Kitchen remodel permits in City of Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a kitchen remodel 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..
When does a kitchen remodel need a permit in City of Federal Way?
Cosmetic finish work (cabinets, countertops, tile) is exempt; remodels touching framing, wiring, plumbing, or mechanical require a permit per the Single Family Remodel Checklist (#156).
From City of Federal Way's own page
“Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.”Source ↗verified 2026-06-26
Required submittals
- floor plan with fixture locations
- electrical layout
- plumbing diagram
- WSEC compliance form if envelope/lighting affected
Inspection sequence
- rough-in (electrical/plumbing/mechanical)
- insulation if walls opened
- drywall
- final
Contractor specialties needed
general, electrical-01-or-02, plumbing, mechanical
Notes & caveats
2021 IRC R105.1 requires building permits for "construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, removal, conversion, or demolition" except work listed in R105.2. New electrical circuits → electrical permit (WAC 296-46B). New/relocated plumbing fixtures → plumbing permit (UPC, WAC 51-56). New gas line or range hood vent → mechanical permit.
Kitchen remodel permit fee estimate in City of Federal Way
Worked example for a $35,000 kitchen remodel project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $492.25 |
| Plan review | $319.96 |
| WA state surcharge | $4.5 |
| Estimated total | $816.71 |
Fees set by jurisdiction. WA Building Code Council surcharge: $4.50 per building permit. Trade permits separate. Computed from the City of Federal Way fee bracket schedule · source ↗. Impact/utility fees may apply separately.
How to apply
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Federal Way kitchen remodel — 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 (typical: —). Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Fees set by jurisdiction. WA Building Code Council surcharge: $4.50 per building permit. Trade permits separate.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Kitchen remodel permits in City of Federal Way — FAQ
When does a kitchen remodel need a permit in City of Federal Way?
Cosmetic finish work (cabinets, countertops, tile) is exempt; remodels touching framing, wiring, plumbing, or mechanical require a permit per the Single Family Remodel Checklist (#156).
How much does a kitchen remodel permit cost in City of Federal Way?
For a $35,000 kitchen remodel project, the estimated City of Federal Way permit fee is about $816.71 — building fee $492.25 + plan review $319.96 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.
