Environmental Rules in Kennewick, WA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

Every city handles environmental rules a little differently. In Kennewick, Washington, there are 2 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.

Stormwater Management

The City of Kennewick is a regulated small (Phase II) MS4 operator under the Washington State Department of Ecology's Eastern Washington Municipal Stormwater General Permit, issued under RCW 90.48 and 33 USC 1342 (federal Clean Water Act). Local stormwater and illicit-discharge rules are codified in Kennewick Municipal Code Title 14 (KMC Chapter 14.28) and applied to all discharges to the Columbia River, Yakima River, and irrigation district conveyances.

Key details: MS4 Status: Phase II regulated small MS4. State Permit: Eastern WA Phase II General Permit. Authority: RCW 90.48 + 33 USC 1342. Design Manual: SWMMEW (Ecology). Receiving Waters: Columbia River, Yakima River.

Under RCW 90.48.144, civil penalties for unpermitted discharges can reach up to $10,000 per day per violation, with additional federal Clean Water Act penalties of up to $37,500 per day under 33 USC 1319. Kennewick may issue a stop-work order against any construction site discharging sediment-laden runoff and pursue municipal code-enforcement fines on top of state penalties.

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

Flood Zones

Kennewick participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces a local Flood Damage Prevention chapter at Kennewick Municipal Code Chapter 18.66, consistent with 44 CFR 60.3 and Washington's Critical Areas requirements under RCW 36.70A.060. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps identify Special Flood Hazard Areas along the Columbia River, Yakima River, and several local drainages, where development requires a floodplain development permit.

Key details: Governing Code: KMC Chapter 18.66. Mapped Waters: Columbia River, Yakima River, Amon Creek. Federal Standard: 44 CFR 60.3. Elevation: Lowest floor at/above BFE + freeboard. Substantial Improvement: 50% market value trigger.

Construction without a floodplain development permit, failure to elevate or floodproof, or filling a floodway in violation of the no-rise standard can result in city code-enforcement fines, a FEMA Section 1316 declaration denying flood insurance to the structure, mandatory removal of unpermitted work, and loss of the property's grandfathered flood-insurance rating. Repeated community-wide violations can place Kennewick on NFIP probation.

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

The Bottom Line

Kennewick is tougher than many cities when it comes to environmental rules. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Kennewick, 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 Kennewick's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.