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..
Permit required?
Yes — see threshold below
Permit fee
Most jurisdictions handle decks as field-inspection or simplified plan review. Apply via https://kentwa.gov/permits. Kent uses MyKent permits portal.
Review timeline
14–28 days · OTC eligible
When does a deck need a permit in City of Kent?
2021 IRC R105.2(1)(b) exempts decks ≤30in above grade and not attached to a dwelling, where many cities lower the threshold (Seattle: 18in; Bellevue: 30in; Tacoma: 30in). Any attached deck typically requires a permit regardless of height because of ledger flashing/connection inspection.
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).
How to apply
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup on the main permits page — 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: 14–28 days). Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Most jurisdictions handle decks as field-inspection or simplified plan review. Apply via https://kentwa.gov/permits. Kent uses MyKent permits portal.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.