Bathroom remodel permits in City of Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)

Everything you need to know about pulling a bathroom remodel permit in City of 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 Apply via MyBuildingPermit.com..

Permit required?
Yes — see threshold below
Permit fee
Fees set by jurisdiction. Plus separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits.
Review timeline

When does a bathroom remodel need a permit in City of Federal Way?

Clearing stoppages and repairing leaks are exempt, but new or relocated plumbing fixtures are not on the exemption list and require a permit; finish-only work (tile) is exempt.

From City of Federal Way's own page

The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures.
Source ↗verified 2026-06-26

Required submittals

  • floor plan with fixture locations
  • plumbing diagram
  • electrical layout
  • waterproofing detail at tub/shower

Inspection sequence

  1. rough-in (electrical/plumbing/mechanical)
  2. shower-pan/waterproofing
  3. insulation if walls opened
  4. drywall
  5. final

Contractor specialties needed

general, plumbing

Notes & caveats

2021 IRC R105.1. GFCI/AFCI required at bathroom outlets per NEC 210.8 + WA amendments. Exhaust fan must vent to exterior (IRC R303). Tile shower waterproofing inspection required (PMG-001 / TCNA-aligned).

Bathroom remodel permit fee estimate in City of Federal Way

Worked example for a $22,000 bathroom remodel project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.

Building permit fee$349.25
Plan review$227.01
WA state surcharge$4.5
Estimated total$580.76

Fees set by jurisdiction. Plus separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. Computed from the City of Federal Way fee bracket schedule · source ↗. Impact/utility fees may apply separately.

How to apply

  1. 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Federal Way bathroom remodel — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
  2. 2. Assemble submittals (4).
  3. 3. Submit through the city portal: Apply via MyBuildingPermit.com.
  4. 4. Track review (typical: ). Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
  5. 5. Pay issuance fees (Fees set by jurisdiction. Plus separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.

Bathroom remodel permits in City of Federal Way — FAQ

When does a bathroom remodel need a permit in City of Federal Way?

Clearing stoppages and repairing leaks are exempt, but new or relocated plumbing fixtures are not on the exemption list and require a permit; finish-only work (tile) is exempt.

How much does a bathroom remodel permit cost in City of Federal Way?

For a $22,000 bathroom remodel project, the estimated City of Federal Way permit fee is about $580.76 — building fee $349.25 + plan review $227.01 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.

City of Federal Way resourcesPermit portal ↗Fee schedule ↗