City Planning

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City planning is divided into two main functions: current planning and long-range planning. 

Current planners can answer questions about development permits, zoning, and property questions.

The long-range division of the department helps plan for the future. They are the right people to ask questions about subarea plans, the comprehensive plan, long-term housing plans—and anything for the 10-20 year horizon!

Reach City Planning Office

  

Planning Frequently Asked Questions

What is my property zoned?

You can find your property on the City's Zoning and Future Land Use App, or download an updated Zoning Districts Map. All private property in the City is zoned, and the restrictions on development vary from one zone to another. If you need assistance or would like to confirm the zoning, please give us a call at 253-856-5454 and we will be happy to assist you. When you call, please identify the property by a specific address, parcel number or nearby intersection.

Where can I find information about my property such as my parcel number?

King County's iMap allows you to search for your property, access ownership and tax records, as well other geographic information.

I’m not sure exactly where my property lines are located. How do I determine this?  

King County's iMap can give you a general idea where your property lines are. Unfortunately, no one at the City can help find this out. If you need the exact location of your property lines for a project,  you will need to hire a licensed land surveyor. The best place to start is with the LSAW - Land Surveyors' Association of Washington.

 

I heard the City updated the Comprehensive Plan and is changing single-family neighborhoods to allow for accessory dwelling units and multifamily, is this true? 

In December 2024, the City of Kent adopted the 2044 Comprehensive Plan which is required to be thoroughly evaluated and updated every ten years. The Comprehensive Plan guides the City’s growth for jobs and housing while reflecting community priorities and meeting state requirements.

Kent has allowed accessory dwelling units since the 1990s. In 2023, the City adopted a substantial update to the accessory dwelling unit ordinance, giving residents more flexibility to add housing options on their property while complying with state law.

Recently, the state legislature adopted new laws so that cities like Kent must allow “middle housing” in lower density neighborhoods. As a response, the City launched Recode Kent: Creating Housing Options. This will be a multi-phase project to address new state laws, implement the Kent Housing Options Plan and Comprehensive Plan, and modernize development regulations for a variety of housing types. For more information on these and other exciting projects please visit the Engage Kent website.

 

Where can I find the city's zoning code and other development regulations?

Some of the most common questions we get asked are "What can I build?"  or "What are my setbacks/ lot coverage?"

The answer to these questions, and more, can be found in Chapter 15.04 of the zoning code.  First use the maps in the geoportal to find your site zoning. After that, you can use the code to find what is allowed in each zone. You can also find development standards like site coverage and setbacks. 

Helpful tip: use the navigation bar to the left of the Code Publishing page to browse other code sections, such as parking in 15.05, or subdividing in 12.04.

Can I build a fence on my property? 

Usually the answer is yes. The City Code does not have specific fence regulations, but there are some things you should check:

  • You will need a permit if it's over seven feet high.
  • Speak with a traffic engineer if it's within 10 feet from the road and might be hard for people to see while driving or leaving their driveway.
  • Check the link to King County IMAP to see if you know where your property lines are. 

Where can I find other planning maps?

Visit Kent's Geoportal, where you'll find maps and data for download. 

Where can I find out about land use notices and projects that are under review and construction?

Visit BuildKentWA.com to see what's developing in your neighborhood.

Screenshot 2025-11-20 153907

 

 

Planning Document Library

Comprehensive Plan
Kent Housing Options Plan
Midway Documents
Industrial Subarea
Meet Me on Meeker
Downtown Kent
Shoreline and Critical Area Planning
Multifamily Design Guidelines
Mill Creek Historic District Design Guidelines