Right-of-way permits in Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a right-of-way 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 right-of-way work need a permit in 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 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 2026-05-17
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 contractor
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 right-of-way 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 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 Federal Way right-of-way — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 4 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
Right-of-way permits in Federal Way — FAQ
When does right-of-way work need a permit in 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 Federal Way?
Federal Way's right-of-way use permit, one inspection included, is $400 for an individual single-family homeowner's application and $842 for any other; a re-inspection is $369, supplemental construction inspection $188 an hour, and residential work started without a permit $827 (2026 Fee Schedule, Section Ten).