Kent launches Recode Kent code update to implement comprehensive plan and meet middle‑housing mandate

Kent city staff and the consultant team Framework presented Recode Kent — a Development Code update project aimed at implementing the city’s recently adopted comprehensive plan and complying with state middle‑housing requirements — during the Committee of the Whole on Tuesday.

Kristin Halsworth, city staff lead, said the presentation was an introduction and that no decisions have been made. "I wanna say tonight, this is an introduction. Nothing is set in stone," she told the council. The project will run in phases, include public outreach and aim to deliver code amendments that implement the comprehensive plan goals and state law.

Scope and legal drivers: Project materials and presenters identified HB 1110 (middle housing, 2021) as the primary legislative driver for the code updates; the city must allow at least four dwelling units per lot in residentially zoned areas and permit additional units in some circumstances tied to affordability and transit proximity. Presenters also reviewed HB 1923 (design‑review changes) and said the city’s administrative design review approach is largely compliant but that supplemental design guidelines will be revisited.

Draft regulatory approach: Framework consultant Tyler Quinn Smith and colleagues described a possible approach that would consolidate several existing single‑family and low‑density zones (SR 4.5, SR 6, SR 8 and the MRD duplex/multifamily zone) into a single regulatory category to simplify requirements and implement the four‑units‑per‑lot baseline. Presenters noted special handling for shoreline and environmental zones (SR1/SR3) and discussed options to allow scalable density on larger lots (for example, allowing a net density floor higher than four units per very large lot) and to offer incentives — such as additional units — where developers or property owners provide tree retention, open space, or other public benefits.

Retention and incentives: Council members and staff emphasized incentives to preserve existing homes and to provide smaller, ownership‑oriented units. Presenters said incentives could include unit‑count credit toward permitted density for retaining existing homes or offering other community benefits. Kristin Halsworth said staff have heard from development stakeholders and residents that simplifying multiple low‑density rules would reduce confusion and staff time.

Other issues and timelines: Council members raised questions about parking regulation changes being considered at the state level, neighborhood transitions where higher‑density middle housing abuts low‑density zones, tree retention, and the need to protect vulnerable homeowners from displacement. Framework said their timeline includes a code audit and draft amendments, an open house (planned for April, remote and in‑person), a phase‑3 public review in summer 2025, and a legislative adoption target to meet the state‑mandated deadline (materials referenced a June 30 target for required amendments). The consultant team noted the project will coordinate across departments (public works, fire, utilities) and with housing and community organizations for outreach.

Next steps: Staff and consultants said they would return to council with more detailed proposals and that council members will be able to comment between meetings. Halsworth encouraged council members to provide organizations and contacts for outreach and said staff will circulate a social media toolkit and follow‑up materials.