Kent vs Renton
How do stormwater management rules compare between Kent, WA and Renton, WA?
Kent and Renton have similar restriction levels.
Kent, WA
King County
Kent is an NPDES Phase II city and enforces Department of Ecology stormwater standards. New development and redevelopment over 2,000 sf trigger mitigation under the 2019 stormwater manual.
View full Kent rules →Renton, WA
King County
Renton Municipal Code 4-6-030 adopts the King County Surface Water Design Manual. Projects creating or replacing 2,000 sq ft of impervious area must manage runoff to protect local waters.
View full Renton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kent | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | NPDES Phase II | - |
| Manual | 2019 DOE Western WA | - |
| Trigger | 2,000 sf new impervious | - |
| Illicit discharge | Fines apply | Prohibited under RMC 4-6-030 |
| Design manual | - | King County SWDM plus Renton Amendments |
| Threshold | - | 2,000 sq ft new or replaced impervious |
| Small project BMPs | - | Dispersion, rain gardens, permeable pavers |
| Report spills | - | Renton Public Works (425) 430-7400 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kent FAQ
Do I need a stormwater plan for a Kent addition?
Yes if the project creates more than 2,000 sf of new or replaced impervious surface, and a small-project form may apply at 500 sf.
Can I wash my car in the driveway?
Yes for private residential use; commercial car washing into a storm drain is illicit discharge and is prohibited.
Renton FAQ
Do I need stormwater review for a 400 sq ft addition?
Usually not, since it falls below the 2,000 sq ft threshold, but cumulative impervious surface on your lot and any critical area issues may still trigger review.
Can I wash my car in the driveway?
Residential occasional car washing is generally tolerated, but commercial washing must route wastewater to the sanitary sewer, never to the storm drain.
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