Deck permits in City of Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a deck 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..
When does a deck need a permit in City of Federal Way?
A building permit is required for a deck larger than 200 sq ft, OR greater than 30 inches above the ground, OR attached to the house, OR within an environmentally critical area or buffer. Decks ≤200 sq ft and ≤30 inches above grade are exempt.
From City of Federal Way's own page
“A Building Permit is required for decks that are larger than 200 square feet OR are greater than 30" above the ground OR are attached to the house OR are within an environmentally critical area or buffer.”Source ↗verified 2026-06-26
Required submittals
- Completed permit application
- Complete set of drawings (site plan, footing plan, deck framing plan, connection detail, elevation drawings, guardrail detail, stair and handrail detail)
- Structural calculations, if applicable
- Septic approval by King County Health Department, if applicable
Inspection sequence
- footing
- framing
- final
Contractor specialties needed
general
Notes & caveats
Ledger connection details per IRC R507. Guards required for walking surfaces ≥30in above grade (R312). Lateral load connection required for attached decks (R507.9.2).
Deck permit fee estimate in City of Federal Way
Worked example for a $18,000 deck project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $293.25 |
| Plan review | $190.61 |
| WA state surcharge | $4.5 |
| Estimated total | $488.36 |
Most jurisdictions handle decks as field-inspection or simplified plan review. Computed from the City of Federal Way fee bracket schedule · source ↗. Impact/utility fees may apply separately.
How to apply
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Federal Way deck — 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: Apply via MyBuildingPermit.com. ↗
- 4. Track review (typical: —). Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Most jurisdictions handle decks as field-inspection or simplified plan review.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Deck permits in City of Federal Way — FAQ
When does a deck need a permit in City of Federal Way?
A building permit is required for a deck larger than 200 sq ft, OR greater than 30 inches above the ground, OR attached to the house, OR within an environmentally critical area or buffer. Decks ≤200 sq ft and ≤30 inches above grade are exempt.
How much does a deck permit cost in City of Federal Way?
For a $18,000 deck project, the estimated City of Federal Way permit fee is about $488.36 — building fee $293.25 + plan review $190.61 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.