Deck permits in City of Kent: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a deck permit in City of Kent, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Kent uses MyKent permits portal..
When does a deck need a permit in City of Kent?
A deck is exempt only if ≤200 sq ft, ≤30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling, and does not serve a required exit door (IRC R311.2); otherwise a building permit is required.
From City of Kent's own page
“building permits are not required for decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by IRC Section R311.2.”Source ↗verified 2026-05-29
Required submittals
- site plan with setbacks
- framing plan w/ ledger detail
- footing detail
- guard/handrail detail
Inspection sequence
- footing
- framing
- final
Contractor specialties needed
general
Notes & caveats
Ledger connection details per IRC R507. Guards required for walking surfaces ≥30in above grade (R312). Lateral load connection required for attached decks (R507.9.2).
Deck permit fee estimate in City of Kent
Worked example for a $18,000 deck project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $293.25 |
| Plan review | $190.61 |
| WA state surcharge | $4.5 |
| Estimated total | $488.36 |
Most jurisdictions handle decks as field-inspection or simplified plan review. Apply via https://mybuildingpermit.com. Computed from the City of Kent fee bracket schedule · source ↗. Impact/utility fees may apply separately.
How to apply
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Kent deck — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (4).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Kent uses MyKent permits portal. ↗
- 4. Track review (typical: —). Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Most jurisdictions handle decks as field-inspection or simplified plan review. Apply via https://mybuildingpermit.com.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Deck permits in City of Kent — FAQ
When does a deck need a permit in City of Kent?
A deck is exempt only if ≤200 sq ft, ≤30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling, and does not serve a required exit door (IRC R311.2); otherwise a building permit is required.
How much does a deck permit cost in City of Kent?
For a $18,000 deck project, the estimated City of Kent permit fee is about $488.36 — building fee $293.25 + plan review $190.61 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.