Electrical permits in City of Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)

Everything you need to know about pulling a electrical 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..

Permit required?
Yes — see threshold below
Permit fee
L&I permit fees by circuit count + service size. Standard residential ~$60-$200.
Review timeline

When does a electrical need a permit in City of Federal Way?

Electrical work requires a permit except minor work — replacement of branch-circuit overcurrent devices and minor electrical repair (replacing lamps, connecting approved portable equipment) are exempt. Federal Way adopts NEC 2023.

From City of Federal Way's own page

Minor electrical repair work, including replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment.
Source ↗verified 2026-06-26

Required submittals

  • scope description
  • load calc for service changes
  • panel schedule for new panels

Inspection sequence

  1. rough-in
  2. service inspection (if applicable)
  3. final

Contractor specialties needed

electrical-01-or-02

Notes & caveats

Service upgrade: load calc per NEC 220. EV charger ≥40A: dedicated circuit + GFCI. AFCI required on most habitable-space circuits (NEC 210.12). Permit holder must hold L&I electrical contractor license (specialty 01 — general; 02 — residential ≤4 units; 03 — pump & irrigation; etc.).

Electrical permit fee estimate in City of Federal Way

Worked example for a $6,000 electrical project (electrical permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.

Building permit fee$250
Plan review$162.5
WA state surcharge$4.5
Estimated total$417

Larger projects: ~$200 + $50 per additional $5,000 Computed from the City of Federal Way fee bracket schedule · source ↗. Impact/utility fees may apply separately.

How to apply

  1. 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Federal Way electrical — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
  2. 2. Assemble submittals (3).
  3. 3. Submit through the city portal: Apply via MyBuildingPermit.com.
  4. 4. Track review (typical: ). Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
  5. 5. Pay issuance fees (L&I permit fees by circuit count + service size. Standard residential ~$60-$200.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.

Electrical permits in City of Federal Way — FAQ

When does a electrical need a permit in City of Federal Way?

Electrical work requires a permit except minor work — replacement of branch-circuit overcurrent devices and minor electrical repair (replacing lamps, connecting approved portable equipment) are exempt. Federal Way adopts NEC 2023.

How much does a electrical permit cost in City of Federal Way?

For a $6,000 electrical project, the estimated City of Federal Way permit fee is about $417 — building fee $250 + plan review $162.5 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.

City of Federal Way resourcesPermit portal ↗Fee schedule ↗