Building Safety in Kennewick, WA (2026)
3 verified building safety rules for Kennewick, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Building Permits
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.
Kennewick Deck and Patio Permit Rule
Light RestrictionsKennewick Municipal Code § 15.08.060(1)(e) (Ord. 5311 Sec. 2, 2010; Ord. 5274 Sec. 1, 2009; Ord. 5048 Sec. 1(part), 2004; Ord. 3922 Sec. 1, 2000; Ord. 3759 Sec. 2, 1997; Ord. 3664 Sec. 5, 1995; Ord. 3198 Sec. 2, 1989; Ord. 2490 Sec. 2(part), 1980; Ord. 2083 Sec. 1(part), 1977)
(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,...
Electrical Permits
Kennewick does not issue its own electrical permits. Under KMC 15.48.010, the city has ceded electrical permitting and inspection to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, whose electrical code and rules govern wiring, equipment, and systems inside city limits, per KMC 15.08.130's scope provision.
Kennewick Electrical Permits Go Through State L&I
Some RestrictionsKennewick Municipal Code § 15.48.010 (Ord. 1395 Chapter XIV, 1968); § 15.08.130 (Ord. 5048 Sec. 1(part), 2004)
In lieu of an electrical code in the City, rules and regulations as set forth by the Department of Labor and Industries, State of Washington will prevail. All electrical permits and inspections are delegated to the above-mentioned authority. ... This chapter governs the electrical components, equipment and systems used in buildings and structures covered by this code. Electrical components, equ...
Plumbing Permits
Kennewick adopts the Uniform Plumbing Code, as amended by Washington State, to govern plumbing permits inside city limits. Every plumbing job requiring a permit must pay the fee set under UPC Section 103.4, plumbing installed before the code's effective date keeps its lawful status if unchanged and free of hazard, and every basement needs at least one floor drain. Violations are prosecuted as misdemeanors under Title 15's general penalty section.
Kennewick Plumbing Permit Rules Under the UPC
Some RestrictionsKennewick Municipal Code §§ 15.40.010 (Ord. 5497 Sec. 1, 2013; Ord. 5315 Sec. 1, 2010; Ord. 5194 Sec. 1, 2007; Ord. 5051 Sec. 1, 2004; Ord. 3811 Sec. 1, 1998), 15.40.015 (Ord. 3811 Sec. 2, 1998; Ord. 2750 Sec. 2, 1983), 15.40.020 (Ord. 5404 Sec. 4, 2012; Ord. 5051 Sec. 2, 2004; Ord. 3811 Sec. 3, 1998; Ord. 3730 Sec. 2, 1997), 15.40.060 (Ord. 3811 Sec. 4, 1998), 15.40.070 (Ord. 5315 Sec. 1, 2010)
The Uniform Plumbing Code, as amended by the State of Washington with appendix chapter A, chapter B, chapter D, chapter E, chapter I, are hereby adopted. ... Any plumbing system lawfully installed prior to the effective day of this Code may have its existing use, maintenance or repair continued if the use, maintenance or repair is in accordance with the original design and location and no hazar...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Kennewick city rules.
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