ADU rules in Kent, WA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Kent allows accessory dwelling units on single-family lots under Title 15 and implements WA HB 1337, which requires cities to allow up to two ADUs per lot. Detached and attached ADUs are both allowed.
Kent City Code allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on lots zoned for single-family use, and under Washington HB 1337 (2023) the city must permit up to two ADUs per lot (for example, one detached plus one attached, or two detached) in urban growth areas by the statutory compliance date. ADUs must meet base-zone setbacks with some flexibility for detached units, plus a maximum size typically around 1,000 square feet or less depending on the lot and existing dwelling. Owner occupancy is no longer required under HB 1337. Off-street parking requirements are limited, and ADUs within a half-mile of major transit may not require any additional parking. Permit types include building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and possibly site development if new impervious surface is created. Short-term rental of an ADU falls under Kent business license rules. Design must comply with Critical Areas and shoreline regulations where applicable.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle adu rules.
See how Kent's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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