Signs permits in Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a sign 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 a sign need a permit in Federal Way?
Each city's own sign code, usually a chapter of its zoning or development code, decides which signs need a permit and sets their size, number and placement by zone. Putting up or structurally altering a permanent sign generally needs a city sign permit, plus an electrical permit if the sign is lit, while repainting, ordinary maintenance and copy changes generally do not. Which small or temporary signs need no permit, and up to what size, differs from city to city, so check the city's own list before ordering a sign.
From Federal Way's own code
“A property owner or their representative may submit a comprehensive sign permit application for any subject property designated by the city’s comprehensive plan as either commercial or mixed use. (3) Application information . Applications for comprehensive sign permits shall be submitted on forms provided by the permit center and shall be accompanied by the following: (a) A narrative describing the proposal, including, but not limited to, the following information: (i) The sign design concept or approach.”Source ↗verified 2026-05-17
Required submittals
- Site / elevation plan
- Sign drawing with dimensions + materials
- Structural calc if freestanding
- Electrical detail if illuminated
Inspection sequence
- Footing if freestanding
- Electrical rough-in if illuminated
- Final
Contractor specialties needed
General contractor · Electrician (journey-level 01 or residential 02)
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 sign 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 sign quote.
Notes & caveats
Issuing body is city building dept (structural review) often with planning sign-off (zoning compliance). Electrical permit required for illuminated signs. Historic-district signs get separate review.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your Federal Way sign — 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
Signs permits in Federal Way — FAQ
When does a sign need a permit in Federal Way?
Each city's own sign code, usually a chapter of its zoning or development code, decides which signs need a permit and sets their size, number and placement by zone. Putting up or structurally altering a permanent sign generally needs a city sign permit, plus an electrical permit if the sign is lit, while repainting, ordinary maintenance and copy changes generally do not. Which small or temporary signs need no permit, and up to what size, differs from city to city, so check the city's own list before ordering a sign.
How much does a sign permit cost in Federal Way?
Federal Way prices a permanent sign permit on its installation value off Valuation Table A, $89.54 up to $1,000; an electrical sign adds an electrical connection fee of $94 for the first sign and $43 for each more on the same application, and every sign a planning surcharge of $70 for the first and $26 for each more. Plan review is 65% of the sign permit fee. A temporary sign is a separate permit, $65 (2026 Fee Schedule).