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.
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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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Graffiti Removal and Prevention
The best graffiti prevention is quick removal. It should also be reported so that Kent PD has a record of it. To report graffiti call 253-856-GRAF or file an online report.
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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 *currently closed*
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.
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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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Green Business - Outreach & Education
The following information is intended for businesses located within the Kent city limits
Waste Reduction Assistance for Businesses
The City of Kent is helping local businesses recycle more and waste less. Through personalized outreach, the City is providing businesses with tools and expertise to reduce their garbage bills, prevent waste, and comply with new state waste laws. Outreach will prioritize businesses that serve or are staffed by Spanish or Vietnamese speakers because these are the most commonly spoken languages by Kent residents who don't speak English very well.
Free Customized Support
Businesses will receive free customized waste prevention support. Outreach staff from Cascadia Consulting Group will set up waste containers, review what can be composted or recycled, post waste signage and stickers, and provide a limited supply of compostable bags and bag dispensers.
Outreach staff will offer the following services:
- Right-size waste service levels to calculate cost savings for reducing garb
age service - Help businesses subscribe to recycling or organics (food and yard waste) collection
- Educate business staff in English, Spanish, or Vietnamese about which materials are recyclable or compostable
- Provide additional interior recycling or organics containers (with or without lids) as appropriate
- Locate interior waste containers more conveniently
- Provide a limited supply of compostable bags and bag dispensers
- Post laminated multilingual signs near interior and exterior waste containers
- Relabel exterior waste containers as necessary
- Make follow-up visits to troubleshoot arising issues and continue staff education
New Food & Yard Waste Laws
In 2022, Washington passed the Organics Management Law (see below), which requires many businesses to start separating their food and yard waste from their garbage. In 2024, the state passed another organics management law, House Bill 2301, which added more requirements for organics collection. The City's waste reduction assistance project will help businesses prepare for these organics separation requirements and aid businesses in reducing the amount of recyclable and compostable materials being landfilled.
Timeline
Outreach is currently scheduled through December 2024.
Funding
Project funding comes from a 2023-2024 King County Re+ City Grant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can my business receive help?
- Businesses can contact Tony Donati, the City of Kent's Conservation Coordinator. The City is prioritizing businesses that generate a lot of waste (at least 4 cubic yards of waste per week) and that serve or are staffed by Spanish or Vietnamese speakers, but any licensed business in Kent may receive support from this program.
- Republic Services, the contracted garbage hauler for Kent, also provides waste prevention education and support to businesses. Republic Services' staff can provide site visits to review existing services, determine recycling potential, and assess space constraints for adding waste containers. Call Republic Services at 253-872-7220.
- Participating businesses may receive tools to help them sort and collect recyclables and organic waste. These tools include plastic containers in different sizes, container lids, compostable bags, wheeled trolleys, and multilingual posters and container labels.
How will the Organics Management Law and House Bill 2301 impact my business?
- All businesses and commercial waste generators (such as restaurants, stores, office, schools, and churches) will need to separate organic waste from their garbage. Organic waste includes waste from food (such as fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, fish, shellfish, and grains) and plants (such as debris from landscape work and untreated lumber).
- The timeline to comply with the laws depends on how much waste per week a business generates:
- January 1, 2024: Businesses generating at least 8 cubic yards of organic waste per week must separate organic waste from their garbage.
- January 1, 2025: Businesses generating at least 4 cubic yards of organic waste per week must separate organic waste from their garbage.
- January 1, 2026: Businesses generating at least 96-gallons of organic waste per week must separate organic waste from their garbage.
- April 1, 2030: All businesses must have organic waste collection services.
- There are several ways businesses can separate organic waste from their garbage, such as:
- Subscribe to organic waste collection through a local waste hauler:
- Republic Services: Call 253-872-7220
- Cedar Grove: Call 206-677-1779 or email tedb@cgcompost.com
- CWRR: Call 360-886-9372 or email dave@cwrrecycling.com
- Donate or sell the organic materials to another business (for example, donate edible food to a food bank).
- Compost the organic materials on site.
- Subscribe to organic waste collection through a local waste hauler:
- For more information on the 2022 Organics Management Law, House Bill 2301, or how to separate organic waste from commercial garbage, email the Department of Ecology at organics@ecy.wa.gov or call 509-960-1290.
Contact
Want help with recycling or food waste at your business? Contact Tony Donati, Conservation Coordinator, at 253-856-5589.
Plastic Laws
In 2021, the Washington State Legislature passed the 2021 Plastic Laws to reduce the use of single-use plastics and increase recycled content in bottles and trash bags.
- Effective June 1, 2023: Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) was banned. This ban applies to all manufacturers and distributors of EPS in or into Washington.
- Effective June 1, 2024: The sale and distribution of expanded polystyrene food service products and portable coolers in or into Washington State is prohibited. Examples of EPS food service products include food containers, plates, clamshell-style containers, hot and cold beverage cups, and portable coolers.
What is expanded polystyrene (EPS)?
EPS foam is a lightweight cellular plastic material consisting of small hollow spherical balls that are expanded and processed through a variety of techniques. EPS is often used for packing, shipping, and take-out food service containers.
Why was this law enacted?
EPS is harmful to the environment and creates litter when not disposed of properly. EPS is NOT accepted in Kent's Recycling Program because it causes processing problems at the recycling center.
Alternatives
In January 2022, New York State enacted a similar ban. To help businesses find alternative solutions, New York created an "Alternatives to Single-Use Expanded Polystyrene Foam Food and Beverage Containers and Expanded Polystyrene Foam Loose Fill Packaging ("Packing Peanuts") Reference Guide" (PDF).
Resources and Technical Assistance:
The Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) provides technical assistance to manufacturers to these prohibited products. Ecology is working with stakeholders to develop education and outreach materials to support businesses through this change.
- For more information on the 2021 Plastics Law, visit the Department of Ecology website or contact the Department of Ecology Plastic Reduction Coordinator, Shannon Jones, at Shannon.Jones@ecy.wa.gov or call 360-742-9874.
- For more information on the WA EPS ban, visit ecology.wa.gov/epsban or contact via email epsban@ecy.wa.gov, or call 360-407-6000.
Organics/Yard+Food Waste
Organics Law - A NEW Washington State Law may affect your business.
In June 2022, the Washington State Legislature passed the 2022 Organics Management Law. This law was enacted to reduce methane emissions created when organic waste materials, such as food and yard waste, decompose in a landfill. When these organic materials are separated from garbage and processed, they become a reusable resource known as compost.
What is considered "organic waste"?
Materials from living sources like plants, animals, and microorganisms that are biodegradable and can be broken down into simple organic molecules. Examples of organic waste include:
- Food waste: Fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, fish, shellfish, nuts, seeds,
grains, and food processing waste.
- Organic material waste: Manure, untreated wood waste, waste from gardening and landscape work.
What does this new law mean?
Businesses that have organic material waste or food waste will be required to remove these materials from their garbage and provide reporting data to the Department of Ecology. There are several ways a business can remove these organic materials from their garbage:
- Materials can be collected on-site by an approved organics collector or composting facility (see providers listed below).
- Materials can be composted on site at the business, or these materials may be sent to another business, or
- Materials can be sent to another business for reuse (edible food for example may be donated to a charity or local food bank).
Some businesses may be exempt from organic materials waste collection. For more information on food recovery and reducing food waste, visit the Washington State Department of Ecology Use Food Well Washington Plan.
When does the new business organic law go into effect?
This new law will be staggered in over the coming years:
- January 1, 2024: Businesses generating at least 8 cubic yards of organic waste per week must arrange for organic management service or compost these materials on site at their business.
- January 1, 2025: Businesses generating at least 4 cubic yards of organic waste per week must arrange for organic management services or compost these materials on site.
- January 1, 2026: All businesses generating of at least 96 gallons of organic waste per week must separate organic waste from their garbage.
- April 1, 2030: All businesses must have organic waste collection service.
There are more requirements under the Organics Mangement Law that may affect your business.
For more information, visit the Department of Ecology's website under 2022 Organics Management Law.
For assistance, helpful tips, and information on the new business organic law, contact the Organics Management Team at organics@ecy.wa.gov or call 509-960-1290.
Organics (Food/Yard Waste) Service Providers
The businesses below offer collection services for Kent businesses
- Republic Services: For organics collection, call customer service at 253-872-7220
- Cedar Grove Commercial Composting Services: For organics collection, call customer service at 206-677-1779
- Commercial Waste Reduction & Recycling (CWRR): Call 360-886-9372 or email dave@cwrrecycling.com
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Proper Disposal of Commercial Hazardous Waste
Disposing of your business's hazardous waste properly is required by law and is important for the environment.
Kent businesses can receive educational assistance, incentives, and grants from the King County Hazardous Waste Management Program to assist with proper disposal. Visit kingcountyhazwastewa.gov for information or call 206-296-4691.
Schedule an on-site consultation at no charge and no obligation by emailing haz.waste@kingcounty.gov or calling 206-296-4692.