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Kennewick, WA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit required above
500 cubic yards cut/fill
Small-job exemption
Up to 5,000 sq ft
Issuing department
Kennewick Public Works
Large sites
May need NPDES stormwater permit

Summary

Kennewick requires a Land Use Clearing and Grading Permit for excavation or grading work, but exempts small jobs -- up to 500 cubic yards of cut/fill or 5,000 square feet of disturbance that doesn't block a drainage course.

No person shall do any excavation or grading without first obtaining a Land Use Clearing and Grading Permit issued by the Public Works Department under the provisions of Chapter 18.47, except: An excavation or fill or combination thereof, which does not exceed a total of 500 cubic yards. Clearing and grading, excavation and/or fill, which does not exceed a total of 5,000 square feet and does not obstruct a drainage course.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 19 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

KMC 18.72.010 requires a Land Use Clearing and Grading Permit from the Public Works Department before any excavation or grading in Kennewick, reviewed under Chapter 18.47. The permit requirement does not apply to excavation tied to an already-permitted building foundation, excavation or fill of 500 cubic yards or less, or clearing/grading of 5,000 square feet or less that does not obstruct a drainage course. Work above 5,000 square feet triggers Public Works Director review of the site's grading plan, drainage, and erosion controls under KMC 18.72.020 and 18.72.030, including possible NPDES Construction Stormwater permit coverage.

Violations & Fines

Excavating or grading above the 500-cubic-yard or 5,000-square-foot thresholds without a Land Use Clearing and Grading Permit is a code violation enforced by the Public Works Department under KMC 18.72.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to grade my Kennewick property?
Only if the excavation or fill exceeds 500 cubic yards, or the disturbed area exceeds 5,000 square feet and blocks a drainage course, per KMC 18.72.010.
Which department reviews Kennewick grading permits?
The Public Works Department reviews and issues Land Use Clearing and Grading Permits under KMC 18.72.020, including erosion control and drainage plans.

Sources & Official References

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