Basement finish permits in Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a basement finish permit in Federal Way, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Federal Way Department of Community Development.
Free lookup, no account needed — the office that issues the permit at your address, and a layout of the room, cited to Federal Way's source.
When does a basement finish need a permit in Federal Way?
Finishing or converting a basement into habitable space is a remodel requiring a building permit; hard-wired smoke detectors must be shown on each floor including basements.
In the source's own words
“Hard-wired smoke detectors shall be shown on each floor (including basements), in each sleeping room.”Source ↗verified 2026-05-29
Required submittals
- Floor plan w/ egress windows + ceiling heights
- Electrical layout
- Plumbing diagram
- Mechanical / HVAC plan
- WSEC compliance form (newly conditioned space)
- Smoke/CO alarm locations
Inspection sequence
- Rough-in (electrical/plumbing/mechanical)
- Framing
- Insulation
- Drywall
- Final
Contractor specialties needed
General contractor · Electrician (journey-level 01 or residential 02) · Mechanical contractor
Who can do this work in Federal Way?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Federal Way and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the basement finish permit with Federal Way Department of Community Development, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Federal Way basement finish quote.
Notes & caveats
Construction permit required for any habitable space addition. Smoke + CO alarms required (R314, R315). Any new circuits, plumbing fixtures, or HVAC requires trade permits.
Basement finish permit fee estimate in Federal Way
Worked example for a $40,000 basement finish project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $1,291.63 |
| Plan review | $839.56 |
| Automation fee (5% of the permit fee, $43 minimum) | $64.58 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.50 |
| Estimated total | $2,202.27 |
Federal Way prices a basement finish's building permit on the value of the work (the ICC's building valuation data, or a bid the Building Official approves), off Valuation Table A: $89.54 up to $1,000, $157.11 for the first $2,000 plus $33.68 for each $1,000 more up to $25,000, and $931.63 for the first $25,000 plus $24.00 for each $1,000 more up to $50,000; plan review is 65% of the building permit fee. Plumbing and mechanical work is priced on the same table by its installation value, and the City's own electrical permit on Valuation Table B, $96.21 up to $1,000 of installation value; plan review, where plans are reviewed, is 65% of each permit fee. Each permit carries the automation fee, the greater of $43 or 5% of the permit fee, and a residential building permit the $6.50 state building code fee (2026 Fee Schedule). Computed from Federal Way's adopted fee schedule · source ↗. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Check who issues the permit. Run an address lookup for your basement finish in Federal Way — we'll confirm which office issues the permit at that address, and you can lay out the room.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 6 documents under Required submittals above.
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Federal Way Department of Community Development ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (about $2,202 for a $40,000 project) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files with Federal Way Department of Community Development, handles reviewer comments, and builds the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Basement finish permits in Federal Way — FAQ
When does a basement finish need a permit in Federal Way?
Finishing or converting a basement into habitable space is a remodel requiring a building permit; hard-wired smoke detectors must be shown on each floor including basements.
How much does a basement finish permit cost in Federal Way?
For a $40,000 basement finish project, the estimated Federal Way permit fee is about $2,202.27 (building fee $1,291.63 + plan review $839.56 + surcharges) from Federal Way's adopted fee schedule. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.