Kent's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Kent, Washington, there are 7 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Wildlife Feeding

Kent prohibits feeding wildlife that creates a public nuisance, attracts predators, or habituates animals. WDFW also bans feeding deer, elk, and carnivores statewide under WAC 220-440-200.

Key details: WDFW Rule: WAC 220-440-200. Banned Species: Deer, elk, bears, cougars. Bird Feeders: Allowed with care. WDFW Line: (360) 902-2936.

WDFW wildlife feeding violations are infractions under RCW 77.15.790. Kent nuisance violations can escalate to civil fines under KCC 8.03.

Livestock

Livestock including goats, pigs, horses, cattle, and sheep are generally limited to AG-zoned and SR-1 rural parcels in Kent. Urban single-family lots do not permit livestock beyond chickens and small fowl.

Key details: Allowed Zones: AG and SR-1. Minimum Lot: 1 acre typical. Setback: 50 feet from residential. Pygmy Goats: Livestock in Kent.

Keeping livestock outside permitted zones is a zoning violation under KCC Title 15 and can result in abatement orders plus civil fines.

Compared to other cities, Kent takes a harder line on livestock. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Chickens & Livestock

Kent allows up to 3 hens on lots of at least 5,000 square feet, plus 1 additional hen per extra 1,000 square feet. Coops must sit 10 feet from property lines. Roosters are discouraged under the noise ordinance.

Key details: Base Flock: 3 hens on 5,000 sq ft. Extra Hens: 1 per 1,000 sq ft over. Coop Setback: 10 feet from property line. Roosters: Allowed but noise-restricted.

Coop setback or flock size violations are civil infractions. Rooster noise can also be cited under KCC 8.05 and KCC 8.03 nuisance animal provisions.

Dog Leash Laws

Kent requires dogs to be leashed or under competent voice control off private property. Dogs running at large are a public nuisance. Fines start at $100 and escalate to $500 for repeat violations.

Key details: 1st Offense: $100. 4th Offense: $500. Off-Leash Parks: Grandview and Morrill Meadows. Code: KCC 8.03 / KCC Title 11.

Leash law fines start at $100, rising to $500 at four or more offenses. Dog bite incidents while at large can escalate to dangerous dog designation.

Exotic Pets

Kent follows RCW 16.30 which prohibits private possession of dangerous wild animals including big cats, bears, wolves, primates, elephants, and venomous reptiles. Legal pre-2007 owners grandfathered for life of animal.

Key details: State Law: RCW 16.30. Grandfather Date: July 22, 2007. Offense Level: Gross misdemeanor. Enforcement: RASKC / Kent Police.

Illegal possession is a gross misdemeanor under RCW 16.30.030. The animal is subject to confiscation and the owner liable for all costs of care and relocation.

This is one of the stricter rules in Kent's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Breed Restrictions

Kent does not ban any dog breed. Dangerous and potentially dangerous dog designations are behavior-based under RCW 16.08 and KCC 8.03, enforced by Regional Animal Services of King County.

Key details: Breed Ban: None. Dangerous Dog Law: RCW 16.08. Insurance: $250,000 for dangerous. Enforcement: RASKC.

Failing to register a dangerous dog or comply with enclosure rules is a gross misdemeanor under RCW 16.08. Repeat bite incidents can result in euthanasia orders.

The rules around breed restrictions in Kent lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Beekeeping

Kent allows residential beekeeping as an accessory use with setbacks and hive-count limits. All apiaries in Washington must be registered with WSDA by April 1 each year under RCW 15.60.

Key details: Hive Limit: About 4 per residential lot. Setback: 25 feet typical. Flyway Barrier: 6 ft at 25 ft if closer. State Registration: WSDA by April 1.

Hive placement violations are handled through Kent Code Enforcement. Unregistered apiaries face WSDA penalties under RCW 15.60.

The Bottom Line

Kent is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Kent, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Kent's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.