Demolition permits in City of Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a demolition 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 demolition need a permit in City of Federal Way?
2021 IBC Section 105.1 + WA-adopted IRC R105.1: demolition of any structure or portion thereof requires a permit. Tear-out of interior finishes only is generally treated as alteration. Asbestos / lead notification often required separately under WAC 173-303 / 296-62.
How City of Federal Way adopted this rule
The threshold comes from the state code (WAC 51.51), which City of Federal Way adopts by reference in the provision quoted below.
“13.16.020 2021 International Building Code adopted. The 2021 Edition of the International Building Code (IBC), including the following appendix chapters: (1) Appendix E, published by the International Code Council (ICC), is hereby adopted by reference pursuant to Chapter 19.27 RCW and Chapter 51-50 WAC. The International Building Code requirements for barrier-free accessibility, Chapter 11, and other IBC requirements for barrier-free access, including ICC A117.1-2017 and Appendix E, are adopted pursuant to Chapters 19.27 and 70.92 RCW and shall not be amended by local government.”Source ↗verified 2026-09-24
Required submittals
- site plan
- utility disconnect confirmations
- asbestos survey (pre-1981 structures)
- erosion / sediment control plan
- haul route if structure >1500 sqft
Inspection sequence
- pre-demo (utilities + erosion)
- mid-demo if multi-day
- final site stabilization
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 demolition 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 demolition quote.
Notes & caveats
Disconnect notices required from utilities (gas, electric, water, sewer) before issuance. Erosion control plan required where soil is disturbed. Bonded contractor typically required. Site stabilization + capped sewer line at completion.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Federal Way demolition — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (5).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Apply via MyBuildingPermit.com. ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Demolition fees commonly charged as flat fee or by structure size. State surcharge $6.50 applies.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull demolition 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
Demolition permits in City of Federal Way — FAQ
When does a demolition need a permit in City of Federal Way?
2021 IBC Section 105.1 + WA-adopted IRC R105.1: demolition of any structure or portion thereof requires a permit. Tear-out of interior finishes only is generally treated as alteration. Asbestos / lead notification often required separately under WAC 173-303 / 296-62.
How much does a demolition permit cost in City of Federal Way?
Current fee per the City of Federal Way fee schedule: Demolition fees commonly charged as flat fee or by structure size. State surcharge $6.50 applies.. Plus ancillary plan-review/tech-surcharge fees per city schedule.