Side sewer permits in Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a side sewer 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 Lakehaven Water and Sewer District.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to Federal Way's source.
When does side sewer work need a permit in Federal Way?
The side-sewer permit comes from the utility that owns the sewer main (the city, a sewer or water district, or a regional utility), under that utility's own code. Which utility is a per-property fact: a lot can sit inside a city for permitting and outside its sewer district, so confirm the owner of the main before applying. The utility's code, not a statewide rule, decides which work needs the permit: a new connection does, and many utility codes also require it for any repair, however short, and for capping or disconnecting a side sewer, so check that code before digging. WAC 51-56, the state plumbing code, governs how the building sewer is laid.
From Federal Way's own code
“19.105.110 Sewer connection required. (1) All new development that includes facilities for sanitation shall be connected to a sanitary sewer system when sanitary sewer is within 200 feet of the subject property, as measured from the nearest public sewer connection to any portion of the subject property. The sanitary sewer system shall be designed and constructed to the specifications of the applicable sewer provider. This connection requirement shall be effective beginning January 1, 2027.”Source ↗verified 2026-05-17
Required submittals
- Site plan with sewer line route
- Depth + slope detail
- Cleanout locations
- Utility locate ticket
Inspection sequence
- Pre-cover (open trench)
- Air / water test
- Final
Contractor specialties needed
Side sewer 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 side sewer permit with Lakehaven Water and Sewer District, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Federal Way side sewer quote.
Notes & caveats
Issuing body is the sanitary sewer utility, NOT the building department, and inspection is the utility's too. SOME utilities additionally require the contractor to hold a side-sewer card or registration before they will issue; it is not universal, so check the serving utility's own rules rather than assuming either way.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your Federal Way side sewer — 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. Apply with Lakehaven Water and Sewer District.
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Lakehaven Water and Sewer District 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 Lakehaven Water and Sewer District, handles reviewer comments, and builds the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Side sewer permits in Federal Way — FAQ
When does side sewer work need a permit in Federal Way?
The side-sewer permit comes from the utility that owns the sewer main (the city, a sewer or water district, or a regional utility), under that utility's own code. Which utility is a per-property fact: a lot can sit inside a city for permitting and outside its sewer district, so confirm the owner of the main before applying. The utility's code, not a statewide rule, decides which work needs the permit: a new connection does, and many utility codes also require it for any repair, however short, and for capping or disconnecting a side sewer, so check that code before digging. WAC 51-56, the state plumbing code, governs how the building sewer is laid.
How much does a side sewer permit cost in Federal Way?
King County's sewer service area map shows Federal Way served by Lakehaven Water and Sewer District, with a sliver served by Midway Sewer District; the City has no sewer utility of its own. The side sewer permit and its fees come from the utility that serves the lot, under its own rules and fee schedule, not from the City's building permit, so confirm the lot's utility before applying. Utilities: Lakehaven Water and Sewer District (https://www.lakehavenwsd.gov/), Midway Sewer District (https://www.midwaysewer.org/).