Kent single-family setbacks under KCC 15 are typically 20 ft front, 5 ft side, and 5 ft rear in SR zones. Corner lots, accessory structures, and critical areas change the numbers.
Kent zoning is governed by Kent City Code Title 15. In the common Single-Family Residential (SR-4.5, SR-6, SR-8) zones, the standard minimum setbacks for a principal dwelling are 20 feet front (measured to the porch), 5 feet on each interior side, and 5 feet at the rear. Corner lots must observe a second front setback on the street side. Garages accessed from an alley may have reduced rear setbacks. Accessory structures and ADUs follow their own setback schedule (typically 5 ft side and rear). Multi-family and commercial districts on Meeker Street, Central Avenue, and East Hill have larger setbacks tied to building height. Critical areas (steep slopes, streams, Green River floodway) add a buffer on top of the zoning setback. Encroachments (eaves, chimneys, bay windows) are allowed up to 18 inches into a required setback.
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 setback rules.
See how Kent's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
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