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..
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to City of Federal Way's source.
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.
From City of Federal Way's own code
“4.25.090 Limited right-of-way use permit. (1) Upon filing of a complete application, payment of the fee, providing the required insurance, and posting of the required bond for restoration of the right-of-way, the city may issue a limited right-of-way use permit authorizing the use of city road right-of-way, for use by designated private parties for a specific use and duration. (2) The limited use permit may require construction and restoration of the right-of-way to adopted standards based on the nature and duration of the specific use, and subject to inspection.”Source ↗verified 2026-09-24
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
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 right-of-way 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 right-of-way quote.
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.
How to apply yourself
- 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. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Right-of-way permit fees vary by city: a base fee for a residential driveway or curb cut, plus a per-day occupancy charge if the street is obstructed.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull right-of-way 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
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?
Current fee per the City of Federal Way fee schedule: Right-of-way permit fees vary by city: a base fee for a residential driveway or curb cut, plus a per-day occupancy charge if the street is obstructed.. Plus ancillary plan-review/tech-surcharge fees per city schedule.