King County Board of Health Code Title 8 requires property owners to keep premises free of rat harborage and to use rodent-proof construction for refuse storage. Public Health investigates complaints in unincorporated areas and contracts with cities.
Board of Health Code chapters governing solid waste and nuisance conditions require owners to eliminate rat harborage such as wood piles touching ground, dense ivy, uncapped sewer cleanouts, and food sources like pet bowls left outside. Garbage must be stored in rodent-proof containers with tight lids. PHSKC environmental health staff respond to complaints, inspect, and issue notice and order to abate. Severe infestations near food establishments or schools can trigger countywide pest abatement campaigns coordinated with cities and Metro.
Owners who fail to abate after notice may face daily civil penalties, abatement performed by the county at the owner's expense, and recordation of liens against the property.
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 rodent control rules stack up against other locations.
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