Building Safety in Federal Way, WA (2026)
5 verified building safety rules for Federal Way, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Sprinkler Requirements
Federal Way's fire code goes beyond the base IBC and IFC sprinkler triggers: FWRC 13.31.050 requires an approved automatic sprinkler system in any new building lacking adequate fire flow or fire department access, and in any occupancy other than single-family homes or utility buildings once total floor area across all levels, including basements, tops 5,000 square feet.
Federal Way Automatic Sprinkler Rules
Some RestrictionsFWRC 13.31.050
Fire sprinkler systems shall be installed. In addition to the automatic sprinkler system requirements specified in the IBC and IFC, the following new buildings and structures, and existing buildings with new additional square footage, are required to be protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system: (1) All occupancies without the basic fire flow requirements of the IFC and Appendix B. Ex...
Childcare Center Rules
Federal Way requires commercial day care and school-type childcare centers to pass Process II site plan review under Federal Way Revised Code 19.210.020 before opening in the professional office zone and comparable commercial districts. The code mandates a fenced outdoor play area sized to enrollment and sets a floor-area-based parking ratio the Community Development Department checks at permit intake.
Federal Way Commercial Day Care Center Rules
Some RestrictionsFWRC 19.210.020
The following uses shall be permitted in the professional office (PO) zone subject to the regulations and notes set forth in this section: ... Day care facilities, commercial ... Process II ... 5. Day care facilities must contain an outdoor play area with at least 75 sq. ft. for each child using the area at any one time. This play area must be completely enclosed by a solid fence or other scree...
Building Permits
Federal Way requires a building permit for construction work under the adopted 2021 International Building Code, and FWRC 13.16.030 tightens the standard IBC exemptions: work inside a mapped critical area always needs a permit, and only small detached accessory structures under 200 square feet and 10 feet of wall height skip the permit step.
Federal Way Building Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsFWRC 13.16.030(4), (6)
IBC Section 105.1.1, Annual permit, is hereby replaced with IBC Section 105.1.1, Work in Critical Areas, to read as follows: Permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall be required for work proposed within critical ...
Electrical Permits
Federal Way electrical work is governed by the 2023 National Electrical Code, adopted at FWRC 13.38.020 along with the state's WAC electrical safety chapters, and every installation needs a permit unless it falls into one of the narrow exemptions the city carved out in FWRC 13.38.040, such as temporary decorative lighting or theater stage wiring.
Federal Way Electrical Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsFWRC 13.38.020; 13.38.040
The National Electrical Code (NEC), 2023 Edition, as published by the National Fire Protection Association ... In addition to those installations specified by WAC 296-46B-901(7)(b), the following electrical installation, alteration, or maintenance of all electrical systems are exempt from obtaining electrical work permits: (a) Temporary decorative lighting. (b) Temporary wiring for experimental...
Plumbing Permits
Federal Way plumbing work runs under the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, adopted by FWRC 13.34.020 with the venting, combustion-air, and building-sewer chapters carved out and sent to other city codes. A plumbing permit issued under this chapter expires if the work does not start, or sits abandoned, for 180 days, per the local amendment at FWRC 13.34.030(2).
Federal Way Plumbing Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsFWRC 13.34.020; 13.34.030(2)
The 2021 Edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), including Appendices A, B, and I, as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), is hereby adopted by reference pursuant to Chapter 19.27 RCW and Chapter 51-56 WAC, with the following additions, deletions and exceptions; provided, that Chapters 12 and 15 of this code are not adopted... UPC 103.3.3,...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Federal Way city rules.
Building Safety in King County →