Accessory Structures in Kent, WA (2026)
5 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 up to two accessory dwelling units per single-family lot, attached or detached, capped at 1,000 square feet each and 24 feet in height for a detached ADU. KCC 15.08.350 sets siting, size and permit requirements, and no longer requires an owner-occupancy covenant.
Kent Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
Some RestrictionsKCC 15.08.350(B)
B. Standards and criteria. ... 2. Two ADUs per lot are allowed in any of the following configurations: a. One attached and one detached accessory dwelling unit; b. Two attached accessory dwelling units; or c. Two detached accessory dwelling units. ... 4. A detached ADU shall not exceed 24 feet in height. Features such as chimneys, antennas and railings may extend up to four feet above the maxim...
ADU Impact Fees
Kent exempts a homeowner's first accessory dwelling unit from the school impact fee entirely, treating it as part of the single-family use. Build a second ADU on the same lot and the city charges 50 percent of the standard single-family school impact fee.
Kent ADU School Impact Fee Exemption
Some RestrictionsKent Municipal Code § 12.13.040(A)(10)
10. Construction of an accessory residential structure, including the first accessory dwelling unit (ADU) under KCC 15.08.350, as it is considered part of the single-family use associated with this fee. Subsequent ADU permits shall be charged 50 percent of the single-family unit impact fee.
ADU Owner Occupancy
Kent does not require an owner-occupancy covenant for accessory dwelling units. KCC 15.08.350(B)(9) states a covenant limiting use of one dwelling unit to an owner occupant is not required, and the planning director may release any previously recorded covenant of that kind at the applicant's expense.
Kent ADU Owner-Occupancy Covenant Rules
Few RestrictionsKCC 15.08.350(B)(9)
A covenant limiting the use of one of the dwelling units to an owner occupant is not required and previously recorded covenants to that effect may be released by the planning director. The cost of recording any release shall be paid by the applicant. The release of the covenant does not change or alter the established use or the accessory dwelling unit on the property.
Shed & Carport Rules
Kent lets homeowners build a shed or other accessory building anywhere on the lot that meets the principal building's setback, but in the rear half of the lot it can sit as close as two feet from side and rear lines. KCC 15.08.160 caps all accessory buildings combined at 15 percent of lot area and 23 feet in height.
Kent Accessory Building Size & Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsKCC 15.08.160
A. An accessory building can be located anywhere on a lot if it conforms with the setbacks required by this title for a principal building. In the rear one-half of a lot the accessory building can be built to within two feet of the side and rear lot lines, except when attached to a principal building, in which case it must have the same setbacks as the main building. Accessory dwelling units ar...
Garage Conversions
Kent lets homeowners convert an existing garage into an accessory dwelling unit even if the garage does not meet current setback or lot-coverage standards. KCC 15.08.350(B)(14) allows conversion from any existing structure, but the resulting ADU still needs an approved permit and must meet current building and fire codes.
Kent Garage-to-ADU Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsKCC 15.08.350(B)(14)
An ADU may be converted from an existing structure, including but not limited to garages, even if the existing structure violates current code requirements for setbacks or lot coverage.
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Kent city rules.
Accessory Structures in King County →