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 GeoPortal, 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 is doing some updating to the Comprehensive Plan and changing neighborhoods to allow for Accessory Dwelling Units and Multifamily, is this true? 

The City is updating the comprehensive plan, this is a process that happens every 10 years. Washington State also just passed legislation for "missing middle housing" which the City will need to accommodate by July 2025. We will be exploring how to comply with new state regulations as part of the Comprehensive plan. For more information and how to follow our progress see our comprehensive planning page by clicking here

 The City did adopt a new accessory dwelling unit ordinance in compliance with state law on May 16, 2023. Click here for more information on the changes

 

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. 

 

Planning Document Library

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