Stormwater permits in City of Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a stormwater / drainage 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 stormwater / drainage need a permit in City of Federal Way?
KC Surface Water Design Manual 2021 (KCC 9.04 + adopted by reference in most KC cities) sets the 2,000 sqft new+replaced impervious threshold for "small project" drainage review; ≥5,000 sqft triggers full drainage review. Different thresholds in critical-area drainage basins.
From City of Federal Way's own code
“16.25.020 Drainage review. (1) When required. Drainage review is required for any proposed project, including new development and redevelopment (except for those proposing only routine maintenance, repair, or emergency modifications) which is or includes a regulated activity under FWRC 16.15.010 , and for which city approval, including but not limited to any approval listed in FWRC 16.15.030 , is required. (2) Type of drainage review required. One of the following four types of drainage review will be required, depending on the project;”Source ↗verified 2026-09-05
Required submittals
- drainage report (full or simplified)
- site plan with impervious calc
- BMP / facility detail
- geotech if infiltration claimed
Inspection sequence
- pre-construction (BMPs in place)
- facility installation
- final stabilization
Contractor specialties needed
general
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 stormwater / drainage 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 stormwater / drainage quote.
Notes & caveats
Issuing body is city public works / county DPER, often parallel to the building permit. On-site infiltration / detention required where infeasible to discharge to municipal storm. Critical-area parcels (steep slope, salmon-bearing watercourse) get more conservative review.
Stormwater permit fee estimate in City of Federal Way
Worked example for a $25,000 stormwater / drainage project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $391.25 |
| Plan review | $254.31 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.5 |
| Estimated total | $652.06 |
Drainage review fee commonly tiered by project size; small project ~$300-$800, full drainage review $1,500+. Computed from the City of Federal Way fee bracket schedule · source ↗. Impact/utility fees may apply separately.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Federal Way stormwater / drainage — 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 (typical: —). Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Drainage review fee commonly tiered by project size; small project ~$300-$800, full drainage review $1,500+.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull stormwater / drainage 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
Stormwater permits in City of Federal Way — FAQ
When does a stormwater / drainage need a permit in City of Federal Way?
KC Surface Water Design Manual 2021 (KCC 9.04 + adopted by reference in most KC cities) sets the 2,000 sqft new+replaced impervious threshold for "small project" drainage review; ≥5,000 sqft triggers full drainage review. Different thresholds in critical-area drainage basins.
How much does a stormwater / drainage permit cost in City of Federal Way?
For a $25,000 stormwater / drainage project, the estimated City of Federal Way permit fee is about $652.06 — building fee $391.25 + plan review $254.31 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.