Accessory Structures in Kent, WA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Kent, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Kent allows accessory dwelling units on single-family lots under Title 15 and implements WA HB 1337, which requires cities to allow up to two ADUs per lot. Detached and attached ADUs are both allowed.
ADU Rules in Kent
Few RestrictionsADU Permits
Kent permits accessory dwelling units under KCC 15.08.250, updated June 2023 to implement Washington HB 1337 (RCW 36.70A.681). Up to two ADUs are allowed per single-family lot, each up to 1,000 square feet and 24 feet tall. Building permits are filed through the Kent Permit Center using the regional MyBuildingPermit.com portal.
Kent ADU Permits
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Kent waives Park and Transportation Impact Fees for the first ADU on a single-family lot and reduces them by 50 percent for the second ADU under KCC 15.08.250, consistent with Washington's RCW 36.70A.696 cap. Applicants still pay building, plan-review, and trade permit fees, plus utility connection charges only if a new service line is required.
Kent ADU Impact Fees
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Kent does not require owner-occupancy on properties with an accessory dwelling unit. The June 2023 update to KCC 15.08.250 removed the prior owner-occupancy mandate, and Washington HB 1337 (RCW 36.70A.683) prohibits Growth Management Act cities from imposing owner-occupancy on ADUs. Owners may rent both the primary dwelling and the ADU to separate tenants.
Kent ADU Owner Occupancy
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Kent allows long-term rental of ADUs without restriction. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) must comply with Washington's statewide short-term rental act (RCW 64.37), including the $1 million liability insurance requirement, and operators must register for Kent business and utility taxes. Both the primary dwelling and the ADU may be rented under long-term leases simultaneously.
Kent ADU Rental Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Kent allows residential sheds without a building permit when 200 square feet or less, under 12 feet tall, and not used for habitation. Larger sheds or any shed with utilities need a permit and must meet zoning setbacks.
Shed Rules in Kent
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Kent garage conversions need building permits and must meet habitable-space standards for egress, insulation, heat, and alarms. Converting to an ADU is allowed under HB 1337 with zoning review.
Garage Conversions in Kent
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Kent allows residential carports as accessory structures under Title 15 and Title 14. Most need a building permit, must meet setbacks, and cannot be enclosed into a garage without new permits.
Carport Rules in Kent
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Kent allows foundation tiny homes as permanent dwellings under the WA Building Code and as ADUs under HB 1337. Tiny homes on wheels are RVs and cannot be permanent residences outside licensed parks.
Tiny Homes in Kent
Some RestrictionsLooking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Kent city rules.
Accessory Structures in King County →