City Building Permits

Kent, WA Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Kent, Washington. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Washington King County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Kent.

Department: Permit Center (Economic and Community Development)
Address: Centennial Center, 400 W Gowe St, Kent, WA 98032
Phone: 253-856-5201
Email: PermitCenter@KentWA.gov
Website: https://www.kentwa.gov/permitcenter

Online Permit Portal

Open Kent Permitting Portal

Platform: Kent Permitting Portal + MyBuildingPermit.com • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine permit type and requirements
Schedule intake appointment if required
Apply online through permitting portal
Upload complete submittal package (plans, documents)
Pay intake fees before review begins
City staff multi-department review (complex projects)
Pay issuance fees before permit release
Receive electronic permit

Typical processing time: Varies by permit type and complexity.

Source: Permit Center (Economic and Community Development)

General Requirements

A building permit is required for most construction within the City of Kent.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan
Construction plans
Project specifications
Proof of city business license registration

Permit validity: Varies by permit type.
Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Code
Contractor requirements: Contractors must hold a valid Washington State L&I registration and a City of Kent business license. Register at https://www.filelocal-wa.gov/

Fees

Payment note: Online credit/debit (2.65% fee, max $99,999), check by mail, or in-person. Email PermitCenter@KentWA.gov for fee estimate (4+ week turnaround).

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Current).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Per state building code exemptions
Registered Building Plans available for builders constructing multiple homes with same floorplan

Important: Verify exemptions with Permit Center before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Portal inspections (online)
IVR: 253-856-5427 (legacy permits) (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Schedule next business day
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Code
Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
FileLocal Business License Registration
License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Permit Center (Economic and Community Development) before applying.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Kent can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

Other cities in King County

renton auburn federal-way covington

View all King County jurisdictions →