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..
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to City of Federal Way's source.
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.
In the source's own words
“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 2026-09-24
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
Who can do this work in City of Federal Way?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout City of Federal Way and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the deck permit with Apply via MyBuildingPermit.com., carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a City of Federal Way deck quote.
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 — Washington baseline, not City of Federal Way's own schedule
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 | $6.5 |
| Estimated total | $490.36 |
Most jurisdictions handle decks as field-inspection or simplified plan review. We have not read City of Federal Way's adopted fee schedule, so this is not City of Federal Way's fee: it walks the standard valuation table most Washington cities adopt by reference, as a rough guide. The real numbers are in City of Federal Way's fee schedule ↗. Impact/utility fees may apply separately.
How to apply yourself
- 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. 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.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull deck permits in City of Federal Way every month. We prepare the drawings and submittals, file with Apply via MyBuildingPermit.com., handle reviewer comments, and build the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
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 $490.36 — building fee $293.25 + plan review $190.61 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.