Right-of-way permits in City of Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a right-of-way 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 right-of-way need a permit in City of Federal Way?
Issued by city public works (or SDOT in Seattle) under local ROW ordinance. Triggered by physical occupation of or work within the public ROW including driveway aprons, curb cuts, sidewalk replacement, utility tie-ins, hauling routes, and temporary construction staging.
Required submittals
- ROW work plan / sketch
- traffic-control plan if arterial
- certificate of insurance
- bond if required
Inspection sequence
- pre-construction
- subgrade / base
- final ROW restoration
Contractor specialties needed
general
Notes & caveats
Issuing body is city public works, not the building department. Often required as a precondition to a building permit (e.g. addition w/ new driveway). Bond + insurance commonly required. Traffic-control plan for arterial work.
Right-of-way permit fee estimate in City of Federal Way
Worked example for a $25,000 right-of-way project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $391.25 |
| Plan review | $254.31 |
| WA state surcharge | $4.5 |
| Estimated total | $650.06 |
ROW permit fees vary widely by city; commonly $150-$500 for residential driveway/curb cut, plus per-day occupancy if street obstruction. 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 right-of-way — 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 (ROW permit fees vary widely by city; commonly $150-$500 for residential driveway/curb cut, plus per-day occupancy if street obstruction.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Right-of-way permits in City of Federal Way — FAQ
When does a right-of-way need a permit in City of Federal Way?
Issued by city public works (or SDOT in Seattle) under local ROW ordinance. Triggered by physical occupation of or work within the public ROW including driveway aprons, curb cuts, sidewalk replacement, utility tie-ins, hauling routes, and temporary construction staging.
How much does a right-of-way permit cost in City of Federal Way?
For a $25,000 right-of-way project, the estimated City of Federal Way permit fee is about $650.06 — building fee $391.25 + plan review $254.31 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.