Kennewick, WA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Exempt height
- 30 inches or less above grade
- Not exempt
- Over a basement or story
- Permit trigger
- Above 30 inches high
- Citation
- KMC 15.08.060(1)(e)
Summary
Kennewick exempts low decks, patios, and walkways from a building permit only if they sit 30 inches or less above grade and aren't built over a basement or story.
(1)A building permit shall not be required for the following exemptions if no hazard to the public health, safety, or welfare has been created by the exception:(a)Oil derricks.(b)Movable cases, counters and partitions not over five feet nine inches (1,753 mm) high.(c)Retaining walls which are not over four feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids.(d)Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one.(e)Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade and not over any basement or story below.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 19 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
KMC 15.08.060(1)(e) exempts platforms, walks, and driveways that sit 30 inches or less above grade, and aren't built over a basement or lower story, from Kennewick's building permit requirement. A deck or patio built higher than 30 inches, or over habitable space below, falls under KMC 15.08.050's general rule and needs a permit from the Building Official. The exemption only applies if the structure creates no hazard to public health, safety, or welfare under KMC 15.08.060(1).
Violations & Fines
Building a deck or patio above 30 inches without a permit is unpermitted construction under KMC 15.08.050, subject to the Building Official's stop-work and enforcement authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Kennewick?
Does a ground-level patio need a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kennewick
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