Land-use permits in City of Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a land-use / zoning 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 land-use / zoning need a permit in City of Federal Way?
Triggered when a project does not conform to the strict letter of the zoning code. Variances require a hardship finding under most city codes. Design review thresholds vary (Seattle: most multifamily + non-residential >4,000 sqft; many cities: design review only in designated districts).
From City of Federal Way's own code
“When a land use changes from one use category in the zoning charts to another use category, a zoning compliance review shall be performed as part of the use process review, when required, or in conjunction with the required business registration and/or building permit review. Each paragraph in a zoning chart is a use category. If the new use is in the same use category as any previous legal use of the site, no zoning compliance review is required.”Source ↗verified 2026-09-24
Required submittals
- narrative of request
- site plan
- design / elevation drawings if design review
- SEPA checklist (if required)
- mailing labels for public notice
Inspection sequence
- intake completeness
- staff review
- public comment period
- decision (admin or hearing examiner)
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 land-use / zoning 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 land-use / zoning quote.
Notes & caveats
Issuing body is city planning, not building. Land-use approvals precede building permits and have their own SEPA threshold review. Process timelines run weeks to months; public notice + hearing examiner involvement is common.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Federal Way land-use / zoning — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (5).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Apply via MyBuildingPermit.com. ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Land-use fees vary widely; a variance usually carries an application fee plus cost recovery for the hearing examiner.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull land-use / zoning 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
Land-use permits in City of Federal Way — FAQ
When does a land-use / zoning need a permit in City of Federal Way?
Triggered when a project does not conform to the strict letter of the zoning code. Variances require a hardship finding under most city codes. Design review thresholds vary (Seattle: most multifamily + non-residential >4,000 sqft; many cities: design review only in designated districts).
How much does a land-use / zoning permit cost in City of Federal Way?
Current fee per the City of Federal Way fee schedule: Land-use fees vary widely; a variance usually carries an application fee plus cost recovery for the hearing examiner.. Plus ancillary plan-review/tech-surcharge fees per city schedule.