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..

Permit required?
Yes — see threshold below
Permit fee
Fees set by jurisdiction. WA Building Code Council surcharge: $4.50 per building permit. Trade permits separate.
Review timeline

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

  1. rough-in (electrical/plumbing/mechanical)
  2. insulation if walls opened
  3. drywall
  4. 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. 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. 2. Assemble submittals (4).
  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 (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.

City of Federal Way resourcesPermit portal ↗Fee schedule ↗