Kent’s 2-Phase Housing Re-Code

The city of Kent has undertaken its own distinctive and timely two-phase “HOUSING RE-CODE” approach in order to complete the major periodic update to its comprehensive plan, incorporate the 2023 housing-related mandates into its planning, and update its development code and regulations in time to meet the Legislature’s June 30 deadline.

Phase 1 involves amendments to update Kent’s housing code, permitting processes, and development standards to meet new state laws, and implement the goals and policies of the 2044 Comprehensive Plan. Phase 2 will involve additional fine-tuning and revisions based on successes and challenges encountered as Phase 1 is implemented by the city.

The city released a first draft of the proposed code changes in early May. After receiving feedback from technical reviewers and the public, the city created a second draft of the proposed code changes. As required under the state’s Growth Management Act (GMA), the 2nd draft was then provided to the Washington Department of Commerce for 60 days (to allow for review and comment by Growth Management Services), followed by a public hearing held by the City’s Land Use and Planning Board (which is the name of the city’s Planning Commission).

SKCR’s lobbyist was one of only two members of the public testifying at the public hearing on the Phase 1 ordinance that is intended to address all the requirements and mandates in the following bills passed by the Legislature:

• HB 1110 and HB 2321: Middle Housing
• HB 1337: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
• HB 1293: Design Review
• HB 1220: STEP Housing
• SB 5258: Unit Lot Division
• SB 6015: Parking Flexibility
• HB 1042: Additional Units in Existing Buildings

The City’s Housing Re-Code Project will include additional code amendments through Phase 2, which will begin during Summer 2025.