Kent encourages native-plant landscaping through the Green Kent program and stormwater code. Residents may convert lawns to native gardens provided noxious weeds are removed and Critical Area rules apply.
Kent City Code supports natural landscaping under Title 15 on zoning and Title 7 on stormwater. The Green Kent Partnership promotes ecological restoration in parks and greenbelts using Puget Sound native species such as Oregon grape, salal, red-flowering currant, Pacific ninebark, vine maple, sword fern, and nootka rose. Homeowners may replace lawn with native gardens without a permit, and such conversions often qualify for stormwater credit when they reduce impervious area or include rain gardens. Setbacks, sight distance, and nuisance rules still apply, so keep plantings from overhanging sidewalks or blocking corner visibility. Removing invasive species like English ivy, Scotch broom, and Himalayan blackberry is encouraged before replanting. Critical Areas buffers are protected, and planting inside buffers should favor approved native palettes. Puget Sound Energy and Kent utilities offer plant lists that avoid power-line conflicts.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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...
Kent, WA
Kent industrial sources are capped at 70 dBA day and 65 dBA night at another industrial property, but only 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night when received at a res...
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...
Kent, WA
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
Kent has no city requirement to split shared fence costs with a neighbor. Washington common law controls boundary fences. Survey the property line before bui...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle native plants.
See how Kent's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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