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Kent staff release draft housing code updates; council directs 18‑inch tree standard and staff to evaluate after six months
Summary
Planning staff told the council they will publish the draft Recode Kent housing code updates this week to meet multiple state deadlines. Staff proposed an initial significant‑tree threshold of 24 inches DBH to qualify for an incentive (extra height), but councilmembers instructed staff to use an 18‑inch diameter at breast height standard for the
Kent — City planning staff said they will release the draft Recode Kent housing code updates this week and begin the adoption process in May and June to meet several state legislative deadlines. The presentation covered zoning consolidation, new state requirements, a proposal to incentivize retention of significant trees and anticipated changes required by state STEP housing guidance.
Significant trees: Staff proposed a baseline definition of a "significant tree" as 24 inches diameter at breast height (DBH) and recommended that preserving one qualifying tree on a lot would allow middle‑housing projects an additional story (three full stories and 35 feet height preserved if the tree is retained). Planning staff said most peer jurisdictions set landmark/significant…
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