Permitting update: Kent reports 4,600+ permits annually, new software and outreach plans

Kent — Matt Gilbert, deputy director of Economic and Community Development, briefed the Council on permitting volumes, timelines, reforms and technology changes.

Gilbert said the department issues roughly 4,700 permits annually and estimated about 4,622 for 2025. He reported single-family permit volume is down about 45% since 2023 and large commercial projects are down roughly 50% compared with pre-COVID years. Gilbert highlighted growth in middle-housing activity and ADUs — the department received 28 ADU submissions in 2025 — and summarized typical review timelines: land-use first review around eight weeks (once the full submittal is received), civil construction review is complex and variable, building permit reviews average about four weeks and utility permits about five weeks. He acknowledged the trade-off between electronic permitting convenience and the loss of some face-to-face education; the new permitting software is about 90% implemented and staff plan to smooth rough edges and improve the customer experience.

Gilbert also referenced state reporting requirements under "Senate Bill 52 90" (as described in the presentation) for preliminary-plat timelines and said Kent’s reporting showed the city was over the state-mandated timelines but generally in line with peer jurisdictions. Councilmembers and staff discussed outreach ideas — recorded trainings, pre-application sessions, and in-person permit-center assistance — to reduce frustration among first-time applicants and small-property owners.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 1776; topfinish SEG 2690