HVAC permits in City of Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a HVAC / mechanical 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 HVAC / mechanical need a permit in City of Federal Way?
WAC 51-52 (2021 IMC) and WAC 51-56 (2021 UPC) require mechanical permit for any equipment install, replacement, or relocation. WSEC R403 requires sizing per Manual J/S/D for new equipment.
How City of Federal Way adopted this rule
The threshold comes from the state code (WAC 51.52), which City of Federal Way adopts by reference in the provision quoted below.
“13.26.020 2021 International Mechanical Code adopted. The 2021 Edition of the International Mechanical Code (IMC) as published by the International Code Council (ICC) is hereby adopted by reference pursuant to Chapter 19.27 RCW and Chapter 51-52 WAC. In the case of conflict between the duct sealing or insulation requirements of Section 603 or 604 of the IMC and the duct sealing or insulation requirements of Chapter 51-11C WAC, the Washington State Energy Code, the provisions of the Energy Code shall govern. (Ord. No. 24-980, § 7, 1-16-24; Ord. No. 21-910, § 16, 4-6-21; Ord. No.”Source ↗verified 2026-09-24
Required submittals
- equipment specs (model #, capacity)
- Manual J/S/D for new system
- gas piping diagram if applicable
- electrical permit cross-reference
Inspection sequence
- rough-in / gas pressure test
- final
Contractor specialties needed
hvac, electrical-01-or-02 (for heat pump tie-in)
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 HVAC / mechanical 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 HVAC / mechanical quote.
Notes & caveats
Heat pump or AC condensate must drain per IMC. Combustion appliance: combustion air, venting, gas piping leak test. WA HB 1185 (HEEHRA): heat-pump rebates available through energy.wa.gov.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Federal Way HVAC / mechanical — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (4).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Apply via MyBuildingPermit.com. ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Mechanical permit + electrical permit (if new circuit) + plumbing permit (if condensate to drain).) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull HVAC / mechanical 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
HVAC permits in City of Federal Way — FAQ
When does a HVAC / mechanical need a permit in City of Federal Way?
WAC 51-52 (2021 IMC) and WAC 51-56 (2021 UPC) require mechanical permit for any equipment install, replacement, or relocation. WSEC R403 requires sizing per Manual J/S/D for new equipment.
How much does a HVAC / mechanical permit cost in City of Federal Way?
Current fee per the City of Federal Way fee schedule: Mechanical permit + electrical permit (if new circuit) + plumbing permit (if condensate to drain).. Plus ancillary plan-review/tech-surcharge fees per city schedule.