Kennewick, WA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (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.
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?
Which department reviews Kennewick grading permits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kennewick
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