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..
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to City of Federal Way's source.
When does a fence need a permit in City of 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 2026-09-24
Required submittals
- site plan w/ heights and setbacks (if permit required)
Inspection sequence
- final (if permit required)
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 fence 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 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 — Washington baseline, not City of Federal Way's own schedule
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 | $6.5 |
| Estimated total | $213.16 |
Typically no fee unless permit required. We have not read City of Federal Way's adopted fee schedule, so this is not City of Federal Way's fee: it walks the standard valuation table most Washington cities adopt by reference, as a rough guide. The real numbers are in City of Federal Way's fee schedule ↗. Impact/utility fees may apply separately.
How to apply yourself
- 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. Assemble submittals (1).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Apply via MyBuildingPermit.com. ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Typically no fee unless permit required.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull fence 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
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 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 City of Federal Way?
For a $6,000 fence project, the estimated City of Federal Way permit fee is about $213.16 — building fee $125.25 + plan review $81.41 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.