Washington is a strict two-party (all-party) consent state under RCW 9.73.030. Recording any private conversation β in person, by phone, or electronically β without the consent of all parties is a gross misdemeanor. Victims can also sue for civil damages including $100/day or $1,000 minimum plus attorney's fees.
Washington State's Privacy Act (Chapter 9.73 RCW) establishes one of the nation's strictest recording consent requirements. RCW 9.73.030 makes it a crime to intercept or record a private conversation without the consent of all participants. This applies to: in-person conversations, telephone calls, and electronic communications. A 'private conversation' is any oral communication uttered by a person who has a reasonable expectation of privacy β this has been interpreted broadly by Washington courts. Even a conversation in a public place may be considered private if the speakers are taking steps to avoid being overheard. Consent must be obtained from all parties β not just one. This makes Washington one of approximately 11 states with all-party consent requirements. Key exceptions include: (1) police officers may record with one-party consent if they are investigating drug offenses, bribery, kidnapping, or similar serious crimes (RCW 9.73.090); (2) emergency 911 calls are recorded with implied consent; (3) recording is permitted when all parties have been informed that the conversation is being recorded. The practical impact for King County residents is significant: recording a phone call with a contractor, landlord, or neighbor requires informing them and obtaining consent. Dashcam audio that captures conversations inside your vehicle with passengers requires their consent. Even recording a public meeting where attendees have an expectation of privacy may trigger the statute. Recordings obtained in violation of RCW 9.73.030 are inadmissible in court (RCW 9.73.050).
Criminal: gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail and $5,000 fine. Civil: actual damages plus $100/day for each day of violation or $1,000 minimum, whichever is greater, plus reasonable attorney's fees and costs (RCW 9.73.060). Recordings are inadmissible in court.
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 Kent's recording & consent laws rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.