Kent, WA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)

KCC 15.08.400(D) sets the density bonus standards available to planned unit developments, one of eight numbered menu items the hearing examiner can use to justify additional dwelling units above the gross density of the underlying zoning district. PUDs smaller than 20 acres located in single-family residential (SR) zones are barred from density bonuses altogether, except for the wetland-buffer bonus in subsection (D)(8); for every other PUD, the hearing examiner may recommend up to 20 percent more dwelling units than the underlying zone permits, but only upon findings that specific amenities are provided.

The menu includes: a four percent bonus for concentrating at least 10 percent of open space for passive use; a four percent bonus if at least 10 percent of the site is dedicated to active recreation; a two percent bonus for using natural onsite features to manage stormwater; a four percent bonus for leaving at least 15 percent of native vegetation undisturbed; a two percent bonus for grouping off-street parking in areas of 16 stalls or fewer; a two percent bonus for a mix of housing types; a two percent bonus for using a design/development team of architects and engineers; and a 10 or 20 percent bonus for increasing wetland buffers by 25 or 50 feet, respectively. Each standard is a threshold: a project must fully meet a bonus category to get credit, partial compliance earns nothing, and the code caps the combined total of every bonus category at 20 percent regardless of how many categories a project qualifies for.