Kitchen remodel permits in Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a kitchen remodel 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 kitchen remodel need a permit in 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).
In the source's own words
“Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.”Source ↗verified 2026-05-29
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 contractor · Electrician (journey-level 01 or residential 02) · Plumber · Mechanical 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 kitchen remodel 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 kitchen remodel quote.
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 Federal Way
Worked example for a $35,000 kitchen remodel project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $1,171.63 |
| Plan review | $761.56 |
| Automation fee (5% of the permit fee, $43 minimum) | $58.58 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.50 |
| Estimated total | $1,998.27 |
Federal Way prices a kitchen remodel's building permit on the value of the work (the ICC's building valuation data, or a bid the Building Official approves), off Valuation Table A: $89.54 up to $1,000, $157.11 for the first $2,000 plus $33.68 for each $1,000 more up to $25,000, and $931.63 for the first $25,000 plus $24.00 for each $1,000 more up to $50,000; plan review is 65% of the building permit fee. Plumbing and mechanical work is priced on the same table by its installation value, and the City's own electrical permit on Valuation Table B, $96.21 up to $1,000 of installation value; plan review, where plans are reviewed, is 65% of each permit 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 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: Federal Way Department of Community Development ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (about $1,998 for a $35,000 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
Kitchen remodel permits in Federal Way — FAQ
When does a kitchen remodel need a permit in 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 Federal Way?
For a $35,000 kitchen remodel project, the estimated Federal Way permit fee is about $1,998.27 (building fee $1,171.63 + plan review $761.56 + 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.