Federal Way Remodeling

44 percent of Federal Way homes date from the 1970s and 1980s

Federal Way has 37,479 housing units in Census data covering 2020 to 2024, and 16,633 went up between 1970 and 1989. The 1980s alone account for 9,006, the largest single decade. The median year built is 1984, and 1,454 units are mobile homes. At 36 to 56 years old, these houses are due for their second round of major systems at about the same time: roof, windows, siding, the heating system and water lines. Planning two or three of those together usually saves on permits and on opening the same walls twice.

Source: Census ACS 2020-2024, Year Structure Built, Federal Way

Homes within 200 feet of seven lakes and Puget Sound fall under shoreline rules

Federal Way's shorelines of the state are Puget Sound, Star Lake, Steel Lake, Dolloff Lake, North Lake, Lake Geneva, Lake Killarney and Five Mile Lake. Shoreline jurisdiction reaches 200 feet landward from the water's edge, plus associated wetlands. Inside it, the city's Shoreline Master Program regulates new or expanded houses, sheds and decks, docks and buoys, and clearing, grading or filling. Some work is exempt from a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit, but the city issues that exemption in writing after a complete application with a site plan, and the project still has to meet the program's rules.

Source: City of Federal Way, Shoreline Master Program Periodic Update

In a critical area, Federal Way's permit exemptions disappear

Federal Way follows the state residential code list of work exempt from a building permit, then adds one exception that matters here: any work in a critical area, including wetlands, streams, landslide hazard areas and their buffers, is not exempt. A 150 square foot shed or a low freestanding deck that needs no permit on most lots needs one if it sits in a stream buffer or on a mapped landslide hazard. Check the city's zoning and critical areas maps, or call the Permit Center at 253-835-2607, before you build anything small near a creek, wetland or slope.

Source: City of Federal Way, Residential Permit Exemptions

How much does it cost to switch to a heat pump in Federal Way?

A furnace to heat pump conversion for a 2,000 square foot house averaged $26,014 in Seattle's 2025 Cost vs Value data. In Federal Way, 58.2 percent of homes already heat with electricity rather than gas. Sheet metal workers, who handle the ductwork, earned a median $52.80 an hour in this metro in May 2025.

Do I need a permit for a shed or deck in Federal Way?

Not always. Federal Way exempts a one-story detached shed of 200 square feet or less, and a deck of that size or smaller that is unattached, no higher than 30 inches and not serving a required exit. Fences up to 6 feet are exempt too. None of this applies in a wetland, stream or landslide area or its buffer.

Do shoreline rules apply to my house on a Federal Way lake?

If the house is within 200 feet of Puget Sound, Star, Steel, Dolloff, North, Geneva, Killarney or Five Mile Lake, yes. The Shoreline Master Program covers new or expanded houses, sheds, decks and docks there. Some work is exempt from a substantial development permit, but the city must issue that exemption in writing first.

How do I apply for a building permit in Federal Way?

Simple residential electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits are filed online through MyBuildingPermit. For anything that needs plan review, request a Document Upload Link from the Permit Center, which can take a few days, then upload your plans. The Permit Center is open weekdays except Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and answers at 253-835-2607.

Who provides water and sewer for an ADU in Federal Way?

Not the city. Depending on the lot, service comes from Lakehaven, Tacoma Water, Midway Sewer, Highline Water or King County Public Health for septic. Federal Way asks for certificates of water and sewer availability before an ADU building permit application, and an ADU on septic needs King County approval first. A larger water meter can add real cost.