Land-use permits in Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a land-use / zoning 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 land-use or zoning work need a permit in 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 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 2026-05-17
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 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 land-use / zoning 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 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 Federal Way land-use / zoning — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 5 documents under Required submittals above.
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Federal Way Department of Community Development ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Federal Way's fee schedule sets them) 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
Land-use permits in Federal Way — FAQ
When does land-use or zoning work need a permit in 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 Federal Way?
Federal Way's land use fees include a pre-application meeting at $713, a Process I minor site review at $939, an administrative variance (Process III) at $5,634 plus $453 Public Works review, and a hearing examiner variance (Process IV) at $5,041 plus $682 Public Works review; a zoning verification is $186. Process III to VI applications add $343 for notice postage, posting and materials, and every application the automation fee, the greater of $43 or 5% of the fee. When one project needs several land use fees, the highest is charged in full and each other at 25% (2026 Fee Schedule, Section Seven).