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Hello Kent Community!
We are excited to share updates on several projects to implement the adopted Kent 2044 Comprehensive Plan! Our teams are continuing to modernize development regulations and support growth in designated areas across the city.
In this update, you’ll find the latest on the ReCode Kent project, the Downtown Plan, Critical Areas ordinance updates, and Brownfields cleanup efforts—all supporting a more sustainable and vibrant Kent.
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Phase 2 of ReCode Kent is wrapping up with major milestones. Last year, the City adopted three ordinances updating housing development standards, incorporating ten state laws, advancing the Comprehensive Plan’s housing vision, and reducing barriers to small-scale infill development.
On March 9, the City will hold public hearings at the Land Use and Planning Board meeting on proposed updates to Kent City Code related to the historic preservation and the Mill Creek Historic District as well as the Community Commercial (CC) zone. These updates incorporate state historic preservation requirements, formally recognize the Mill Creek Historic District, and expand housing options in the CC zone. Draft codes are available for public review on the ReCode Kent website.
Looking Ahead: Phase 3
Next, Phase 3 will focus on the “look and feel” of our neighborhoods, refining site design and subdivision standards to create high-quality, well-integrated housing in lower density neighborhoods.
The City of Kent is updating its downtown plan. The ReDiscover Downtown Kent Plan will capture the community’s vision and guide improvements over the next 20 years. It will also help Downtown Kent maintain Puget Sound Regional Council Regional Growth Center certification, allowing the City to pursue future grant funding.
Over the past year, the project team has studied downtown conditions, conducted a virtual walking tour and community survey, completed a market analysis, and engaged with businesses, property owners, residents, community organizations, the Land Use and Planning Board, and City Council.
Some of the emerging priorities in the plan include:
- Improving public safety and encouraging reuse of vacant properties
- Strengthening downtown identity through wayfinding, art, and design
- Promoting downtown as a regional destination for culture, food, shopping, and events
- Supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs
- Encouraging mixed-use and mixed-income development
- Enhancing streetscapes to create a more comfortable environment
A draft plan will be released for public review and comment this spring.
The City is updating its Critical Areas Ordinance – Chapter 11.06 of Kent City Code – in accordance with state law, best available science, and supplemental information specific to Kent’s urbanized environment. Critical areas include wetlands, streams and shoreline buffers, critical aquifer recharge areas, geologically hazardous areas, and fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas.
We are anticipating City Council will take action and adopt an ordinance in Spring 2026, with an effective date 30 days later (exact date is still to be determined).
We have reached out to customers who have conducted a pre-application conference with the City of Kent within the past three years. If you have questions how this may affect future development on sites with critical areas, reach out to FutureKent@KentWA.gov.
Brownfields are vacant or underused properties where redevelopment is complicated by potential environmental concerns. With cleanup and reinvestment, these sites can become safe, productive places that support the community and local economy.
The City of Kent received a $500,000 EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant to identify potential sites, assess environmental risks, and develop cleanup and reuse plans with property owners and community members. This effort helps move challenging properties toward redevelopment while protecting public health and supporting economic growth.
If you have a property that you are considering selling or developing that may have some form of environmental contamination, reach out to FutureKent@KentWA.gov for more information about our program. You may qualify for a free assessment
For more information on any of these projects or to provide feedback, please visit Engage.KentWa.Gov or email us at FutureKent@KentWA.gov. Thank you for your continued partnership in making Kent a more sustainable and thriving place to call home!
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