Kent 2044 Comprehensive Plan: Building Our Future Together

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The 2044 Comprehensive Plan is adopted!



Successful change doesn't happen to communities, but with them.

The Kent 2044 Comprehensive Plan (the Plan) is our shared vision to guide Kent’s growth over the next 20 years. It is a road map to guide both short-and long-term strategic policy, decision-making, and investments relating to housing and development, jobs, transportation, environmental resources, climate resiliency, and other important topics that impact daily life.

Updated every 10 years as required by the State of Washington’s Growth Management Act (GMA), the Plan is a living document that incorporates community voices, responds to changing trends, and builds upon numerous prior planning efforts to ensure the City meets its allocated growth targets of 10,200 new housing units and 32,000 new jobs.The Comprehensive Plan envisions a future where existing residents and future generations thrive in Kent.

What will Kent look like in the next 20 years? Check out the Executive Summary to see the "Big Moves" the City has planned for our future!

The 2044 Comprehensive Plan is adopted!



Successful change doesn't happen to communities, but with them.

The Kent 2044 Comprehensive Plan (the Plan) is our shared vision to guide Kent’s growth over the next 20 years. It is a road map to guide both short-and long-term strategic policy, decision-making, and investments relating to housing and development, jobs, transportation, environmental resources, climate resiliency, and other important topics that impact daily life.

Updated every 10 years as required by the State of Washington’s Growth Management Act (GMA), the Plan is a living document that incorporates community voices, responds to changing trends, and builds upon numerous prior planning efforts to ensure the City meets its allocated growth targets of 10,200 new housing units and 32,000 new jobs.The Comprehensive Plan envisions a future where existing residents and future generations thrive in Kent.

What will Kent look like in the next 20 years? Check out the Executive Summary to see the "Big Moves" the City has planned for our future!

  • Final Version of 2044 Comprehensive Plan Available

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    We are excited to announce the release of the 2044 Comprehensive Plan! This culminates more than two year's worth of research, planning, and community conversations. Click here to check out the final 2044 Comprehensive Plan.

    Don't have time to read the whole thing? Click here to read the Executive Summary.

    Want to know how the final version of the plan is different than the draft that was released in October? Here is a summary of the major changes.

  • Final EIS Issued

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    The City of Kent has issued the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS or Final EIS) for the 2044 Kent Comprehensive Plan.

    The Final EIS considers a Preferred Alternative to distribute futuregrowth over the next 20 years. It aligns with state and regional requirements as well as the vision and priorities established by the Kent community during the two-year process to develop the 2044 Comprehensive Plan.

    The Final EIS builds on the Draft EIS and analyzes the impacts of the Preferred Alternative on elements of the environment such as land use, housing, population, employment, air quality & greenhouse gas emissions, noise, public services, utilities, and transportation.

    The Final EIS also clarifies information, corrects errors, and addresses public, agency, and tribal comments on the Draft EIS based on public feedback received during the 30-day comment period.

    The Final EIS and the Notice of Availability are issued in accordance with the Washington Administrative Code 197-11-460. The City will not act on the proposal associated with the EIS for at least seven days following this notice.

  • Draft 2044 Kent Comprehensive Plan Available!

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    How to Access the Draft Plan: You can view the draft plan by clicking here. This website also provides an opportunity to provide input/comments. If you want to see it as a separate PDF document with appendices, click here.

    How to Provide Feedback: Please submit all feedback by November 15, 2024 so we can incorporate your input into the final version.

    • Online: Review the plan online and submit comments in the document.
    • Written: Send your comments to futurekent@kentwa.gov or send a letter to Kristen Holdsworth, ECD Long Range Planning Manager, 220 Fourth Avenue South, Kent, WA 98032.
    • Public Hearings: The City will host two public hearings on the Comprehensive Plan. Meetings will be at the City Hall Council Chambers at 220 Fourth Avenue South, Kent. You may present testimony in person or in writing during the hearings. The meeting agendas will be posted the Friday before the meetings and will include information for virtual viewing attendance via Zoom. This website provides links to the agenda materials.

    Any person requiring a disability accommodation should contact the City Clerk’s Office in advance at 253-856-5725. For TTY/TDD service call the Washington Telecommunications Relay Service at 7-1-1.

    Thank you for your continued support and participation!


  • Future Land Use and Zoning Maps: Updates

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    The City has been working with the community over the past two years to envision how we can build our future together. On August 20, 2024, after extensive community engagement and studies, the City Council selected a preferred growth alternative which will guide community development for decades to come, including important topics such as land use, housing, economic development, parks, transportation, services, and a variety of other topics. As part of the Comprehensive Plan update, the City will be updating the Future Land Use (FLU) Map and the Zoning Map to reflect the community's vision and preferred growth alternative for the next 20 years.

    Frequently Asked Questions/Additional Information

    1. Why is the city updating the Future Land Use Map and Zoning Map Designations?

    The updates are part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan periodic update, which is required by state law. They are designed to ensure that the City’s land use policies reflect current community needs and state growth management requirements.

    2. What is a Future Land Use Map (FLU)?

    A Future Land Use map designation is a planning tool used to guide future growth and land use decisions over the next 20 years. It indicates how different areas within the city are intended to be developed or preserved over time, reflecting the community’s long-term vision.

    3. What is a Zoning District?

    A Zoning District is associated with Kent City Code and identifies allowed uses and development regulations, consistent with Kent City Code Title 15.

    4. How does this impact me?

    The updates to the Future Land Use Map and zoning may result in changes to what types of development or land uses are allowed on your property in the future. This could affect things like:

    • Permitted uses of your property;
    • Building heights, setbacks, and density limits; and
    • Property taxes- changes in property value due to the new zoning or land use could influence assessments over time.

    Legally existing uses may continue and permit applications submitted prior to January 1, 2025 are vested to current development regulations.

    5. Who should I contact if I have more questions?

    Email FutureKent@KentWA.gov.

    What is changing?

    Land Use Map

    Click on the map below for a PDF version

    Zoning Map

    Click here for an interactive map which highlights zoning changes by parcel (site) level.

    Click on the map below for a PDF version



    Below is a list of parcel numbers (and site address, if available) of proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map and Zoning Map. Note: the list does not include changes to address Future Land Use Map clean up desiganations regarding parks and open space (because they are changes to reflect current conditions and not changing actual use).

    Site Parcel Site Address Current Future Land Use Designation
    Proposed Future Land Use Designation
    Current Zoning Designation Proposed Zoning Designation
    1522049060 3433 S 229th Pl Single Family 6 Units/Acre Transit Oriented Community Single-Family (SR-6) Midway Commercial Residential
    1522049142 3427 S 229th Pl Single Family 6 Units/Acre Transit Oriented Community Single-Family (SR-6) Midway Commercial Residential
    1522049140 3435 S 229th Pl Single Family 6 Units/Acre Transit Oriented Community Single-Family (SR-6) Midway Commercial Residential
    1522049108 22904 Military Rd S Single Family 6 Units/Acre Transit Oriented Community Single-Family (SR-6) Midway Commercial Residential
    2622059063
    Commercial Residential 2 Community Commercial Single-Family (SR-6)
    2622059070 15238 SE 272nd St Commercial Residential 2 Community Commercial Single-Family (SR-6)
    2622059091 15326 SE 272nd St Commercial Residential 2 Community Commercial Single-Family (SR-6)
    2622059067 15242 SE 272nd St Commercial Residential 2 Community Commercial Single-Family (SR-6)
    2822059118 12819 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Commercial Mixed-Use Community Commercial Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    6792200010 13204 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Commercial Mixed-Use Community Commercial Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    3322059205 13003 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Commercial Mixed-Use Community Commercial Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    2722059189 29622 132nd Ave SE Commercial Mixed-Use Community Commercial Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    2822059113 12901 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Commercial Mixed-Use Community Commercial Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    3322059206 13121 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Commercial Mixed-Use Community Commercial Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    2822059344 12925 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Commercial Mixed-Use Community Commercial Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    2822059120 12845 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Commercial Mixed-Use Community Commercial Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    2722059053 27006 132nd Ave SE Commercial Mixed-Use Community Commercial Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    2722059167 13240 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Commercial Mixed-Use Community Commercial Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    3322059171 27333 132nd Ave SE Commercial Mixed-Use Community Commercial Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    6792200021
    Commercial Mixed-Use Community Commercial Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    6792200030
    Commercial Mixed-Use Community Commercial Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    6792200031
    Commercial Mixed-Use Community Commercial Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    2822059114 27050 128th Pl SE Commercial Mixed-Use Community Commercial Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    3322059135 13101 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Commercial Mixed-Use Community Commercial Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    3322059222 13101 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Commercial Mixed-Use Community Commercial Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    2822059125 12911 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Commercial Mixed-Use Community Commercial Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    2722059173 27112 132nd Ave SE Commercial Mixed-Use Community Commercial Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    2822059137
    Commercial Residential 3 Community Commercial Townhouse/Condo MRT12
    2822059141
    Commercial Residential 3 Community Commercial Townhouse/Condo MRT12
    2822059074 12808 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Commercial Residential 3 Community Commercial Townhouse/Condo MRT12
    2822059122 12818 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Commercial Residential 3 Community Commercial Townhouse/Condo MRT12
    2822059164 12633 SE 270th St Medium Density Multifamily Residential 2 High Density Multifamily Single-Family (SR-6)
    2822059070 12206 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 3 Single-Family (SR-6) Single-Family (SR-6)
    2822059208 26415 122nd Pl SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 3 Single-Family (SR-6) Single-Family (SR-6)
    2822059242 26405 122nd Pl SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 3 Single-Family (SR-6) Single-Family (SR-6)
    2822059266 26435 124th Ave SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 3 Single-Family (SR-6) Single-Family (SR-6)
    2822059136 12124 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 3 Single-Family (SR-6) Single-Family (SR-6)
    2822059053 12118 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 3 Single-Family (SR-6) Single-Family (SR-6)
    2822059264
    Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 3 Single-Family (SR-6) Single-Family (SR-6)
    2822059016 12006 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 3 Single-Family (SR-6) Single-Family (SR-6)
    2822059046
    Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 3 Single-Family (SR-6) Single-Family (SR-6)
    2822059131 12202 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 3 Single-Family (SR-6) Single-Family (SR-6)
    2822059079 12220 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 3 Single-Family (SR-6) Single-Family (SR-6)
    2822059115 26401 124th Ave SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 3 Single-Family (SR-6) Single-Family (SR-6)
    2822059198 26462 124th AVE SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 3 Single-Family (SR-6) Single-Family (SR-6)
    2922059145 26007 116th Ave SE Low Density Multifamily Mixed-Use Single-Family (SR-8) Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    2922059119 11404 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Mixed-Use Mixed-Use Single-Family (SR-8) Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    2922059120 11504 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Low Density Multifamily Mixed-Use Single-Family (SR-8) Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    2922059132 25913 116th Ave SE Low Density Multifamily Mixed-Use Single-Family (SR-8) Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    2922059072
    Low Density Multifamily Mixed-Use Single-Family (SR-8) Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    2922059144 26015 116th Ave SE Low Density Multifamily Mixed-Use Single-Family (SR-8) Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    2922059232 26041 116th Ave SE Low Density Multifamily Mixed-Use Single-Family (SR-8) Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    2922059130 26047 116th Ave SE Mixed-Use Mixed-Use Single-Family (SR-8) Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    2922059056 11426 SE Kent-Kangley Rd Low Density Multifamily Mixed-Use Single-Family (SR-8) Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    2122059136 24608 116th Ave SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Neighborhood Services Single-Family (SR-6) Neighborhood Convenience Commercial
    2122059148
    Single Family 6 Units/Acre Neighborhood Services Single-Family (SR-6) Neighborhood Convenience Commercial
    2122059042 24436 116th Ave SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Neighborhood Services Single-Family (SR-6) Neighborhood Convenience Commercial
    2122059052 11615 SE 248th St Single Family 6 Units/Acre Neighborhood Services Single-Family (SR-6) Neighborhood Convenience Commercial
    2122059023 11624 SE 248th ST Single Family 6 Units/Acre Neighborhood Services Single-Family (SR-6) Neighborhood Convenience Commercial
    2222059060 24230 132nd Ave SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Commercial Single-Family (SR-6) Community Commercial
    2222059102 24440 132nd Ave SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Commercial SR-4.5 Community Commercial
    2222059071 24260 132nd Ave SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Commercial Single-Family (SR-6) Community Commercial
    2222059046
    Single Family 6 Units/Acre Commercial Single-Family (SR-6) Community Commercial
    2222059079 24240 132nd Ave SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Commercial Single-Family (SR-6) Community Commercial
    1722059014 23435 104th Ave SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Mixed-Use Single-Family (SR-6) Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    1722059222 23204 104th Ave SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 3 Single-Family (SR-6) Garden Density Multifamily
    1722059161 23201 104th Ave SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 3 Single-Family (SR-6) Garden Density Multifamily
    1722059077 23210 104th Ave SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 3 Single-Family (SR-6) Garden Density Multifamily
    1722059080 23105 104th Ave SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 3 Single-Family (SR-6) Garden Density Multifamily
    1722059008 23023 104th Ave SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 3 Single-Family (SR-6) Garden Density Multifamily
    0822059191 10605 SE 216th ST Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 4 Single-Family (SR-6) Townhouse/Condo MRT-16
    0822059015 10502 SE 216th St Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 4 Single-Family (SR-6) Townhouse/Condo MRT-16
    0822059098
    Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 4 Single-Family (SR-6) Townhouse/Condo MRT-16
    0822059176 10712 SE 216th ST Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 4 Single-Family (SR-6) Townhouse/Condo MRT-16
    0822059081 21421 108th Ave SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 4 Single-Family (SR-6) Townhouse/Condo MRT-16
    0822059217 21429 108th Ave SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 4 Single-Family (SR-6) Townhouse/Condo MRT-16
    0822059053
    Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 4 Single-Family (SR-6) Townhouse/Condo MRT-16
    0822059078 21507 108th Ave SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 4 Single-Family (SR-6) Townhouse/Condo MRT-16
    0822059042
    Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 4 Single-Family (SR-6) Townhouse/Condo MRT-16
    0822059114
    Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 4 Single-Family (SR-6) Townhouse/Condo MRT-16
    0822059151
    Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 4 Single-Family (SR-6) Townhouse/Condo MRT-16
    0822059150 10626 SE 216th ST Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 4 Single-Family (SR-6) Townhouse/Condo MRT-16
    0822059074 10604 SE 216th St Single Family 6 Units/Acre Residential 4 Single-Family (SR-6) Townhouse/Condo MRT-16
    0822059099 10706 SE 211th ST Single Family 6 Units/Acre Mixed-Use Single-Family (SR-6) Single-Family (SR-6)
    0822059270 21109 108th Ave SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Mixed-Use Single-Family (SR-6) Single-Family (SR-6)
    0822059083 21123 108th Ave SE Single Family 6 Units/Acre Mixed-Use Single-Family (SR-6) Single-Family (SR-6)
    0822059109 10720 SE 211th ST Single Family 6 Units/Acre Mixed-Use Single-Family (SR-6) Single-Family (SR-6)
    0822059046 10717 SE 211th St Single Family 6 Units/Acre Mixed-Use Single-Family (SR-6) Single-Family (SR-6)
    6623400251 10850 SE 196th St Low Density Multifamily Mixed-Use Garden Density Multifamily Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    6623400260
    Low Density Multifamily Mixed-Use Garden Density Multifamily Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    6623400253 10860 SE 196th St Medium Density Multifamily Mixed-Use Medium Density Multifamily Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    6623400153 11011 SE 192nd St Low Density Multifamily Mixed-Use Garden Density Multifamily Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    6623400246 10808 SE 196th St Low Density Multifamily Mixed-Use Garden Density Multifamily Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    6623400151
    Low Density Multifamily Mixed-Use Garden Density Multifamily Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    6623400152 11029 SE 192nd St Low Density Multifamily Mixed-Use Garden Density Multifamily Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    6623400241 10810 SE 196th St Low Density Multifamily Mixed-Use Garden Density Multifamily Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    6623400150
    Low Density Multifamily Mixed-Use Garden Density Multifamily Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    6623400166 19300 108th Ave SE Medium Density Multifamily Mixed-Use Medium Density Multifamily Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    6623400244 19416 108th Ave SE Medium Density Multifamily Mixed-Use Medium Density Multifamily Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    6623400245 19422 108th Ave SE Medium Density Multifamily Mixed-Use Medium Density Multifamily Community Commercial/Mixed Use
    6623400240 19516 108th Ave SE Low Density Multifamily Mixed-Use Garden Density Multifamily Community Commercial/Mixed Use


  • Council Selects Preferred Growth Alternative

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    On August 20, 2024, City Council confirmed the preferred growth alternative for the Comprehensive Plan. The preferred growth alternative was selected after reviewing various potential growth alternatives from the Draft EIS and Round 2 of Community Engagement.

    The preferred growth alternative will shape how Kent grows, develops, and evolves over the next 20 years. It determines the direction of community development for decades to come, impacting daily decisions people make, such as where they live, how they commute, the schools their children attend, and the amenities they have access to. It shapes the long-term sustainability, livability, and inclusiveness of a community, directly influencing the quality of life for all residents.

    To learn more about the preferred growth alternative, you can watch the full Council Workshop here.


    Features of the Preferred Alternative

    • Support for the continued growth of East Hill's existing activity centers and the creation of new locally-serving commercial areas in appropriate locations.
    • Support for the infill and redevelopment of the Kent-Canyon Ridge Candidate Countywide Growth Center.
    • Assumed continued development and redevelopment in Kent's downtown area and along Meeker.
    • Continued implementation of the Rally the Valley plan for Kent's industrial area.
    • Allowances for middle housing development and redevelopment throughout the City's neighborhoods, as required by State law.
    • Continued development of the Midway area, supported by regional high capacity transit investments.

    Future Land Use Map Changes

    Modest changes to the City's Future Land Use Map (FLU) are needed to implement the Preferred Alternative. These changes will in turn be implemented by updates to the City of Kent Zoning Map and Kent City Code development standards, which will occur subsequent to adoption of the Comprehensive Plan.

    Below is a summary of the changes to the Future Land Use map to implement the preferred alternative:

    1. East Hill Activity Centers. Most of these areas already have a FLU designation of Commercial (C), Neighborhood Service (NS) or Mixed Use (MU). Some new activity centers are proposed and others are expanded with these changes.
    2. Kent-Canyon Ridge Candidate Countywide Growth Center. This land already has a FLU designation of MU. No changes to the FLU map are needed.
    3. Downtown. This land has a FLU designation of Downtown Core (DC). No changes to the FLU map are needed.
    4. Industrial Area. This land has industrial FLU designations established by the Rally the Valley plan. No changes to the FLU map are needed.
    5. Midway. This area has FLU designations consistent with prior planning efforts. One minor change is proposed for consistency with surrounding area.
    6. Middle Housing in Residential Areas. This growth is enabled by State law and applies to existing SF-designated land. No changes to the FLU map are needed.
    7. Map Cleanup. Cities regularly make updates to the FLU Map to correct errors or account for development that may be inconsistent with mapped designations. Some changes fall into this category.

    Additional Background Information

    On June 14, 2024, the City published the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), which evaluated three potential growth alternatives. In order to move forward, the Council must select a preferred growth alternative so staff can prepare the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Comprehensive Plan update. The preferred growth alternative can be one of the three alternatives study, or a combination of them.

    The project team built off Round 2 Community Engagement findings to inform a proposed preferred alternative for Council confirmation. The team worked internally with City Staff (subject matter experts), the Land Use and Planning Board, and the Community Advisory Group to identify changes to the Future Land Use Map (FLU) to implement the conceptual preferred alternative.


  • Round 2 Community Engagement Summary

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    Round 2 Community Engagement Has Ended - Thanks for your Input!

    Residents, businesses, and community members shared their priorities, ideas, and concerns to help us build our future together.

    Click here to see what we heard to inform the City's preferred growth alternative and policy updates for the next 20 years!





  • Outreach Updates!

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    Round 2 outreach is underway! You may have seen links to our survey on Facebook and Instagram, seen us at the international festival, or caught us playing games (Literally!) at Kent Meridian High School! Our summer calendar is full of places you can come and interact with us!

    There are MANY ways to provide input. In addition to the online survey, come find us at events in the community! Look out for us at major events and pop-ups around the city including the Juneteenth Event on June 22, 2024, and Kent Cornucopia Days on July 12-14, 2024. We also will be playing “KentQuest” - a boardgame event to discuss our future at the Kent Downtown Library on June 29, or the Airways Brewing Tap Room in the Industrial Area from 4:00 -7:00 PM on July 18! Check the right-hand side of the page for more information as it becomes available.

    You can also provide public comment by attending a special workshop at the Land Use and Planning Board meeting on June 24.


  • Draft Environmental Impact Statement Released!

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    The City of Kent is excited to announce the availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Kent 2044 Comprehensive Plan. The DEIS is part of the SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) process, which fosters informed decision making by ensuring that environmental impacts and environmental values are evaluated and given appropriate consideration during the City’s planning efforts.

    The DEIS evaluates three alternatives to guide future growth and development in Kent over the next 20 years. At this time the City has been evaluating all three growth alternatives and has not selected a preferred growth alternative.

    Draft EIS Alternatives, a full description can be found in the DEIS - HERE

    Public Comment Period: We invite you to review the Draft EIS and provide your comments from June 14, 2024, to July 15, 2024, at 5:00 PM PST. Your feedback will inform the final Environmental Impact Statement and decision-making process.




    How to Review the Draft EIS:

    • The Draft EIS document is available on this website in the documents tab to the right or by clicking here.
    • The Draft EIS is also available for review in person at:
      • City of Kent Permit Center: 400 W Gowe Street, Kent, WA 98032
      • City of Kent City Clerk’s Office: 220 Fourth Avenue S, Kent, WA 98032
      • Kent Downtown Library: 212 Second Avenue N, Kent, WA 98032
      • Kent Commons Community Center: 525 Fourth Avenue N, Kent, WA 98030
      • Kent Senior Activity Center: 600 E Smith Street, Kent, WA 98032
      • Copies for purchase may be made available upon request, at the cost of material.

    How to Submit Comments:

    • Email: Send comments to Kristen Holdsworth, Long-Range Planning Manager and SEPA Official, at KHoldsworth@KentWA.gov.
    • Mail: Mail your comments to Kristen Holdsworth, City of Kent Long Range Planning Department, 220 4th Avenue S, Kent, WA 98032.
    • Public Meeting: Join us for a Land Use and Planning Board (LUPB) workshop on June 24, 2024, at 6:00 PM PST at City Council Chambers (220 4th Ave S, Kent, WA 98032). Check the events tab on the right-hand side of the page for more information or click here!



  • New KentNow Podcast about the Comprehensive Plan!

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    Did you know Kent has a podcast? Listen to Kristen Holdsworth, Long Range Planning Manager, discuss the Comprehensive Plan Update!

    Listen to the episode here and for future episodes look up KentNow wherever you listen to podcasts!


  • Three Options for Growth - What are they and Why Does it Matter?

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    Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS): Shaping Kent's Growth

    Planning for Kent's future requires careful consideration of how the city will evolve by 2044. To do this, the City has developed three distinct growth alternatives to study different way the City may grow over the next 20 years. The three growth alternatives were developed based on community input gathered from Summer 2023 through the end of the year.

    State law requires the City to study and disclose potential impacts through an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). By doing so, we gain insights into how growth may impact current and prospective community members, ensuring that our decisions align with the city's long-term vision.

    These alternatives, outlined in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), offer distinct pathways for accommodating growth while addressing critical needs such as housing, jobs, parks, transportation, and environmental protection. Each alternative is designed to meet or exceed the minimum required growth targets of 10,200 new housing units and 32,000 new jobs by 2044. It’s important to remember that the City has not selected a growth alternative yet. The final growth alternative could be one of these three alternatives, or even a mix-and-match combination of things you like from different alternatives! The final growth alternative will be selected by City Council after we hear your feedback this Spring/Summer on the three options.

    For a complete description of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental review process and the alternatives click here.

    Three Growth Alternatives:

    1. "No Action" (Alternative 1): Maintains existing regulations and zoning laws, focusing growth within current areas. Targets 10,510 new homes and nearly 31,637 new jobs by 2044. The No Action Alternative would not meet State requirements for middle housing and other requirements enacted as part of recent legislation that City must implement as part of their development code. This is a required alternative under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and serves as a controlled comparison.

    2. "Nodes and Corridors" (Alternative 2): Alternative 2 assumes continued development intensity in the City’s Regional Growth Centers (Downtown and the Industrial Valley) and in previously planned areas like Midway and along Meeker Street. New activity centers would also be located along the Benson (SR 515) and Kent-Kangley corridors, at key intersections in East Hill, and at Benson Corridor and SE 256th Street. This alternative would exceed targets and provide 12,752 new homes and 35,037 new jobs by 2044. Alternative 2 assumes our zoning code is updated to comply with HB 1110 for middle housing, but uptake occurs minimally and development still focuses on major transit areas and corridors

    3. "Core with Transit Links" (Alternative 3): Prioritizes growth in city centers and along major transportation routes, with some expansion into transit-accessible areas. Alternative 3 also includes the development and redevelopment of existing vacant and underdeveloped parcels for middle housing per HB 1110, assuming there is a modest amount of infill development around transit and in single-family neighborhoods. This alternative exceeds targets with 12,443 new homes and 32,047 new jobs by 2044.

    These alternatives provide a framework for thoughtful growth management, ensuring that Kent continues to thrive as a vibrant and sustainable community. By evaluating their potential impacts comprehensively, we can make informed decisions that benefit all residents now and in the future.


    What's next?

    Round two engagement is starting soon! Watch out for which events we will be at to interact with us. You can always send us an email at FutureKent@kentwa.gov, using our emails at the bottom right of this page, or using the "Contact us" button above this post!

    We want to hear from you about what you think about potential impacts and ways to make them work for all of us!

Page last updated: 12 Dec 2024, 03:35 PM