Environmental Rules in Kennewick, WA (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Kennewick, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Kennewick requires new development to design stormwater facilities under the state's Stormwater Management Manual for Eastern Washington, retaining and disposing of runoff onsite for the 25-year, 24-hour storm event.
Kennewick Stormwater Design and Retention Rules
Some RestrictionsKennewick Municipal Code § 14.28.045 (Ord. 6005, Sec. 4, 2023; Ord. 5656 Sec. 2, 2016; Ord. 5290 Sec. 7, 2010)
The City formally adopts the Stormwater Management Manual of Eastern Washington. All design, construction, and post construction management of erosion and sediment control and storm drainage facilities shall be in accordance with Appendix 1 of the NPDES Stormwater Permit... (1) Stormwater shall be retained and disposed of onsite meeting the volume determined by the Soil Conservation Service (SC...
Erosion Control
Kennewick requires a Land Use Clearing and Grading Permit for excavation or grading work, but exempts small jobs -- up to 500 cubic yards of cut/fill or 5,000 square feet of disturbance that doesn't block a drainage course.
Kennewick Clearing and Grading Permit
Some RestrictionsKennewick Municipal Code § 18.72.010 (Ord. 24-6076 Sec. 1, 2024; Ord. 5560 Sec. 1; Ord. 5290 Sec. 3, 2010; Ord. 5180 Sec. 1, 2007)
No person shall do any excavation or grading without first obtaining a Land Use Clearing and Grading Permit issued by the Public Works Department under the provisions of Chapter 18.47, except: An excavation or fill or combination thereof, which does not exceed a total of 500 cubic yards. Clearing and grading, excavation and/or fill, which does not exceed a total of 5,000 square feet and does no...
Flood Zones
Before any construction or land-disturbing development begins within a Kennewick area of special flood hazard, KMC 18.66.040 requires a Floodprone Area Development Permit from the Planning Department covering structures, manufactured homes, and fill.
Kennewick Floodplain Development Permit
Some RestrictionsKennewick Municipal Code § 18.66.040(1) (Ord. 5824 Sec. 3, 2019; Ord. 5204 Sec. 17, 2007; Ord. 5180 Sec. 1, 2007)
A Floodprone Area Development Permit must be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in Section 18.66.030(2). The permit will be for all structures, including manufactured homes, as set forth in Section 18.66.020 and all other development including filling and other activities, also as set forth in Section 18.66.020.
Flood Elevation Requirements
New homes and substantial improvements in Kennewick's mapped flood hazard areas must have the lowest floor built one foot above the base flood elevation, and critical facilities like schools and fire stations need three feet of freeboard. A Floodprone Area Development Permit from the Planning Director is required before any construction begins.
Kennewick Flood Elevation and Freeboard Rules
Significant RestrictionsKennewick Municipal Code § 18.66.060(2)(a)(i), (e) (Ord. 5824 Sec. 4, 2019; Ord. 5309 Sec. 20, 2010; Ord. 5180 Sec. 1, 2007)
(a)Residential Construction.(i)New Construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure must have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated one foot above the base flood elevation. Fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor that are subject to flooding are prohibited, or shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for...
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