Deck permits in Kent: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a deck permit in 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 Economic and Community Development.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to Kent's source.
When does a deck need a permit in 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.
In the source's own words
“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 contractor
Who can do this work in Kent?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Kent and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the deck permit with Kent Economic and Community Development, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Kent deck quote.
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 Kent
Worked example for an $18,000 deck project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $660.75 |
| Plan review | $429.49 |
| Technology surcharge | $32.71 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.50 |
| Estimated total | $1,129.45 |
Kent prices a deck's building permit on the value of the work: $52.82 up to $500, $52.82 for the first $500 plus $6.88 for each $100 more up to $2,000, and $155.95 for the first $2,000 plus $31.55 for each $1,000 more up to $25,000. Intake fees are billed once the submittal is complete, and the rest before the permit issues. Apply through the City of Kent Permit Portal (sso.kentwa.gov). Computed from Kent's adopted fee schedule · source ↗. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your 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 Economic and Community Development ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (about $1,129 for an $18,000 project) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files with Kent Economic and Community Development, handles reviewer comments, and builds the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Deck permits in Kent — FAQ
When does a deck need a permit in 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 Kent?
For a $18,000 deck project, the estimated Kent permit fee is about $1,129.45 (building fee $660.75 + plan review $429.49 + surcharges) from Kent's adopted fee schedule. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.