Federal Way advances ordinance to consolidate permit review into Community Development; staff say permitting software integration remains in progress
June 02, 2026 | Federal Way, King County, Washington
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The Federal Way City Council held a public hearing and first reading on Ordinance 937 on July 2, 2026, a mayoral proposal to consolidate permit-review functions into the Community Development Department in order to streamline review timelines and create a one-stop permit process for applicants.
Assistant City Attorney Kent Vanelstein explained the change would move review responsibilities now split between Community Development and Public Works into a single department and that several jurisdictions have taken similar steps. Council members described the goal as improved efficiency for developers and the permitting public.
Staff update on permitting software: Council members asked whether the city’s permitting software (Amanda/MyBuildingPermit workflows) has been updated to tie building, trade and commercial workflows together. Thomas, a staff project lead, said the modernization has been long-running; about 19 of roughly 120 workflows have been completed and tested so far. He said staffing constraints and testing needs have delayed full integration and that staff is targeting late summer for more complete functionality.
Outcome and next steps: Council voted to forward Ordinance 937 to the June 16, 2026 council meeting for second reading and enactment. No final adoption occurred at the July 2 meeting. Staff indicated they will continue testing and will report back on software progress and the expected operational timeline for consolidated permit processing.
Why it matters: Consolidating permit review can reduce confusion for applicants and shorten timelines, but successful implementation depends on workflow integration and adequate staffing. The council’s decision to advance the ordinance indicates political support; operational readiness is still in progress.
Ending: The council scheduled second reading and enactment for June 16; staff will continue software testing and capacity work in the interim.
Assistant City Attorney Kent Vanelstein explained the change would move review responsibilities now split between Community Development and Public Works into a single department and that several jurisdictions have taken similar steps. Council members described the goal as improved efficiency for developers and the permitting public.
Staff update on permitting software: Council members asked whether the city’s permitting software (Amanda/MyBuildingPermit workflows) has been updated to tie building, trade and commercial workflows together. Thomas, a staff project lead, said the modernization has been long-running; about 19 of roughly 120 workflows have been completed and tested so far. He said staffing constraints and testing needs have delayed full integration and that staff is targeting late summer for more complete functionality.
Outcome and next steps: Council voted to forward Ordinance 937 to the June 16, 2026 council meeting for second reading and enactment. No final adoption occurred at the July 2 meeting. Staff indicated they will continue testing and will report back on software progress and the expected operational timeline for consolidated permit processing.
Why it matters: Consolidating permit review can reduce confusion for applicants and shorten timelines, but successful implementation depends on workflow integration and adequate staffing. The council’s decision to advance the ordinance indicates political support; operational readiness is still in progress.
Ending: The council scheduled second reading and enactment for June 16; staff will continue software testing and capacity work in the interim.
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