Bathroom remodel permits in Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a bathroom remodel 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 — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to Federal Way's source.
When does a bathroom remodel need a permit in 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.
In the source's own words
“The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures.”Source ↗verified 2026-05-29
Required submittals
- Floor plan with fixture locations
- Plumbing diagram
- Electrical layout
- Waterproofing detail at tub/shower
Inspection sequence
- Rough-in (electrical/plumbing/mechanical)
- Shower-pan/waterproofing
- Insulation if walls opened
- Drywall
- Final
Contractor specialties needed
General contractor · Plumber
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 bathroom remodel 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 bathroom remodel quote.
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 Federal Way
Worked example for a $22,000 bathroom remodel project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $830.71 |
| Plan review | $539.96 |
| Automation fee (5% of the permit fee, $43 minimum) | $43 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.50 |
| Estimated total | $1,420.17 |
Federal Way prices a bathroom remodel'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. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your Federal Way bathroom remodel — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (4).
- 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 $1,420 for a $22,000 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
Bathroom remodel permits in Federal Way — FAQ
When does a bathroom remodel need a permit in 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 Federal Way?
For a $22,000 bathroom remodel project, the estimated Federal Way permit fee is about $1,420.17 (building fee $830.71 + plan review $539.96 + 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.