Brush Clearance: Kent vs Seattle
How do brush clearance rules compare between Kent, WA and Seattle, WA?
Kent and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Kent, WA
King County
Kent requires property owners to abate fire hazards from dry vegetation and debris, especially on East Hill slopes and valley-wall parcels near wildland-urban interface zones.
View full Kent rules →Seattle, WA
King County
King County has no mandatory annual brush clearance ordinance like California. In Wildland Urban Interface areas, defensible space up to 100 ft is enforced on new construction through the adopted IWUIC.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kent | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Defensible space | 30 feet around structures recommended | - |
| Critical areas | Buffer clearing restricted | - |
| Tree limbing | 6 to 10 feet up near homes | - |
| Authority | Puget Sound RFA inspections | - |
| Noncompliance | Abatement lien against property | - |
| Mandatory Annual | - | No countywide rule |
| WUI | - | 100 ft defensible space |
| Critical Areas | - | Clearing permit needed |
| Burn Bans | - | PSCAA + Fire Marshal |
| Program | - | Firewise USA |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kent FAQ
Is there a mandatory clearance distance in Kent?
Kent does not publish a fixed distance like California, but follows Firewise guidance of 30 feet defensible space for homes in hillside or WUI areas.
Can I clear brush in a stream buffer?
Not without review. Critical Areas rules limit vegetation removal in streams, wetlands, and their buffers. Contact Kent Economic and Community Development first.
Seattle FAQ
Do I have to clear brush around my house in unincorporated King County?
No general annual mandate exists, but the IWUIC requires defensible space at permit for new construction in WUI areas, and the Fire Marshal can order abatement when vegetation creates an imminent fire hazard.
Can I just cut down trees to clear brush?
Not without checking critical-area rules. Clearing over 7,000 square feet or removing significant trees in wetland, stream, or steep-slope buffers requires a clearing and grading permit under KCC 16.82 and 21A.24.
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