23-105365-ANK Short Plat_Application Checklist_12.27.23Page 1 of 5
SHORT SUBDIVISION SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
PURPOSE
A short subdivision (short plat) is the division or re-division of land into nine or fewer lots for the purpose
of sale, lease, or transfer of ownership. A short subdivision may be a conventional or cluster subdivision,
cottage housing, zero-lot line townhouse development, or small lot detached development of nine or
fewer lots, as well as a binding site plan. A short subdivision must be approved and recorded before
newly created lots may be legally sold.
WHO MAKES THE DECISION
The Community Development Director will make the decision on the short subdivision. The application is
processed under the provisions of Federal Way Revised Code (FWRC) Chapter 18.30, “Short Subdivision
Plats.” Your application will be evaluated on the basis of the information you provide, the criteria listed in
the pertinent sections of the city’s regulations, and inspection of the property. Short subdivisions shall be
designed to the standards of Chapter 18.55 and Chapter 18.60 FWRC. Upon determining that the short
subdivision application is complete, the city will distribute a notice of complete application.
APPEALS
A short subdivision decision can be appealed. The City of Federal Way Hearing Examiner decides
appeals of short subdivision decisions after a public hearing. See FWRC 18.30.140, et seq. for detailed
information regarding appeals of short subdivision decisions.
RECORDING
The applicant records the approved short subdivision with the King County Division of Records and
Elections, at their expense. Before the action is considered complete, a copy of the document (referred to
as a short plat), stamped with the recording number, must be returned to the city for a final review and
placement in the official file.
COMPLIANCE WITH SEPA
Short subdivisions are typically exempt from State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review. However, a
SEPA checklist and corresponding fee will be required if the short subdivision occurs on land covered by
water, or the short subdivision is a further subdivision of a previously exempted short subdivision. For a
detailed explanation of the city’s environmental policy, refer to FWRC Title 14.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way WA 98003
253-835-2607; Fax 253-835-2609
www.cityoffederalway.com
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ENVIRONMENTALLY CRITICAL AREAS
Projects that involve work within environmentally critical areas may require that the city contract out for
expert technical assistance. Pursuant to FWRC 19.145.080, the applicant is responsible for providing any
information, mapping, studies, and materials; and having the city’s third party consultant review the
materials for compliance. You will be advised at an early point in the process if your project will be
subject to these types of expenses.
SHORELINES
Short subdivisions that are within 200 feet of the ordinary high water mark of Puget Sound, Steel Lake,
North Lake, or Lake Kilarney require review under the city’s Shoreline Master Program (SMP). The SMP
development regulations can be found in FWRC Title 15. Applicants should speak with department staff
for further information regarding shoreline regulations prior to submitting a formal application.
TRAFFIC-RELATED REQUIREMENTS
All short subdivisions are subject to transportation concurrency and Traffic Impact Fee requirements.
Refer to Concurrency Application Information and Traffic Impact Fee handouts for additional information.
PREAPPLICATION CONFERENCE
Applicants are encouraged to schedule a preapplication conference to become familiar with FWRC
requirements, policies, and regulations. It is also an opportunity to coordinate with city departments and
obtain their comments on the proposed subdivision. Refer to the city’s preapplication conference handout
for information on the process.
HOW TO APPLY
The applicant (owner or owner’s appointed agent) files a complete application with the Community
Development Department using the Master Land Use Application form, which can be obtained at our
office or on the city’s website (www.cityoffederalway.com).
All application materials must be submitted electronically. Please visit our website at
https://www.cityoffederalway.com/node/4588 to request a document upload link and obtain information
on how to successfully prepare your application materials for electronic submittal and review.
A complete application is required before the city can proceed with technical analysis and make an
informed decision on your application. Following is a list of materials that must be submitted with your
application. Please do not turn in your application until all items on the list that apply to your proposal
have been included. Incomplete applications or improperly named/formatted documents will not be
accepted. Consult with the Community Development Department’s Permit Center (253-835-2607, or
permitcenter@cityoffederalway.com) if you have a question. All application materials become public
information.