Deck permits in Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a deck 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 deck need a permit in 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 2026-05-29
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 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 deck 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 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 estimate in Federal Way
Worked example for an $18,000 deck project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $695.99 |
| Plan review | $452.39 |
| Automation fee (5% of the permit fee, $43 minimum) | $43 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.50 |
| Estimated total | $1,197.88 |
Federal Way prices a deck'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, where plans are reviewed, is 65% of that 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 deck in Federal Way — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline, critical-area or historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 4 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 $1,198 for an $18,000 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
Deck permits in Federal Way — FAQ
When does a deck need a permit in 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 Federal Way?
For a $18,000 deck project, the estimated Federal Way permit fee is about $1,197.88 (building fee $695.99 + plan review $452.39 + 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.