Fence permits in Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a fence 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 fence need a permit in Federal Way?
A building permit is not required for a fence not over 6 feet high; a fence over 6 feet requires a permit. The exemption list notes that other code requirements may still apply, and zoning height limits in FWRC Title 19 apply regardless.
In the source's own words
“Fences not over 6 feet high **”Source ↗verified 2026-05-29
Required submittals
- Site plan w/ heights and setbacks (if permit required)
Inspection sequence
- Final (if permit required)
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 fence 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 fence quote.
Notes & caveats
Federal Way's 6-foot exemption is stricter than the 2021 IRC R105.2 default of 7 feet (2134 mm); the city's own residential permit-exemption list governs. Neighboring Tacoma does exempt up to 7 feet — do not carry one city's threshold to the other.
Fence permit fee estimate in Federal Way
Worked example for a $6,000 fence project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $291.83 |
| Plan review | $189.69 |
| Automation fee (5% of the permit fee, $43 minimum) | $43 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.50 |
| Estimated total | $531.02 |
A fence over 6 feet needs a building permit in Federal Way, priced on the value of the work off Valuation Table A: $89.54 up to $1,000, and $157.11 for the first $2,000 plus $33.68 for each $1,000 more up to $25,000; 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 Federal Way fence — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (1).
- 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 $531 for a $6,000 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
Fence permits in Federal Way — FAQ
When does a fence need a permit in Federal Way?
A building permit is not required for a fence not over 6 feet high; a fence over 6 feet requires a permit. The exemption list notes that other code requirements may still apply, and zoning height limits in FWRC Title 19 apply regardless.
How much does a fence permit cost in Federal Way?
For a $6,000 fence project, the estimated Federal Way permit fee is about $531.02 (building fee $291.83 + plan review $189.69 + 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.