Demolition permits in Kent: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a demolition 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 demolition need a permit in Kent?
2021 IBC Section 105.1 + WA-adopted IRC R105.1: demolition of any structure or portion thereof requires a permit. Tear-out of interior finishes only is generally treated as alteration. Asbestos / lead notification often required separately under WAC 173-303 / 296-62.
How Kent adopted this rule
The threshold comes from the state code (WAC 51.51), which Kent adopts by reference in the provision quoted below.
“The International Residential Code, 2021 Edition, published by the International Code Council, Inc., as amended pursuant to Chapter 51-51 WAC.”Source ↗verified 2026-10-02
What Kent says in its own permit handout
From Demolition Pre-Application Checklist, published by Kent. This is the jurisdiction's own guidance on its permit process, not the ordinance text — where the two differ, the code governs.
“A demolition permit is required for demolition of an entire building or structure, including the foundation. For interior demolition or the removal of a portion of the building only, please apply for an alteration permit.”Checklist ↗read 2026-09-05
Required submittals
- Site plan
- Utility disconnect confirmations
- Asbestos survey (pre-1981 structures)
- Erosion / sediment control plan
- Haul route if structure >1500 sqft
Inspection sequence
- Pre-demo (utilities + erosion)
- Mid-demo if multi-day
- Final site stabilization
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 demolition 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 demolition quote.
Notes & caveats
Disconnect notices required from utilities (gas, electric, water, sewer) before issuance. Erosion control plan required where soil is disturbed. Bonded contractor typically required. Site stabilization + capped sewer line at completion.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your Kent demolition — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 5 documents under Required submittals above.
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Kent Economic and Community Development ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Kent's fee schedule sets them) 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
Demolition permits in Kent — FAQ
When does a demolition need a permit in Kent?
2021 IBC Section 105.1 + WA-adopted IRC R105.1: demolition of any structure or portion thereof requires a permit. Tear-out of interior finishes only is generally treated as alteration. Asbestos / lead notification often required separately under WAC 173-303 / 296-62.
How much does a demolition permit cost in Kent?
Kent's posted fee documents (its 2026 building permit fee table and land use fees) carry no demolition fee, so the Permit Center (253-856-5300) quotes it. Intake fees are billed once the submittal is complete, and the rest before the permit issues. Apply through the City of Kent Permit Portal (https://sso.kentwa.gov/).