Kent allows home occupations as accessory uses in residential zones under KCC Title 15. A home occupation permit is required and business must remain clearly secondary to residential use.
Kent City Code Title 15 (Zoning) regulates home occupations as accessory uses in residential districts. Operators must apply for a home occupation permit through Economic and Community Development. Restrictions include: business activity confined to the dwelling or approved accessory structure, no more than 25 percent of floor area devoted to business use, no exterior evidence of business (signs limited), no outdoor storage, no on-street customer parking exceeding residential norms, and generally no more than one non-resident employee. Prohibited home occupations include auto repair, kennels, restaurants, and any use generating noise, traffic, or odor beyond residential character. A Washington state business license and Kent business registration are separately required.
Operating without a home occupation permit or violating conditions results in zoning citations. Fines start at $250 per violation and permits may be revoked.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Kent, WA
Kent decibel limits follow WAC 173-60 and KCC 8.05 using EDNA zones. Residential receiving limit is 55 dBA day and 45 dBA night. Commercial sources are cappe...
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Kent, WA
Commercial trucks over 10,000 pounds GVWR generally cannot park on Kent residential streets except for active loading. Warehouse districts and truck routes h...
Kent, WA
Kent follows Washington State Building Code EV-ready requirements for new multifamily and commercial buildings. Public chargers exist at Kent Station and sev...
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Kent driveway aprons require Public Works approval under KCC Title 6. New or widened driveways need a right-of-way construction permit, and vehicles must not...
Kent, WA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle home occupation permits.
See how Kent's home occupation permits rules stack up against other locations.
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