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

Everything you need to know about pulling a fence 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?
Often no
Permit fee
Typically no fee unless permit required.
Review timeline
· OTC eligible

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

A building permit is not required for a fence 7 feet or under in height; taller fences require a permit. Zoning height limits in FWRC Title 19 still apply.

From City of Federal Way's own page

Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high.
Source ↗verified 2026-06-26

Required submittals

  • site plan w/ heights and setbacks (if permit required)

Inspection sequence

  1. final (if permit required)

Contractor specialties needed

general

Notes & caveats

The exemption page renders "7 fee" — an obvious typo for the IRC R105.2 standard "7 feet (2134 mm)".

Fence permit fee estimate in City of Federal Way

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

Building permit fee$125.25
Plan review$81.41
WA state surcharge$4.5
Estimated total$211.16

Typically no fee unless permit required. 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 fence — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
  2. 2. Assemble submittals (1).
  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 (Typically no fee unless permit required.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.

Fence permits in City of Federal Way — FAQ

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

A building permit is not required for a fence 7 feet or under in height; taller fences require a permit. Zoning height limits in FWRC Title 19 still apply.

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

For a $6,000 fence project, the estimated City of Federal Way permit fee is about $211.16 — building fee $125.25 + plan review $81.41 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.

City of Federal Way resourcesPermit portal ↗Fee schedule ↗