Aircraft in flight and airport operations are exempt from Kent and Washington noise standards under WAC 173-60 and federal preemption. Sea-Tac (SEA) noise is managed by the Port of Seattle under FAA Part 150.
Kent sits directly under Sea-Tac International Airport (SEA) approach and departure paths, especially the West Hill and Kent Valley. KCC 8.05 and WAC 173-60-050 fully exempt sounds created by aircraft in flight and airport operations, along with interstate surface carriers, from maximum permissible sound levels. Noise abatement is handled through the FAA 14 CFR Part 150 Noise and Land Use Compatibility Study, administered by the Port of Seattle Airport Noise Programs Office. Residents experiencing repeated low overflights or maintenance runs can file complaints through the Port of Seattle online WebTrak system or call the noise line at (206) 787-5393. The Late Night Noise Limitation Program discourages operations between midnight and 5 AM but is voluntary. Kent residences within the 65 DNL contour may qualify for the Sea-Tac Home Insulation Program, which funded upgrades to thousands of homes in Kent, Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac.
Kent cannot cite aircraft operators. Complaints are handled by the Port of Seattle and the FAA under Part 150 and federal noise regulations.
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...
Kent, WA
Kent requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet tall measured from footing to top. Walls supporting surcharges or on geologically hazardous s...
Kent, WA
Kent follows RCW 16.30 which prohibits private possession of dangerous wild animals including big cats, bears, wolves, primates, elephants, and venomous rept...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle aircraft noise.
See how Kent's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.