Kent, WA Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- Credit amount
- Minimum 10% off monthly stormwater bill
- Governing section
- KCC 7.05.150(B)
- Eligible buildings
- New or remodeled commercial buildings only
- Statutory basis
- RCW 35.67.020 and 35.92.020
- Administering office
- Kent public works and finance directors
- System standard
- Must meet WA Building Code Council guidelines
Summary
Kent gives commercial building owners a stormwater utility bill credit for installing a rainwater harvesting system. KCC 7.05.150(B) sets a minimum 10 percent rate reduction, with larger credits possible depending on how much rainwater is captured.
The owner or renter of a new or remodeled commercial building is utilizing a permissive rainwater harvesting system, as defined in KCC 7.05.020. In such cases, and in accordance with RCW 35.67.020 and 35.92.020, the owner or renter shall receive a credit equal to a minimum 10 percent rate reduction. The director will consider rate reductions in excess of 10 percent depending upon the amount of rainwater harvested.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4542, passed June 16, 2026).
Full Breakdown
150 lets the finance director, at the direction of the public works director, reduce the monthly storm and surface water utility charge for property owners who take specific mitigation steps. 020(S) as a system properly sized to use the available roof surface and built to Washington State Building Code Council guidelines to collect and store rainwater for plumbing fixtures, industrial use, or irrigation, qualifies for a credit. 020 as the statutory basis, and the director will consider reductions above 10 percent depending on how much rainwater the system actually harvests.
070 (subsection C). The rainwater harvesting credit applies only to commercial buildings that are new or remodeled, not to existing unmodified structures or single-family homes. Property owners apply through the public works department, which verifies the system meets the state guidelines before the finance director adjusts the utility account.
Violations & Fines
This is a voluntary incentive, not a mandate, so there is no penalty for skipping a rainwater harvesting system. Separately, KCC 7.05.200 makes any violation of Chapter 7.05, including misuse of a credit obtained under false pretenses, enforceable through cost recovery invoices, a class 1 civil infraction under RCW 7.80.120 filed in Kent Municipal Court, civil code enforcement with stop-work orders, and, for negligent or knowing violations, misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor criminal charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kent require rainwater harvesting systems?
How large is the Kent stormwater credit for harvesting rainwater?
Can a single-family home in Kent get the rainwater harvesting credit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kent
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Rainwater Harvesting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle rainwater harvesting.