Federal Way plan check and resubmittal guide
What we could verify about the City of Federal Way’s permit office from government and permit portal pages, what Washington law says about plan check there, and how to answer a correction letter. Each fact links to its source.
The City of Federal Way permit office
- Building Division (federalwaywa.gov, checked October 31, 2026): 253-835-2607 (federalwaywa.gov, checked October 31, 2026)
- Address: 33325 8th Avenue South, Federal Way, WA 98003 (federalwaywa.gov, checked October 31, 2026)
- Resubmittal instructions
- Building department page
Links and facts checked on October 28, 2026.
How to resubmit, at a glance
In our words, from Federal Way’s own page. The exact steps are on the page linked below.
- Submit the online form to request a Document Upload Link for your project.
- Include a completed resubmittal form with all resubmitted materials.
From Federal Way’s own page, read October 31, 2026: federalwaywa.gov
Codes its letters cite
Building code named on the city’s pages: International Building Code (IBC), 2021 edition.
Local amendments to the building code
Any city or county may amend the state building code; amendments that affect houses and apartments need State Building Code Council approval first.
Federal Way and King County
Federal Way is in King County. See the King County guide.
Washington rules every plan check here follows
These come from Washington law and state agencies, so they apply in Federal Way as well. Each links to its source.
Building code in force
Washington's current building code is based on the 2021 model codes and took effect on March 15, 2024.
Source: Washington State Building Code Council, checked October 31, 2026
Next edition
The next update, based on the 2024 codes, is scheduled to take effect on May 3, 2027.
Source: Washington State Building Code Council, checked October 31, 2026
Local amendments
A city or county may change the state code for its own area, but its changes cannot weaken the code's minimum standards.
Source: Washington State Legislature, RCW 19.27.040, checked October 31, 2026
Rules are locked in when you apply
A complete building permit application is reviewed under the building and zoning rules that were in effect on the date it was filed.
Source: Washington State Legislature, RCW 19.27.095, checked October 31, 2026
What a good response to plan check corrections has
General guidance, not the City of Federal Way’s own rules. Check its page before you resubmit.
- Answer every comment, in the reviewer’s order and numbering, so nothing is missed.
- Say plainly what you changed for each comment, or why no change is needed.
- Name the sheet and detail where each change is, so the reviewer can find it fast.
- Mark changes on the drawings (clouds or deltas are common) and keep sheet numbers the same.
- Send the response letter, the revised drawings and any new calculations together.
Other Washington city guides
How we help
Send us the whole correction letter. We draft a response to every comment and list the drawing changes sheet by sheet. Your first letter is free. You review each response, then you sign and submit to the City of Federal Way yourself.
Cleared to Build is an independent service. We are not the City of Federal Way and are not affiliated with it.
Upload your correction letterOnly one comment to answer? Try the free one-comment tool.
Questions
How do I respond to Federal Way’s plan check corrections?
In short: Submit the online form to request a Document Upload Link for your project. Include a completed resubmittal form with all resubmitted materials. Answer every comment in a response letter that says what changed and on which sheet.
How long does Federal Way take to review a resubmittal?
Review times change with workload. Ask the building department at 253-835-2607.
Whom do I ask about Federal Way’s plan check corrections?
Call Building Division at 253-835-2607. For a question about one comment, ask for the reviewer named on the letter.
Does Federal Way charge for another plan review?
This guide doesn’t list fees. Ask Building Division at 253-835-2607 before you resubmit.
How many rounds of corrections can Federal Way send?
This guide doesn’t list a limit. Answering every comment fully the first time is the surest way to fewer rounds; ask Building Division at 253-835-2607 if unsure.
Is Cleared to Build part of the City of Federal Way?
No. Cleared to Build is an independent service, not affiliated with the City of Federal Way or any permitting agency. You submit to the city yourself.