[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6179971,"mediaKeyId","5121828-578eaed18f78231609d831a5c9232562","parentId",5121828,"title","Kent adopts Phase 1 of Recode Kent to meet state housing law deadlines; staff to study historic‑district concerns","audioSeconds",197,"startMs",6339000,"endMs",6536000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5121828-578eaed18f78231609d831a5c9232562&start=6339&end=6536","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5121828-578eaed18f78231609d831a5c9232562/thumbnail_6339000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6179971/Kent/King-County/Washington/Kent-adopts-Phase-1-of-Recode-Kent-to-meet-state-housing-law-deadlines-staff-to-study-historicdistrict-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179971-f3d68a6d060237f3191a9e5d747a3a89/orig.mp4?Expires=1775095624&Signature=EG20-dTzr-jfSpiCgNXH2dx9y7X-mnwwDh9mu47LRsDkDxfl8QMLUrl5i5EWHvRKNBw2u9xkR7a0HQNX-3hqTsVPTxWgscUGPcLyQ3x49aCECcKO3hLoLP2QIwsdU2-AKMy-alEFnR920FlPL2TNf5ouTRmIwlkQIjFOYxvLGyHkEt3-ETvPvwKZRZERg5-n9fb5QoGgSe54I6nw~~KtU2HkGszMnEaeEtkc1uSqMDeBo09ktahbFkf9jzFgR0Ne~f5HB6kH-vqUPRfzXdVQp6qOO8AS-P1RBjpk7o941g9UmSfAqNtGdGIMj4SGE5GBvdaM9E8k-1TTfHJbVlNN4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kent City, WA","date","2025-07-01T12:56:34Z","article","Kent City Council adopted ordinance 4517 on June 30, amending Titles 12 and 15 of the Kent City Code to implement housing requirements required by new state legislation and to align with the city's 2044 comprehensive plan. Staff said a Phase 2 of Recode Kent will begin in the coming months to address additional, non‑statutory items.

Why it matters: the ordinance responds to recent state laws that change local residential zoning rules (middle housing, accessory dwelling units and related standards); the council adopted Phase 1 to meet the state adoption deadline and avoid noncompliance.

Assistant City Attorney Samantha Doyle summarized the Phase 1 package and said it focuses on statutory requirements and Growth Management Act updates. She said the ordinance includes provisions on middle housing, duplexes and triplexes, ADU parking standards, density bonus for religious organizations, housing within existing buildings, unit lot divisions and design review standards. Doyle said the ordinance contains only minor non‑substantive edits since the Committee of the Whole presentation and that the changes would become effective within 30 days.

During public comment earlier in the meeting, Michael Johnson spoke about rezoning and urged protections for the Mill Creek Historic District, saying he wanted zoning that would disallow demolition of historic houses while still allowing accessory dwelling units to the rear of lots. He told council, \"I'm pleading with you to try and do something to protect the historic district.\" Doyle said staff is committed to evaluating that request during Phase 2 to ensure any local measures align with state requirements and avoid unintended consequences.

Council member moved to adopt ordinance 4517; the motion was seconded and carried 6‑0 by voice vote. Mayor and council members expressed frustration that the legislature imposed tight deadlines requiring expedited local adoption and emphasized that Phase 2 will allow deeper community engagement and follow‑up on local concerns.

Next steps: Phase 2 of Recode Kent will start in the coming months; staff will evaluate the Mill Creek Historic District requests and other community concerns for possible amendments consistent with state law.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Kent SPECIAL Committee of the Whole & Council - June 30, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council adopted ordinance 4517 amending Titles 12 and 15 to comply with new state housing laws and the city's comprehensive plan; staff said Phase 2 will follow and will evaluate requests concerning the Mill Creek Historic District raised during public comment.","taxTitle","Kent, King County, Washington","taxId",2557,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6179976,"WSDOT updates Kent on SR 509 Gateway progress; first mile open for trial use",199,1479000,1678000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5121828-578eaed18f78231609d831a5c9232562&start=1479&end=1678","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5121828-578eaed18f78231609d831a5c9232562/thumbnail_1479000.jpg","/articles/6179976/Kent/King-County/Washington/WSDOT-updates-Kent-on-SR-509-Gateway-progress-first-mile-open-for-trial-use","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179976-3f89d64813d9955d1158240ad3a2da65/orig.mp4?Expires=1775095624&Signature=e~s43hhoixiB~4daAJFR6j-Vc4GrRzjvdyGc0hjJayrB6UrozMi50~GwDQD7oymM6u6E5FPQYNLSDe8gz1TOSTcmcpuKiweCzaFkqVajOLskDGB3oMjiQpBRltTHX-ageXSuTBastUp6Yf9AQdY~OPOCqouKCqpp6jT-kSfcRXW3yPoDGJpHwkcxJFMVK3J7O-9dAE724fr~~Lw-8sx3-6dblt9yyF1UdV79uRy7Gcs~bTDrDZHNx1hRGtz1durxgiDkdMCWU6KBJgPVOLNUsSvQa-F7g7XCv4P65ZihiEZGu9i-qN7vW-S-r6ngKRKfH-zQ04fhZehgVdLZxoHcjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of the Puget Sound Gateway Program updated Kent City Council on June 30 about the SR 509 completion schedule, tolling policy and community outreach as Washington State prepares to open additional segments.

Why it matters: Kent's economy depends heavily on freight and distribution; SR 509 is intended to improve freight access between deepwater ports, the airport and Kent Valley businesses. Tolling and traffic patterns could affect local road use and freight mobility.

John White, program administrator for the Puget Sound Gateway Program, said the first mile of the 509 expressway is open to drivers now. \"You can go and drive that first mile now,\" White said, and WSDOT will run a testing period. He said the program is funded at about $2.83 billion with a mix of federal, state, local and toll funding and that the Washington State Transportation Commission set toll policies that vary by time of day.

White and Andre Chapelle described toll policy detail: the approved toll schedule for SR 509 varies by time of day with a low of $1.20 and a high of $2.40 for the three‑mile new expressway; trucks will pay additional per‑axle multipliers. White said the commission also set a planned toll escalation of about 2% per year starting in 2031, and that a low‑income toll assistance policy authorized by the legislature is scheduled for implementation by late 2026 after administrative steps and verification processes are completed.

Officials said WSDOT will run about 90 days of toll testing during which people can use the new segment free to try it. The existing parts of SR 509 outside the new expressway will remain untolled, White said, and agencies will monitor travel patterns to understand whether traffic is drawn into the new corridor.

Chapelle described construction staging: SR 509 will be delivered in three stages (1a, 1b, and stage 2). Stage 1b improvements include auxiliary lanes, a new bridge and the first mile of four‑lane highway; stage 2 completes the remaining two miles of expressway and other interchange work with an anticipated opening to traffic in mid‑2028.

On outreach, WSDOT officials said they will run public education and community events during the summer — fairs, bus ads and on‑the‑ground community contacts — and that Kent events (Cornucopia Days, Kent International Festival, weekend farmers markets) are venues to reach local residents.

Council members asked about toll escalation and potential spillover onto city streets. White and Chapelle said the Transportation Commission's escalation policy is intended to keep pace with inflation and that the agency is monitoring local traffic and has a baseline to compare changes and work with cities if adjustment is needed.

Next steps: WSDOT will continue outreach during the 90‑day toll testing period, implement the low‑income policy steps next year and continue construction on stage 2 toward a mid‑2028 opening for the remainder of the expressway.","Washington State Department of Transportation officials told Kent council the first mile of the SR 509 expressway is open and will operate tolling on a time‑of‑day schedule after a testing period; toll rates will range from $1.20 to $2.40 across the three‑mile corridor and a low‑income toll policy is scheduled for late 2026.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6179981,"Kent hires consultant to design Mill Creek sediment pond culvert replacement",209,1195000,1404000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5121828-578eaed18f78231609d831a5c9232562&start=1195&end=1404","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5121828-578eaed18f78231609d831a5c9232562/thumbnail_1195000.jpg","/articles/6179981/Kent/King-County/Washington/Kent-hires-consultant-to-design-Mill-Creek-sediment-pond-culvert-replacement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179981-3942d587004f92a184c9b77ad19a31df/orig.mp4?Expires=1775095624&Signature=I5bX1Nzw9VMbZM-wb5cyHwlAFFjgmp7MNPIf8g~RAs349bOL6iKcBawC6n6YF1XHMtiz1SmGtzDLFxuI5yGRyB0ASZ~UaK7ySv-LYFJH5q0BoHuEBDJXIBKgCWfq1SBu66SB9UKaY~ttW2IW4nwva08jTQTdJRBo0Vqxo4BxMyc3GW~GrFK2LawmWuoFJ-BJoCpRO2K6jyjXcoqUnpPenPrXB86aO3qnfS1ejUs7PvVWzp0knfRHtuHNxttCRARyLNtGYq9yYOyM8JCTBcg0Ss5njuhRejWCTppGUQ7QDrDyFzf8~iFNkUnUpefE93MNCgtcYr-9dIJfS2keR7o6fQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kent City Council authorized the mayor on June 30 to sign a consultant services agreement with Somas Inc. to produce a preliminary design and alternatives analysis for replacement of two culverts that carry Mill Creek under a park trail at the Earthworks sediment pond.

Why it matters: the culverts provide critical access to the park, the water main up the canyon and the sediment pond that requires annual maintenance to remove accumulated material. The existing corrugated metal pipes are degraded and replacement is needed to protect access and improve habitat and flood reduction.

Melissa Dahl, an engineer in Public Works, described the site and the role of the sediment pond in removing hillside sediment before flow continues downstream. She said the two existing corrugated metal culverts are \"a little squashed, a little bit eaten down\" and the consultant will evaluate alternatives, likely either another culvert or a bridge. Dahl said the city received about $330,000 from the King County Flood Control District Sub‑Regional Opportunity Fund to cover the preliminary design and alternatives analysis.

Dahl said annual maintenance removes \"tons of material\" from the pond to keep sediment from flowing into lower streets. She said the target for construction is 2027 and the current contract will cover preliminary design and alternatives analysis.

Council member Fincher moved to authorize the mayor to sign the consultant services agreement with Somas Inc., subject to final terms acceptable to the public works director and city attorney. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.

Next steps: Public Works will complete the alternatives analysis and preliminary design under the consultant agreement and return with design and funding recommendations ahead of a 2027 construction schedule.","Council authorized a consultant services agreement with Somas Inc. using King County Flood Control District funds to complete preliminary design and alternatives analysis for two culverts at the Mill Creek sediment pond, with construction targeted for 2027.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6179986,"Kent approves amendment to East Hill North Community Park design contract",250,923000,1173000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5121828-578eaed18f78231609d831a5c9232562&start=923&end=1173","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5121828-578eaed18f78231609d831a5c9232562/thumbnail_923000.jpg","/articles/6179986/Kent/King-County/Washington/Kent-approves-amendment-to-East-Hill-North-Community-Park-design-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179986-867f0d96eaada87b29c62bff6c656d21/orig.mp4?Expires=1775095624&Signature=lD94KvAYFGjEdn-883wiXZjyBlWcApU8pVrfez3X7WVd9QmQIFK2NTMsMvljl5a31vQlPPDzht7VYtxac80K-2HviJvSE4cgtZSPdq5BjUog7HwKl-KdA~sZU8RBTHne1-AmpB7snOnosCEMp-4qHElw1JwgxqOgLT9T8cYK9PhnrYeubZSapS1JgZMRg2L0Db8DRnprbtO0U0LImq0IKtojUuFjJsDEqVAE8exN-qPHjY0-qmYHjubIc7RCIF-u7ZOSiSuo~CAOYukJM0rxUVgn429BFeY44E6cXwLQwBWRd0o~HwSt~EjFmGhH9JfNTJlslF7YcgriixnntCRU1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kent City Council authorized the mayor on June 30 to sign the second amendment to the consultant services agreement with Site Workshops for the East Hill North Community Park master plan. The amendment will fund a rescoped phase 1 design to complete 100% design, permitting and construction administration for selected park components.

Why it matters: the action restarts a project paused about a year ago for budget reasons and advances core infrastructure that will allow the park to be used by neighbors once constructed.

Brian Lemonhagen, deputy director of the Parks Department, told council the rescoped phase 1 includes \"water and electrical services at the park, restroom facility, some a few parking stalls, public art, and then, improved connections, to the neighborhood and also to the Seuss Creek Trail.\" He said the amendment will take the project through 100% design, permitting and construction administration.

Lemonhagen described parallel work by Public Works to improve pedestrian access along 130th Avenue SE between SE 214th and SE 216th and between SE 218th and SE 216th, including rapid flashing beacon crossings at SE 214th and SE 218th. He said the crossings and a pedestrian corridor are funded with $1.5 million approved in the last budget cycle. Lemonhagen also said the overall project has \"about almost $4,000,000 in grant funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce and King County Parks.\"

Council members asked whether the pedestrian access elements are part of this contract amendment; Lemonhagen said the pedestrian crossings are a separate Public Works project but that the two design teams will coordinate where connections overlap. He explained \"construction administration\" as responding to contractor requests for information, reviewing submittals and inspecting work on site.

Council member Trautner moved to authorize the mayor to sign the second amendment subject to final terms acceptable to the parks director and city attorney. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.

Next steps: Parks staff and Public Works will coordinate the connection points between the park design and the separately funded pedestrian improvements; the contract amendment authorizes Site Workshops to complete design through permitting and provide construction administration services.","Council authorized the mayor to sign a second amendment with Site Workshops to re‑scope phase 1 design for East Hill North Community Park, advancing 100% design, permitting and construction administration for water and electrical service, restrooms, parking, public art and improved connections.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6179991,"Kent adopts King County for‑hire rules, authorizes interlocal agreement",247,659000,906000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5121828-578eaed18f78231609d831a5c9232562&start=659&end=906","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5121828-578eaed18f78231609d831a5c9232562/thumbnail_659000.jpg","/articles/6179991/Kent/King-County/Washington/Kent-adopts-King-County-forhire-rules-authorizes-interlocal-agreement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6179991-e09776ccedf4be5ac8192e64af1b742e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775095624&Signature=bPo7wTTAetZj-2XFY-mAwQF3KPtU0TgHUhPZZmZ3qYamxUBPPXIm8XT2-V1PDfwpNi4ootDEAqzkRgTVeLv95py1LuZZnOTKftmtJ1be3Rwh5WnxAOIrXHVE04ysc7sadw1O0EpF44u07PYIP4ba0sdvYxnVvwqmoKaUl8NRzTeAYOXAC5jpel5mW-8skiJRS7WABm0lHya3h52SfWjF1F9opQraKq6VtfEDuAUPxbf1vf0vfNKRxH9HrbR9lecAUGwB6hHGiy4BjZLKmmlxZYrVQ1lpq5CxPgisz63ufEldFtrpUkINFkhDUZPhssydPU8AotlSTSq13ug6TtoW2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kent City Council adopted ordinance 4518 on June 30, replacing Chapter 5.03 of the Kent City Code with King County\u0000for‑hire transportation provisions and authorized the mayor to sign an interlocal agreement delegating licensing and enforcement to King County.

Why it matters: the action moves Kent onto the regional licensing model King County updated this year and clarifies which licensing and enforcement functions will be handled by the county rather than the city.

Deputy City Attorney Christina Shook told the council that the city\u0000has partnered with King County on for‑hire regulation since 1975 and that Kingston\u0000County\u0000recent code updates \"modernize the provisions to address how these services have evolved\" and create a regional licensing model. \"King County doesn't charge the city for these these services. They just keep the fees and the fines that they collect,\" Shook said.

The ordinance adopts King County\u0000code provisions by reference and confirms the city may still collect a general business license fee where applicable. Shook said the interlocal agreement (ILA) delegates authority to King County to issue, deny, restrict and revoke licenses and medallions, and to conduct administrative appeals. She added the ILA renews annually unless terminated and is a standardized contract used by multiple cities.

Council members asked clarifying questions about when a city business license would still be required. Shook said that depends on city code language but that companies likely remain responsible for a Kent business license if applicable.

Council action: The presiding officer moved to adopt ordinance 4518; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote. The presiding officer then moved to authorize the mayor to sign the interlocal agreement with King County; that motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.

The ordinance and ILA are intended to implement the county\u0000standards locally rather than change the city\u0000practice; Shook said the city has delegated these functions to King County for decades. The new local code references King County\u0000requirements for fees, driver conduct and vehicle safety; specific King County code language is adopted by reference rather than reprinted in Kent's code.

Next steps: The ILA will take effect according to its terms; King County will administer licensing, collect fees and enforce the adopted provisions. The city attorney's office and business licensing staff will coordinate to confirm where Kent business licenses remain required.","The council unanimously adopted an ordinance replacing Kent code chapter 5.03 with King County\u0000for‑hire transportation provisions and authorized the mayor to sign an interlocal agreement delegating licensing and enforcement to King County.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Kent adopts Phase 1 of Recode Kent to meet state housing law deadlines; staff to study historic‑district concerns

WSDOT updates Kent on SR 509 Gateway progress; first mile open for trial use

Kent hires consultant to design Mill Creek sediment pond culvert replacement

Kent approves amendment to East Hill North Community Park design contract

Kent adopts King County for‑hire rules, authorizes interlocal agreement