Kent permits accessory dwelling units under KCC 15.08.250, updated June 2023 to implement Washington HB 1337 (RCW 36.70A.681). Up to two ADUs are allowed per single-family lot, each up to 1,000 square feet and 24 feet tall. Building permits are filed through the Kent Permit Center using the regional MyBuildingPermit.com portal.
KCC 15.08.250 is Kent's governing ADU regulation. A May 2023 ordinance brought Kent into compliance with Washington HB 1337 ahead of the June 30, 2025 statewide deadline by allowing two ADUs per lot in single-family residential zones in various configurations: two attached, two detached, or one of each. Each ADU may be up to 1,000 square feet and a maximum of 24 feet in height. One off-street parking space per ADU is required except within one-quarter mile of a major transit stop (including the Kent Sounder Station and RapidRide stops), where the parking requirement is waived consistent with RCW 36.70A.681. Building permits are required and filed through the Kent Permit Center via MyBuildingPermit.com. Construction must comply with the 2021 I-Codes as adopted by the Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-50 and 51-51) effective March 15, 2024. Properties in the Kent Valley floodplain along the Green River trigger additional review under KCC Chapter 14.09 (Flood Hazard Regulations). Side and rear setback reductions are available administratively. Electrical permits are issued separately by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries under WAC 296-46B.
Building an ADU without a permit is a violation of KCC Title 15 and the adopted building code. Civil penalties are assessed under KCC Title 1.04 (Code Enforcement) and can include stop-work orders, daily fines, double permit fees on retroactive legalization, and refusal of final occupancy. Occupying an ADU without final inspection sign-off is a separate violation.
Kent, WA
Kent decibel limits follow WAC 173-60 and KCC 8.05 using EDNA zones. Residential receiving limit is 55 dBA day and 45 dBA night. Commercial sources are cappe...
Kent, WA
Kent industrial sources are capped at 70 dBA day and 65 dBA night at another industrial property, but only 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night when received at a res...
Kent, WA
Commercial trucks over 10,000 pounds GVWR generally cannot park on Kent residential streets except for active loading. Warehouse districts and truck routes h...
Kent, WA
Kent follows Washington State Building Code EV-ready requirements for new multifamily and commercial buildings. Public chargers exist at Kent Station and sev...
Kent, WA
Kent driveway aprons require Public Works approval under KCC Title 6. New or widened driveways need a right-of-way construction permit, and vehicles must not...
Kent, WA
Kent has no city requirement to split shared fence costs with a neighbor. Washington common law controls boundary fences. Survey the property line before bui...
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