Mayor Jim Ferrell issued a Proclamation of Emergency for the City of Federal Way, Washington on March 9, 2020, due to the growing public health impacts of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

In an effort to take proactive measures to protect the health and safety of the Federal Way community, the Department of Community Development is implementing safety protocols and modifying our services. As a  result, our doors will remain closed for in-person business. Staff will be able to serve customers electronically by email (planning@cityoffederalway.com), by electronic submittal (Document Upload Link), or by phone to the Planner on Duty line (253-835-2655). 

This practice is intended to help protect our citizens, customers, and staff from potential exposure to the virus. We thank you for your understanding in this matter. 

Functions
The Planning Division is responsible for three main functions.

Current Planning 

• Application, review, issuance, and inspection of land use, environmental, critical area, and subdivision permits  
• Administration of zoning, subdivision, shoreline, environmental, and critical area codes
• A land-use permit is required prior to issuance of a building permit for new commercial, office, civic, public, and multi-family developments, as well as additions to existing buildings and improvements made in critical areas
• Some applications require a public notice that is published in the Federal Way Mirror, posted on-site at City Hall, and in some cases, mailed to surrounding property owners
• Land Use Permits - Application and informational handouts for land-use permits, including site plan review, environmental review, critical areas review, subdivisions, shoreline permits, etc.
• Citizen’s Guide to the Hearing Examiner Process

Long Range Planning