Signs permits in City of Kent: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)

Everything you need to know about pulling a sign 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 Economic and Community Development.

Look up your City of Kent address

Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to City of Kent's source.

Permit required?
Always
Permit fee
Sign permit fees are set in the local fee schedule, plus an electrical sub-permit for an illuminated sign. Apply via https://mybuildingpermit.com.
Review timeline
Not published by the city

When does a sign need a permit in City of Kent?

City sign code (typically Title 22 or 23) governs. Wall, freestanding, projecting, awning, and electronic message signs all require permits. Most cities exempt small temporary residential signs (real-estate, political) under area thresholds (~6 sqft).

From City of Kent's own code

“15.06.030 Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited in all districts within the municipal boundaries of the city, except as specifically allowed as temporary signs : A. Banners, streamers, pennants, and balloons. B. Any sign using the words “stop,” “look,” or “danger,” or any other word, symbol, or character which might confuse traffic or detract from any legal traffic control devices. C. Stationary motor vehicles , trailers, and related devices used to circumvent the intent of this chapter. D.”
Source ↗verified 2026-09-05

Required submittals

  • site / elevation plan
  • sign drawing with dimensions + materials
  • structural calc if freestanding
  • electrical detail if illuminated

Inspection sequence

  1. footing if freestanding
  2. electrical rough-in if illuminated
  3. final

Contractor specialties needed

general, electrical-01-or-02

Who can do this work in City of Kent?

Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout City of Kent and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the sign permit with Kent Economic and Community Development, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a City of Kent sign quote.

Notes & caveats

Issuing body is city building dept (structural review) often with planning sign-off (zoning compliance). Electrical permit required for illuminated signs. Historic-district signs get separate review.

How to apply yourself

  1. 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Kent sign — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
  2. 2. Assemble submittals (4).
  3. 3. Submit through the city portal: Kent Economic and Community Development ↗
  4. 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
  5. 5. Pay issuance fees (Sign permit fees are set in the local fee schedule, plus an electrical sub-permit for an illuminated sign. Apply via https://mybuildingpermit.com.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.

Or have Kolmo do it

We pull sign permits in City of Kent every month. We prepare the drawings and submittals, file with Kent Economic and Community Development, handle reviewer comments, and build the project.

(206) 410-5100

Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured

Signs permits in City of Kent — FAQ

When does a sign need a permit in City of Kent?

City sign code (typically Title 22 or 23) governs. Wall, freestanding, projecting, awning, and electronic message signs all require permits. Most cities exempt small temporary residential signs (real-estate, political) under area thresholds (~6 sqft).

How much does a sign permit cost in City of Kent?

Current fee per the City of Kent fee schedule: Sign permit fees are set in the local fee schedule, plus an electrical sub-permit for an illuminated sign. Apply via https://mybuildingpermit.com. Plus ancillary plan-review/tech-surcharge fees per city schedule.

City of Kent resourcesPermit portal ↗Fee schedule ↗