Siding permits in Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a siding 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 siding replacement need a permit in Federal Way?
Replacing siding needs a building permit in Federal Way: neither the state code nor the city exempts it, and in a critical area even a repair needs one.
How Federal Way adopted this rule
The threshold comes from the state code (WAC 51.51), which Federal Way adopts by reference in the provision quoted below.
“The 2021 Edition of the International Residential Code (IRC) as published by the International Code Council (ICC) is hereby adopted by reference pursuant to Chapter 19.27 RCW and Chapter 51-51 WAC, with the following additions, deletions, and exceptions; provided, that Chapters 11 and 25 through 43 of this code are not adopted”Source ↗verified 2026-10-02
Required submittals
- If permit required: WRB + flashing details, fastener schedule, WSEC continuous insulation calc if added
Inspection sequence
- WRB / flashing inspection
- Final
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 siding 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 siding quote.
Notes & caveats
WRB required behind all siding (IRC R703.2). Flashing at openings, kick-out flashings at roof-wall intersections (R703.4) inspected when permit issued.
Siding permit fee estimate in Federal Way
Worked example for an $18,000 siding project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $695.99 |
| Plan review | $452.39 |
| Automation fee (5% of the permit fee, $43 minimum) | $43 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.50 |
| Estimated total | $1,197.88 |
Federal Way prices a siding job's building permit on the value of the work (the ICC's building valuation data, or a bid the Building Official approves), off Valuation Table A: $89.54 up to $1,000, $157.11 for the first $2,000 plus $33.68 for each $1,000 more up to $25,000, and $931.63 for the first $25,000 plus $24.00 for each $1,000 more up to $50,000; plan review, where plans are reviewed, is 65% of that fee. Each permit carries the automation fee, the greater of $43 or 5% of the permit fee, and a residential building permit the $6.50 state building code fee (2026 Fee Schedule). Computed from Federal Way's adopted fee schedule · source ↗. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your Federal Way siding — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the document 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 (about $1,198 for an $18,000 project) 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
Siding permits in Federal Way — FAQ
When does siding replacement need a permit in Federal Way?
Replacing siding needs a building permit in Federal Way: neither the state code nor the city exempts it, and in a critical area even a repair needs one.
How much does a siding permit cost in Federal Way?
For a $18,000 siding project, the estimated Federal Way permit fee is about $1,197.88 (building fee $695.99 + plan review $452.39 + surcharges) from Federal Way's adopted fee schedule. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.