City of Kent
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Accessibility & Accommodation
The City of Kent fosters an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone who lives and works here.
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Adaptive Recreation
Find adaptive and accessible recreation programs.
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Adopt-A-Spot Program
Help reduce litter in Kent's public spaces through the Adopt-A-Spot program! Commit to a spot or a block to help keep your city clean and beautiful.
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Adopt-A-Street Program
Keep Kent safe and beautiful by joining efforts to clean up your community. Through the Adopt-a-Street program, your organization helps improve the city's appearance, while preventing pollution from entering the waterways.
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Affordable Housing
Finding housing in Kent can be a challenge. Learn how you can find affordable housing.
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Art Exhibits
See art from local artists in our very own Centennial Gallery.
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Artist Grants & Opportunities
Find opportunities to show your artwork. Apply for a grant to fund your project, or to serve in the Arts Commission.
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Arts Commission
Engage with the community by establishing cultural opportunities and arts education. Enrich Kent's aesthetic environment by serving on the Arts Commission.
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Bicycle Advisory Board
Support better conditions for bicyclists by participating on the Bicycle Advisory Board.
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Cable Franchise Management
The City of Kent collects a small franchise fee of gross revenues from the cable companies for using the public's right-of-way.
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Carpool or vanpool
Find your shared ride to work or school through King County's Metro rideshare programs.
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Certificate of Water Availability/Fire Flow Information
You can get information on Hydraulic Modeling, Water Flow Rate, Fire Flow, Water Availability, Certificate of Fire Flow, and PSI data through our Economic Community Development Department.
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Chief Administrative Officer
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) oversees the day-to-day operations of the City. The CAO serves between the department directors and the City Council.
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Choose Kent Valley
Kent Valley is a leading technology and manufacturing hub. Learn more about the specialized workforce, convenient location and advanced manufacturing expertise it offers.
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Christmas Rush 10K run & 5K run/walk
For the holidays, join the fun at the starting line at the Christmas Rush Fun Run and Walk! Run along the scenic Green River. Awards are given out for each age group after the race.
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City Attorney
Kent's Law Department is responsible for all litigation involving the City and prosecutes criminal misdemeanor cases, infractions and code violations.
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City Clerk
The City Clerk oversees the administration of City Council meetings, including agenda development and recording and preparation of official minutes. The Clerk also provides legal notices, coordinates local elections, and serves as the custodian of the Kent City Code and public records requests.
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City Contracts and Agendas
Search for City contracts, agendas and minutes.
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City Council
The seven-member council is the legislative body for the City of Kent. The Council forms policies and regulations, as well as approving the City's budgets.
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City Limits Tool
Find if your property is within City limits by entering your street address.
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Civil Division
The Law Department advises and represents all city elected and appointed officials, employees, boards, committees, task forces, and commissions on all civil legal matters pertaining to the City of Kent.
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Civil Service Commission
Adopt and enforce regulations for police personnel matters by serving on the Civil Service Commission.
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Code Enforcement
Code Enforcement's job is to help keep Kent safe and beautiful.
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Commercial Building Permits
Get permits for new commercial buildings, additions and alterations, as well as plumbing and mechanical permits.
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Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
The Community Development Block Grant program develops workable urban communities. It funds eligible low/moderate-income activities that benefit Kent residents, such as a suitable living environment and economic opportunities.
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Community Education
Get involved to prevent crime in your community. Volunteer with the Kent PD. Join a neighborhood Block Watch, Community Police Academy, or get together for National Night Out.
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Community Garden
Reserve a plot in Kent's organic Community Garden! Garden sustainably by using organic methods and products.
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Connect on Social Media
Get the latest news, information, events and resources on the City of Kent's social media pages.
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Court Recordings
Listen to audio Court recordings.
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Cultural Communities Board
Increase engagement, integration and access to city services for all cultural communities. Apply to serve on the Cultural Communities Board.
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Cultural Programs
Our Cultural Arts division offers a colorful spectrum of activities and events. There's something for everyone, whether they're concerts or youth art activities.
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Current Neighborhood Councils
Use this interactive map to see current neighborhood councils.
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Data and Maps
Kent's GeoPortal provides open spatial data and mapping tools.
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Disability Board
The Disability Board is for Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters (LEOFF1). It reviews and approves all medical and disability claims from the LEOFF1 retirement system.
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Download Mobile App
Report non-emergency issues, request a service, and find information about the City of Kent with the KentWorks app.
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Downtown Parking
Find free parking in downtown Kent.
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Drainage Utility and Stormwater Management
Learn how pollution in stormwater affects you. Do your part to dispose waste properly and keep your water system safe.
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Drinking Water Services
Kent's Water division operates the water system to make sure your water is safe to drink and use. It also maintains the water system throughout the City.
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DUI Court
Find rehabilitation through DUI Court while preventing future DUI offenses.
Go - Economic & Community Development
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Electronic Permit Applications
Make an appointment with the Permit Center to get Building Permits, Engineering & Utility Permits, Land Use/Environmental Permits, Fire Prevention Permits, and permits for residential work.
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Emergency Management
Puget Sound Fire provides emergency management services for natural disasters and technological hazards around the City of Kent.
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Employee Benefits
Find out about employee perks, from medical benefits to retirement and wellness. View holiday closures here.
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Engineering Permits
Get permits for utilities, streets and right-of-way, grading and civil construcitons.
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Environmental
The Environmental division oversees flood control, the City's water quality, and fish and wildlife habitat protection. It also promotes resource conservation and pollution reduction.
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Event Calendar
Find City-wide events on our event calendar.
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Fats, Oils and Grease
Dispose fats, oils and greases properly instead of pouring them down the drain. Follow these tips to prevent sewer line blockages.
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Filing for divorce
View instructions on how to file for a divorce.
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Finance
The Finance department manages the City of Kent's budget, as well as handling strategies for making business decisions. We provide information on utility rates and billing, as well as city taxes and business licenses, and the City's budget reports.
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Find your court date
Find out when you need to appear in Court.
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Fire Department
The Puget Sount Regional Fire Authority serves Kent, Covington, Maple Valley, SeaTac, King County Fire District #37 and King County Fire District #43.
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Fire Prevention Permits
Get fire prevention permits from the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority for items like fire sprinklers, alarm systems and systems using hazardous materials.
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Flood Warning & Alerts
View Green River Flooding Information.
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Floodplains
Find flood resources and FEMA elevation certificates.
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Food, Utilities & Medical Resources
Find resources for food, utilities assistance and medical care.
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Fourth of July Splash
Join the community for games, activties and fun at this annual Fourth of July event! Watch a dazzling display of fireworks to end the night.
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Getting married
Follow these steps to get a marriage license in King County.
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Grants & Opportunities for Artists
Find opportunities to show your work. Apply for a grant to fund your project, or to serve in the Arts Commission.
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Green River Natural Resources Area
The Green River Natural Resources Area is a wildlife sanctuary in Kent. Access the trails or the viewing towers for some bird-watching.
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Historical Society Kent
Learn about Kent's history.
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Housing Resources
Whether you're looking for affordable housing or you're a first-time home buyer, this resource guide is a one-stop shop for your housing needs.
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How to start your restaurant
Follow these steps to open a restaurant, from planning to getting permits and licenses.
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How to Vote
King County sends ballots by mail 20 days before the election. View tips for voting.
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Human Resources
Find information related to City jobs.
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Human Services Commission
Address human service needs and promote community awareness in Kent. Make human service policy recommendations to the Mayor by serving on the Human Services Commission.
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Interactive Control Map
Use the Survey Control Map as a self-serve location or as a initial viewpoint. This map serves as a graphic aid only, and not a survey.
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Jury Service
If you've been summoned to appear as a juror, follow these steps.
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Kent 101
This free eight-week civics course dives into how our City operates as a local government. Apply today!
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Kent Commons Community Center
Visit Kent Commons and sign up for fitness classes or use our weight room.
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Kent Cornucopia Days 5k Run/Walk
Run or walk our annual 5k Kent Cornucopia race! Awards are given to the top finishers in each age group, as well as overall winners.
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Kent Housing Options Plan
Find out how Kent meets the growing demand for housing.
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Kent Kids' Art Day
Young artists from preschool to fourth grade can enjoy a full day of hands-on art projects lead by professional artists.
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Kent Student Art Exhibit
The annual Kent Student Art Exhibit features artwork by our young creative members of our community.
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Kent Summer Concert Series
Find weekly summer concerts in Morrill Meadows Park, Kent Station, and Lake Meridian Park.
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Kent Traffic School
Traffic School is currently closed. Please check back at a later date.
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Kent TV21
Watch City council meetings, workshops and committees on our very own Kent TV21 channel! We also highlight events, people, places, and services in Kent.
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Kent Youth Call-to-Action
The Kent Youth Call to Action is an initiative that ensures that kids are safe and can access to culturally-responsive programs and services.
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Kent's Free Circulating Shuttle
The free 914 DART shuttle connects riders from downtown Kent to the East Hill. View stops and schedules.
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King County Elections
Find information on how to vote, election results, and information about candidates and measures.
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Land Survey/GIS
Use these land surveying and mapping services to support capital improvement projects, resource management, and more.
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Land Use & Environmental Permits
Find guidelines and applications for land use and environmental permits.
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Land Use & Planning Board
Hold hearings on city codes, comprehensive plan updates, and topics associated with Long Range Planning functions.
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Land Use Notices of Application
Use this interactive map to see current construction projects and building developments throughout Kent.
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Law Department
Kent's Law Department litigates for the City and prosecutes criminal misdeanor cases, infractions and code violations.
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LEOFF Benefits
Learn about benefits for Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters.
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Lifeline Utility Rate Reduction Program
Reduced utility rates are available if you're a senior citizen or permanently disabled. Your household income must be less than federal limits. Find out if you're eligible.
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Light Rail & Train
Find routes, maps and schedules for the Link light rail and Sounder train.
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Local Rules
Review the Munipical Court local rules.
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Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee reviews grant applications for funding. It also makes recommendations to the Kent City Council about spending the revenue generated from the lodging tax.'
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Lodging Tax Grant
The Lodging Tax Grant funds the marketing, operation and promotion of activities, events or projects that promote Kent both as a business or leisure destination. By doing so, this ultimately brings more people and economic activity to the city.
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Metro Bus and Shuttle Services
Plan a trip with the King County Metro bus system. Find bus routes and advisories, plus fares, how to get an Orca pass, and more.
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Minor Utility Work
Contractors performing small projects for Puget Sound Energy, Comcast and Lumen can report upcoming job-starts here.
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Mitigation by Mail Form
Fill this form out if you committed the infraction(s) but you believe the facts or circumstances justify a reduced fine(s).
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National Night Out
Get together with your neighbors for a night to give crime a going-away party.
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National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
Learn how the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Program reduces pollution with stormwater management.
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Natural Yard Care
Protect your City's water supply with these landscaping and gardening techniques.
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Neighborhood Councils
Use this interactive map to find recognized neighborhood councils.
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Neighborhood Grant Program
Get matching funds for your neighborhood to improve projects and livability in your community.
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Neighborhood Program
Recognized Neighborhood Councils improve communication and livability by giving residents a chance to be a part of the civic process.
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Office of the Mayor
The Mayor of Kent works with a seven-member council to serve residents and businesses, and prepares the biennial operating and capitol budgets.
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Open Enrollment
Find updates for health insurance plans for the upcoming year.
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Parks & Recreation Commission
The Parks and Recreation Commission advocates support and improvement for Kent's park system and recreational activities.
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Parks Open Space Plan
Use the Parks and Open Space Plan tool to tell us how you use the parks in Kent.
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Parks Operations
We maintain all of Kent's parks and trails, and support other divisions within the Parks, Recreation & Community Services department.
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Permit Center Application Form
If you're submitting a new permit application, fill this form out to make an intake appointment.
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Permit Logs
Find information about issued building and development permits in the City of Kent.
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Plan your next trip
Use the King County Metro trip planner to get to your destination.
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Plastic Bag Ordinance
Banning plastic bags reduces pollution, litter and waste. Find out which bags are okay to use when you shop.
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Police - Non-Emergency Number
This is the non-emergency phone number for the Kent Police Department. This non-emergency number will connect callers to Valley Communications. This is not the Kent Police Department physical headquarters phone number.
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Pre-hearing Conference by Mail
By requesting this type of hearing, you're telling the Court that you didn't commit the infraction(s).
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Private Drainage
Manage stormwater on your property with routine inspections.
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Property Tax
Pay your property tax online.
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Public Art
Find public artwork throughout Kent with our interactive map.
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Public Defender Screening
If you cannot afford an attorney, find out if you're eligible for a public defender at the Kent Municipal Court.
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Public Works
Public Works maintains the City's infrastructure and transportation network, while protecting the natural environment. We also focus on water quality, wastewater collection and waste disposal.
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Puget Sound Fire
The Puget Sount Regional Fire Authority serves Kent, Covington, Maple Valley, SeaTac, King County Fire District #37 and King County Fire District #43.
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Rebates for water-saving toilets and washing machines
Get money back when you save water by replacing your toilet or washing machine.
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Recycling Collection Events
Dispose your recyclable items that aren't always accepted at the curb for free! Find a recycling collection event every spring, summer, and fall, and drop off your items.
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Recycling Information Line
Your recycling service in Kent is provided by Republic Services. Know what to recycle with this handy guide.
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Reduced Transit Fares
Get to where you need to with reduced fares using the ORCA Lift card! Find out if you're eligible and apply.
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Rent & Utility Assistance
If you're in need, register for rent and utility assitance.
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Rental Housing Inspection Program
The Rental Housing Inspection Program ensures that landlords keep their properties safe for tenants to live. Properties must go through periodic health and safety inspections.
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Rentals – Park Shelters, Rooms, and Fields
Rent a park shelter, sports field or athletic complex.
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Report Street Flooding
Report street flooding through our KentWorks app.
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Report traffic safety concerns
Our Residential Traffic Calming Program addresses traffic safety concerns and helps reduce speeds in your neighborhood. Learn more about the steps to make residential streets safer for everyone, and submit a request.
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Reports and Other Documents
Explore the City's financial reports and budgets.
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Request for Accessibility Accommodation
Submit an accessibility request for issues such as curb ramps, plus access to buildings, facilities and programs.
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Request for Accommodation
Submit an accessibility request for issues such as curb ramps, plus access to buildings, facilities and programs.
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Residential Building Permits
Get permits for new residential buildings, additions and alterations, as well as plumbing, re-roof and mechanical permits.
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Residential Mechanical Permit Application
If you're installing mechanical equipment, including gas piping, fill this permit application form out.
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Residential Parking Zone Permit
Apply for a valid parking permit in a designated public area.
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Residential Parking Zone Permit - Property Management
Property management and owners can request residential parking permits for tenants.
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Residential Plumbing Permit Application
Fill this permit application form out if you're removing or replacing plumbing or fixtures in the same location without removing any surfaces (gypsum, framing, etc.). This includes hot water tank replacements.
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Residential Reroof Permit Application
If you're removing or installing materials on a roof, fill this permit application out.
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Riverbend Golf Complex
Find recreational activities for every skill level and age group on this 18-hole golf course.
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Schedule an Inspection
Request an inspection for construction work.
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School Zone Speed and Red Light Photo Enforcement Program
The photo enforcement cameras aims to reduce traffic speeds and collisions, while increasing safety for children, pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers.
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Senior Activity Center
Our Senior Activity Center hosts programs for our senior residents.
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Serve on a Board or Commission
Get involved in local government by applying to a Board or Commission.
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Sewage backup, sewer main problems
Report any sewer backups, odors, or sewer main problems through our KentWorks app.
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Sewer
Kent's sewer system disposes wastewater from sinks, toilets, and other fixtures. Learn how sewers work, and do your part to keep them running smoothly.
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Sewer As-Builts
Find record drawings of your home's sewer line by contacting Economic and Community Development.
Go - Sewer Service Availability and New Connections
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Special Events Center Public Facilities District (PFD) Board Of Directors
The PFD Board ensures the funding directed by the PDF sales tax is used to only pay debt service on accesso ShoWare Center construction bonds.
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Sports Rainout Line
Call after 4 p.m. to check the status of ballfields.
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Spotlight Series
Find concert and performances.
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Spring/Fall Curbside Clean Up
Get rid of extra yard waste and garbage for free! Every spring and fall, you can simply put your extra waste out on the curb for pickup.
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Storm Drainage and Flooding
Kent's Storm Drainage division maintains the City's stormwater and flood drainage systems. Learn how we reduce flood risk while managing stormwater for the City.
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Stormwater Best Management Practices
Improve our water resources by following stormwater best management practices for your property.
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Street Light Repair
If you find a broken or burnt out street light, submit a service request through our KentWorks app.
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Street Sweeping
Visit our Street Maintenance Division page to find information about street sweeping in Kent.
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Streets
Kent's Streets division maintains and repairs all public streets, signs and markings.
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Transportation
The Transportation division is responsible for planning the flow of traffic and developing the local transportation network for our growing city.
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Transportation Master Plan
Learn how the City plans to accommodate transportation needs for our growing community.
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Tree blocking a traffic signal or sign
Report a tree or other vegetation blocking a traffic light or sign.
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Trees or vegetation in the Power Lines - PSE Puget Sound Energy
If you see trees or vegetation in the powerlines, contact Puget Sound Energy.
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VIPS Volunteers in Police Service
Assist the Kent Police in community services and events. Join the Volunteers in Police Service!
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Virtual Court Proceedings
Kent Municipal Court uses Zoom for virtual court hearings. Appearing by video is highly encouraged for most matters. View instructions on how to appear by Zoom.
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Volunteer Conservation Events with Kent Parks
Help keep our City healthy and green by volunteering with Kent Parks! Plant trees and remove weeds to restore Kent's green spaces.
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Watch City Council Meetings
Watch City council meetings, workshops and committees.
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Water Operations
Kent's Water division operates the water system to make sure your water is safe to drink and use. It also maintains the water system throughout the City.
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Water Quality Survey
Take this survey about Kent's water quality.
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When to call 911 vs. the non-emergency line
Know when to report emergencies and less critical situations.
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Winter Weather Plan
Find tips on preparing for the winter. Learn what the City does for snow and ice response, maintaining roads, communications and public safety during inclement weather.
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Winterfest
For an entire month, celebrate the holidays with festivities throughout Kent.
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Zoning Maps
Use zoning, utilities and road maps to help plan your project.
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Equity and Inclusion Speaker Series
The Equity and Inclusion Speaker Series features distinguished leaders who contribute expert knowledge and diverse perspectives to our collective discussion around concepts like Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. All interactive presentations and workshops are free to the public.
UPCOMING EVENTS
"Bridging Cultures Through Cuisines"
Date: 11/12/2025
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Synopsis:
Discover how one simple ingredient transforms cooking into a powerful medium for cross-cultural understanding, economic empowerment, and heritage preservation.
Led by world-class chef Christina Arokiasamy this presentation will provide a unique opportunity to explore the authentic flavors, techniques, and histories behind global cuisines. From Latin America, South East Asia, India to Persian dishes, we unveil the secrets of spice blending, traditional sauces, and ancestral cooking methods that define each cuisine.
Click here to register for free!
For language assistance, or reasonable accommodation, please visit KentWA.gov/languageaccess or call 253-856-5716
Para obtener asistencia con el idioma o solicitar adaptaciones razonables, visite KentWA.gov/languageaccess o llame al 253-856-5716.
ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ, ਜਾਂ ਵਾਜਬ ਰਿਹਾਇਸ਼ ਲਈ, ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ KentWA.gov/languageaccess 'ਤੇ ਜਾਓ ਜਾਂ 253-856-5716 'ਤੇ ਕਾਲ ਕਰੋ
Щоб отримати мовну допомогу або обґрунтовано необхідні пристосування, відвідайте сайт KentWA.gov/languageaccess або зателефонуйте за номером 253-856-5716.
Để được hỗ trợ về ngôn ngữ hoặc điều chỉnh hợp lý, vui lòng truy cập KentWA.gov/linguaccess hoặc gọi đến số 253-856-5716
如需语言协助或合理的特殊照顾，请访问 KentWA.gov/languageaccess 或致电 253-856-5716
Para sa tulong sa wika, o makatwirang akomodasyon, mangyaring bisitahin ang KentWA.gov/languageaccess o tumawag sa 253-856-5716
PAST EVENTS
"Lessons From Little Rock with Dr. Terrence Roberts"
Date:06/18/2025
Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Kent Commons
525 4th Ave N, Kent WA 98032
Crystal Mountain Hall
Synopsis: Sixty eight years ago, nine black students attended their first full day of school at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. This landmark effort to desegregate all-white school played a pivotal moment in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Terrence Roberts, one of the Little Rock Nine, will speak about the importance of understanding the history of segregation and the civil rights to combat racism and discrimination today.
Space for All Weekend
Did you know the City of Kent is home to half of the space jobs in the state of Washington and is the 5th most ethnically diverse city of its size in America? As we endeavor to bring together influential voices and perspectives, through our Race and Equity speaker series, and inspire children to reach for the stars, Mars and beyond, we are honored to have secured NASA Astronaut Mr. Jose M. Hernandez as a distinguished speaker for our Space for All STEM event!
Recently, Amazon Prime released the movie ‘A Million Miles Away’ a story about Mr. Hernandez's inspirational journey that is not only remarkable, but also symbolic of the importance of representation in traditionally underrepresented fields, particularly the space industry. By having Mr. Hernandez as a featured speaker during the STEM festival, we aim to highlight the significance of representation in the space industry, and the broader scientific community.
Join us for a weekend of celestial fun!
May 3rd 2024 - "A Million Miles Away" Movie Viewing at Kherson Park
Synopsis: Inspired by the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, A Million Miles Away follows him and his devoted family of proud migrant farm worker on a decades-long journey, from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to the fields of the San Joaquin Valley, to more than 200 miles above the Earth in the International Space Station. With the unwavering support of his hard-working parents, relatives, and teachers, José’s unrelenting drive & determination culminates in the opportunity to achieve his seemingly impossible goal. Acclaimed writer and director Alejandra Márquez Abella has created a dazzling tribute to the loyalty and tenacity of the entire Hernández family, as well as anyone who dares to dream.
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: 307 W Gowe St, Kent, WA 98032
May 4th 2024 - Space for all STEM Festival with Keynote presentation
Time: 11-4 pm
Location: ShoWare Center, 625 W James St, Kent, WA 98032
"Reaching for the Stars" with NASA Astronaut Jose M. Hernandez
Date: May 4th 2024
Time: 2pm
Location: ShoWare Center, 625 W James St, Kent, WA 98032
As a child, speaker Jose Hernandez cultivated a titanic work ethic while picking crops as a migrant worker. His ingenuity and grit led him to develop pioneering diagnostic equipment, and eventually into space as a NASA astronaut. His incredible journey from fields to the stars was depicted in Amazon Prime's 2023 film, "A Million Miles Away". Now retired from NASA, Hernandez shares his stories and life lessons as an immensely popular motivational speaker.
"From Home to Home"
An experimental exhibit to build understanding around forced displacement & resettlement
Date: 10/26 - 10/27/2023
Times: 5:00 - 6:30 pm or 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: 124 4th Ave. S. Suite #180 Kent, WA 98032
From Home to Home - An experimental exhibit to build understanding around forced displacement and resettlement.
The City of Kent is partnering with World Relief to bring their From home to Home Exhibit! This is a semi-guided exhibit that puts you in the shoes of refugees and others who have been forced to leave behind their homes, and often loved ones. Learn about the challenges of resettlement in the United States, build greater empathy and find out what next steps you can take.
As the event deals with heavy themes we ask that children under age 12 stay at home.
This event is free and for the public.
October 26-27, 2023
8:00 - 9:30 PM
"Decoding Disability: Pathways to Allyship and Advocacy"
Date: 04/26/2023
Time: 7 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Green River College Kent Campus
417 Ramsay Way #112, Kent, WA 98032
Rooms: 282/283
Synopsis: Daphne Frias is a youth activist who has Cerebral Palsy, and uses a wheelchair to ambulate. She is fiercely proud to be a loud champion for the disabled community. This presentation will explore the pillars of disability advocacy while touching on the history of disability culture in America. Additionally the concept of able bodied allyship will be broken down including how to have inter-community dialogue. Participants will leave with an understanding of how disability shapes our everyday lives and actionable items to help them lead a more disability positive lifestyle.
"Let's Talk About The Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and People Crisis"
Date: 11/10/2022
Time: 7 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Green River College Kent Campus
417 Ramsay Way #112, Kent, WA 98032
Synopsis: Carolyn DeFord is a mother, grandmother, and a member of the Puyallup Tribe. She has been an advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous women since her mother Leona Kinsey disappeared in 1999. Carolyn's personal experiences as a survivor and being the daughter of a long term missing person inspired her to create Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women; a grassroots volunteer advocacy organization focused on MMIWP. Carolyn is a board member for the Inter-tribal Coalition Against Violence, Washington Against Sex Trafficking (WASE), and the Washington State MMIWP Task-force. She works tirelessly to address domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and missing and murdered Indigenous women and people with her work.
The discussion will include important information about the history and causes of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP) crisis. We will examine the data illustrating scope of the crisis, and look at steps we can take as community to find common ground so that we can all thrive together. Participants will leave this presentation empowered with knowledge to be a part of the solution.
"Confronting Hard History"
Date: 7/27/2022
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Kent Meridian Performing Arts Center
10020 SE 256th St, Kent, WA 98030
Synopsis: Hasan Kwame Jeffries teaches, researches, and writes about the African American experience from a historical perspective. This presentation will examine race and racism in America today by taking an honest look at the most troubling aspects of America’s past, particularly slavery and segregation, and by unpacking why we as a nation are so reluctant to talk about difficult historical truths.
Attendees will gain a better understanding of the origin, evolution, and persistence of racial inequality in America today. They will learn about the extraordinary efforts of ordinary people to transform America into a fair and just society. And they will be given the tools needed to talk about race accurately and address racism effectively.
"Antisemitism Today"
Date: 3/30/2022
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Virtual
Synopsis: Senior Director for Jewish Affairs for the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), Karen Stiller, leads the community relations team on addressing antisemitism and building recognition and understanding of Jewish identity.
Karen's presentation will bring awareness and understanding to how antisemitism manifests today and how to be an ally.
"Critical Terms"
Date: 8/13/2020
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Virtual
Please Click on the Image below to download Erin's presentation slides.
Synopsis: Recognized by the White House as a "Champion of Change" in 2013, Erin Jones has been a leading voice on educational equity and inclusion.
Her presentation will help deepen our understanding of terms like: "diversity," "equality vs. equity," "race vs. ethnicity vs culture" and other terms relevant to conversations on race and equity.
"Stereotypes In Our Lives"
Date: February 13th, 2020
Time: 7:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Location: Kent Memorial Park Building ( 850 Central Ave N, Kent WA)
Synopsis: Vishavjit Singh, an artist and cartoonist perhaps better known as Sikh Captain America, is on a mission. His mission is to get us to confront our own prejudices by asking ourselves, "Did I judge somebody today?"
His Presentation will create space to honestly reflect on the stereotypes in our lives. (Click on the image below for a brief introduction to the featured speaker)
"Separate is never equal"
Date: November 14th, 2019
Time: 7:00 P.M. - 8: 00 P.M.
Location: Green River College Kent Campus
Synopsis: Sylvia Mendez, the Civil Rights Activist and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, spoke at Green River College Kent Campus.
At age eight, Sylvia played an instrumental role in the Mendez v. Westminster case in 1946, the landmark desegregation case that set an important legal precedent for ending segregation in the United States, paving the way for Brown v Board of education seven years later. (Click on the image below for a brief video introduction about the speaker and her story)
"Under Our Skin: What do we mean when we talk about race?"
Synopsis: Using the Seattle Times "Under Our Skin" video project, this workshop will be a group discussion about terms we use when we talk about race and inclusion. The workshop is intended to be the start of a conversation, not the final word. (Click on the image below for a brief introduction to the project)