6.1 KNOW YOUR PROPERTY AND INFORMATION: Before you apply for your permits, you will need to know basic information on land use and permitting constraints.

• Review Zoning to ensure your project is allowed
• Gather your Property Basics so you have the information to submit your permits
• Review Common Considerations to identify issues that may impact your project costs and timelines

Zoning

Verify that your project is allowed in your zone by reviewing the chart below. Visit Kennewick’s Zoning Map to identify your property zone if uncertain.

* Subject to KMC 18.42 and may require additional reviews and approval.

Property Basics

Use Kennewick’s Parcel Map to identify basic information about your site. You will need this information when you submit your plans and permitting applications. The parcel maps will help you find your:

Common Considerations

Most residential projects are impacted by one or more of the below conditions. Review the most common issues that may impact your residential project in the table below and where to find information for guidance.

Easements Structures are typically not approved in easements		Visit the Benton County Auditor’s office or perform a search of their document database for instructions on researching property easements. It is the property owner’s responsibility to research property deed and title information for easements recorded on the property. Construction of improvements in easements may require separate approval from each utility agency or private party.
Critical Areas Buffers are generally required near critical areas		Review Kennewick Municipal Code Section 18.58.080 to identify if your project may be impacted by critical areas regulations. Critical areas regulations determine how development and redevelopment can safely occur. Critical areas may include: fish and wildlife habitats, wetlands, critical aquifer recharge areas, frequently flooded and geologically hazardous areas.
Setbacks and Lot Requirements Determined by the property zoning		Click the Table of Residential Site Development Standards to review setback and lot requirements. Plat/lot conditions sometimes require more restrictive setbacks. Setback requirements are intended to provide for adequate separation between uses and sufficient space for life safety response.
CC & Rs May include height, fencing, paint color restrictions		Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC & Rs) are often revealed in a title search through the County Assessor. Most neighborhoods with CC & Rs have these documents on their homeowner’s association website for your review. CC & Rs may restrict how you build on a property and are not regulated by the City.

Need more help?

In addition to zoning and common considerations, other site conditions may determine which approval or permit is required. Kennewick’s planning division is always happy to help. Contact the City of Kennewick Planning Division at 509-585-4280 for specific questions about your project requirements.

These tools are provided for guidance purposes and should not be used as a substitute for codes and regulations. The user is responsible for compliance with all requirements, regardless of whether they are referred to or contained within these documents.