Side sewer permits in City of Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a side sewer 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 side sewer need a permit in City of Federal Way?
The side-sewer permit is issued by whichever utility owns the sanitary sewer — the city, a sewer or water district, or a regional utility — under that utility's own code, with WAC 51-56 (2021 UPC) governing how the building sewer is laid. 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. Triggered by a new connection, repair of more than about 2 ft of pipe, relining (CIPP), or capping at the property line for a demolition.
From City of 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 2026-09-24
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 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 side sewer 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 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 City of Federal Way side sewer — 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 (Side-sewer permit fees are set by the utility that owns the main; some add a depth-based surcharge. Utility-issued, not building-permit-issued.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull side sewer 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
Side sewer permits in City of Federal Way — FAQ
When does a side sewer need a permit in City of Federal Way?
The side-sewer permit is issued by whichever utility owns the sanitary sewer — the city, a sewer or water district, or a regional utility — under that utility's own code, with WAC 51-56 (2021 UPC) governing how the building sewer is laid. 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. Triggered by a new connection, repair of more than about 2 ft of pipe, relining (CIPP), or capping at the property line for a demolition.
How much does a side sewer permit cost in City of Federal Way?
Current fee per the City of Federal Way fee schedule: Side-sewer permit fees are set by the utility that owns the main; some add a depth-based surcharge. Utility-issued, not building-permit-issued.. Plus ancillary plan-review/tech-surcharge fees per city schedule.