’s Building Permits page lists a 2026 Permit Fees document. Open that page for the schedule; this page does not reproduce an amount. The Permit Center says a document-upload link can take a few days to process after you request it.

For inspections, the city describes an allowance of up to 48 hours depending on workload, with priority for homeowners, concrete inspections, reroofs and other time-sensitive work. An inspection missed on the requested day moves to the next working day unless other arrangements are made.

Every effort will be made to perform inspections on the requested day, but it may take up to 48 hours, depending on workload. Priority will be given to homeowners, concrete inspections, reroofs, and other time- or weather-sensitive types of inspections.

Source: Inspection Information | City of Federal Way, read 2026-10-31

The historical Construction Permit row in the city’s 2024 annual report records one decision, with an average of 126 calendar days to process with pauses and 102 calendar days of review without pauses. That is the scope of those report figures; it does not establish a review target for a residential application.

Before you apply in Federal Way: checklist

For an application that needs review, the city asks you to request a Document Upload Link first. Staff then creates a project file and sends a link for the application materials. The city asks for detailed information in the request and says the link may take a few days to arrive.

For residential electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits, the Permit Center points to MyBuildingPermit for online applications. The portal home provides Apply for Permit. The city also lists building and trade application handouts on its Building Permit Applications and Informational Handouts page.

All applications that require review must be submitted electronically. To apply, first request a Document Upload Link. We will then set up a file for your project and send you a link for submitting your application materials. You will not receive the link immediately – it can take a few days to process your request. Please be very detailed when completing the link request to avoid delays in processing.

Source: Permit Center | City of Federal Way, read 2026-10-31

How do I contact the Federal Way building department?

Use the city Permitting & Licensing page to reach the Permit Center. Its published public-counter hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; the counter is closed to the public on Wednesdays. The page also provides the office’s contact options.

The Permit Center is closed to the public on Wednesdays.

Source: Permit Center | City of Federal Way, read 2026-10-31

Sources

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