Building Safety in Kent, WA (2026)
4 verified building safety rules for Kent, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Lead Paint
Performing lead-based paint or renovation work in Kent without state certification is unlawful under RCW 70A.420.080, adopted into Kent City Code 9.02.535. Contractors who work without the department's certificate, or who falsify certification records, can be convicted of a misdemeanor.
Kent Lead-Based Paint Certification Law
Significant RestrictionsKCC 9.02.535 (adopting RCW 70A.420.080)
9.02.535 RCW Title 70A, entitled “Environmental Health and Safety” – Adoption by reference. ... 70A.420.080 Certification required to perform lead-based paint activities – Certificate revocation – Penalties. ... (2) No individual or firm can perform, offer, or claim to perform lead-based paint activities or renovation activities without certification from the department to conduct these activit...
Building Permits
Before any building or structure can be moved across, along, or onto a public place and sited within Kent, the mover must first obtain a building permit for the siting, in addition to a separate street use permit from the public works director under KCC 6.07.040(B).
Kent Permit Required to Move a Structure
Some RestrictionsKent City Code § 6.07.040(B)
B. Moving of structures. Prior to application and issuance of a street use permit for any building or structure to be moved across, along, or upon any public place within the city and sited within the city, the applicant shall first obtain a building permit for the siting of such building or structure.
Electrical Permits
Kent does not run its own electrical inspection program. Under KCC 12.05.240(E), electrical hookups must comply with the National Electrical Code, and permits are obtained from the state electrical inspection division, not Kent's building department. Kent's own list of locally enforced building codes, KCC 14.08.020(1), does not include an electrical code, confirming that wiring work in Kent is permitted and inspected by the state.
Kent Electrical Work Requires State-Issued Permits
Some RestrictionsKCC 12.05.240(E); KCC 14.08.020(1)
E. All electrical hookups shall comply with the National Electrical Code. Permits shall be obtained from the state electrical inspection division. ... 1. Building codes means and includes the International Building Code, the International Existing Building Code, the International Residential Code, the International Mechanical Code, the International Fire Code, the International Energy Conservat...
Plumbing Permits
Kent adopts the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code and requires a permit for plumbing work, with local amendments governing application expiration, permit expiration, fees, and penalties for violations, enforced by the building official.
Kent Plumbing Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsKent City Code § 14.01.060
D. Plumbing permit fees. Table 104.5 of the Uniform Plumbing Code, entitled "Plumbing Permit Fees," is amended by substituting Table 104.5 with the following: Table 104.5. Plumbing Permit Fees. Plumbing permit fees and related fees shall be as established by resolution of the city council, in accordance with 14.01.100 KCC. E. Violations and penalties. Section 106 of the Uniform Plumbing Code, e...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Kent city rules.
Building Safety in King County →