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Kent Comprehensive Plan

The City of Kent has spent the last two years actively working with the community through workshops, pop-up events, surveys, and other outreach to get your thoughts and priorities for the future of Kent. Your concerns, ideas, and recommendations have been used to shape this plan. As we move closer to the required adoption date at the end of the year, we need your help again. This time we need your feedback on the draft plan, the goals, and policies that is the roadmap for our decision makers for the next 20 years.

Profile and Vision
Land Use
Housing
Transportation
Parks and Recreation
Economic Development
Capital Facilities
Utilities
Shoreline
Climate

Kent Comp Plan Public Review

We want to hear your thoughts on our Draft Comprehensive Plan!

What is a Comprehensive Plan?

A Comprehensive Plan is a long-term policy document that guides how the city will grow and develop, covering key areas like land use, housing, transportation, parks, transportation and economic development. This plan sets a vision for the next 20 years, ensuring that Kent evolves in a way that reflects the needs and values of its residents and visitors alike.

By providing comments on the Draft Plan, you have the opportunity to share your feedback on the elements that make up the plan before they are finalized and adopted.


The comment period is open until November 12, 2024. In addition, the City will hold two public hearings in November where you can provide verbal comments in person or virtually via Zoom. Visit the project website at Engage.KentWA.gov/FutureKent to learn more.


How to Provide Comments on the Draft Plan: To navigate the different chapters of Kent's Comprehensive Plan, use the drop down feature located above the green bar at the top of the document. This feature will allow you to move between the 10 different chapters. You can review each chapter individually by clicking through at your own pace. As you read, feel free to provide your comments and feedback directly within the document. Please be advised that any comments you submit will be publicly visible.

Chapter Overview:

  • Introduction, Community Profile, Vision
  • Land Use Element
  • Housing Element
  • Transportation Element
  • Parks and Recreation Element
  • Economic Development Element
  • Capital Facilities Element
  • Utilities Element
  • Shoreline Element
  • Climate Element
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Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 5:42PM on page 43

Suggestion
I love when developments post illustrations (on-site) of what is being built. I feel like it reduces frustration with the temporary inconveniences that the construction creates.
replies

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 5:40PM on page 41

Suggestion
This should say "strive to eliminate," not just reduce.
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Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 5:39PM on page 41

Suggestion
Underserved populations also tend to be populations who rely on walking, biking, or public transit infrastructure.
replies
in reply to Patrick's comment

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 5:36PM on page 41

Suggestion
Same here. I'm guessing traffic law enforcement is unpopular, and I know the Kent police have a lot on their plate, but we really need more enforcement in this area. I think if the public will be supportive of this if they are made aware that the goal is safety, not an arbitrary enforcement of details. Ideally, a citizen would expect to be pulled over if they were driving dangerously, but not be paranoid about getting pulled over for forgetting to use their blinker one time. I think most citizens could get behind a safety-driven increase in ticketing, especially if it became consistent.
replies
in reply to Patrick's comment

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 5:20PM on page 30

Suggestion
Improvements to the bus service would also help make the amazing park and lake more accessible for youth and seniors.
replies

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 5:17PM on page 29

Concern
Both weather protection and seating have been complicated due to the mental health and housing crises. I've noticed transit stop shelters get filled up with litter to the point that riders can't stand under the roof and certainly can't sit down. Sometimes there would be a person sleeping in the shelter, but usually it was just items and litter filling them up. Then a bunch of bus shelters were removed. Now hundreds of people wait for their buses while standing in the rain (still surrounded by litter). I believe we can do better. I think we need to improve the cleanliness and accessibility of our public transit in order for more people to be able to use it.
replies

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 5:08PM on page 28

Concern
Soos Creek trail is a gem, but we have to drive (and load up our family's bikes onto our van) in order to access it, because there isn't a safe way to bike to the trail from almost anywhere in East Hill. It would be amazing if there could be some more access points/connections to East Hill communities.
replies
in reply to Justin's comment

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 5:05PM on page 28

Suggestion
This will also help drivers get into the habit of checking for bikers and walkers. When the bike lanes are intermittent, it gets confusing for everyone.
replies
in reply to Justin's comment

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 5:04PM on page 28

Suggestion
I agree! And it needs to be a protected bike lane, because this main road is quite unsafe and chaotic.
replies

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 5:03PM on page 27

Concern
Let's be real--in populated areas, >35mph limits aren't safe for drivers either (especially when the limit goes unenforced, and drivers go even faster).
Many drivers treat speed limits as "speed minimums," which can make it difficult even for careful drivers to drive slowly when they want to (for fear of road rage/vehicular violence).
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Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 5:00PM on page 27

Suggestion
I agree with another commenter about speed limits not being representative of actual vehicle speeds. This should be "Car Speed" instead of "Speed Limit."
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Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 4:55PM on page 26

Suggestion
If I remember correctly, from earlier in this document, 25% of Kent's population are children, and would be in this category (in addition to many adults).
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Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 4:53PM on page 26

Suggestion
I feel like this description isn't helpful. Maybe something like "Experienced bikers only" would make more sense here? I think we can just assume that bikers would prefer less stress.
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Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 4:00PM on page 21

Concern
Equity includes valuing citizens who don't own a car as highly as citizens who do own cars.
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Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 3:59PM on page 20

Concern
I just want to point out that middle schoolers and high schoolers often have to wait for the bus or walk to school in the dark during winter months.
replies

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 3:58PM on page 20

Concern
This is telling. Note my earlier comment about paired bus stops often not having a way to cross between them.
replies

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 3:55PM on page 20

Concern
This wording makes it sound like it's the pedestrians' responsibility to not get killed, whereas the reality is that some streets have no legal crossings (even between paired bus stops) and it's either jaywalk or add 15 minutes to your walk in order to cross at a legal crossing.
replies
in reply to Sheri's comment

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 3:53PM on page 20

Concern
I completely agree! Yes, we need a crosswalk near here--but the design (or lack of enforcement) of this particular one is so dangerous, because there's no line of sight to the crossing pedestrians. Cars line up (facing east) for the post office drop box in the middle turning lane, making it extra hard to see. The turning cars start to block the leftmost eastbound lane, and impatient (dangerous) drivers try to pass them by zipping around in the rightmost eastbound lane--disregarding the possibility of a crossing pedestrian.

I unfortunately don't know the solution, but I have personally witnessed some near car-pedestrian crashes, and I am worried there will be a fatality here is something isn't improved.
replies

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 3:47PM on page 19

Concern
This is why so many people drive when they would actually prefer to bike or walk.
replies
in reply to Daniel's comment

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 3:45PM on page 19

Concern
And those fences that were struck--they could have been pedestrians instead. Reckless driving is a deadly crime, and needs to be treated as such.
replies

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 3:43PM on page 19

Concern
Equitable, in this case, means valuing citizens who don't own a car as highly as citizens who do own cars. Vehicular harassment and violence also needs to be treated as the crime it is. If someone with an automobile is dangerously tailgating or trying to scare a biker into crashing, that is not just road rage--it is a threat to the other person's life. If someone tries to pass a car in the left turning lane because they want to go 60 in a 35mph zone, we need to acknowledge that this choice greatly increases the likelihood that a pedestrian will be hit (either by that vehicle or as a result of other drivers getting distracted or run off the road).

Please protect us from vehicular violence by enforcing safety-related traffic crimes.
replies

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 3:33PM on page 19

Suggestion
Yes! Thank you for having 0 fatalities as the goal. We safely transport people in the air every day, and there is public outrage when even one passenger dies from a flight. We need to view ground traffic deaths the same way, especially when there are so many proven, well-tested changes that can be made to our streets, if only we invest in them.
replies

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 3:28PM on page 13

Suggestion
I really appreciate that these sidewalk systems are being mapped and evaluated.
replies

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 3:26PM on page 14

Suggestion
Bikers also need a way to safely get from southern Kent to northern Kent.
replies

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 3:23PM on page 14

Concern
I think the city is aware of this/planning to work on this already, but I just wanted to highlight this East-West gap in the bike network.

Note: The main East-West streets are very busy/chaotic. Additional bike lanes MUST be protected/separated from cars in order for them to be usable; unprotected shoulders or sharing lanes with cars will not work on these arterial streets.
replies
in reply to Richard McCall's comment

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 3:20PM on page 13

Concern
I agree. This is especially critical in winter months, when many grades must walk to school/wait for buses in the dark.
replies
in reply to Hoa's comment

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 3:18PM on page 13

I have seen this too! Kids do not know where to walk, and parents with strollers struggle.
replies

Chrissy Nov 15 2024 at 3:16PM on page 12

Suggestion
Thank you for acknowledging and considering residents' requests for this infrastructure!
replies

Richard McCall Nov 14 2024 at 11:44PM on page 13

Concern
Kent needs a commitment towards new sidewalks, pedestrian walkway markings including road painted markings where segregated sidewalks are not practical, in a quarter mile around schools. Especially along collector and arterial roads where walking children and vehicle traffic is mixing daily before and after school hours.
replies

Justin Nov 14 2024 at 6:29PM on page 28

Suggestion
Connect along 216th East / West so you can get from the Valley through East Hill.
replies

Justin Nov 14 2024 at 6:27PM on page 28

Suggestion
Need to connect the bike lanes here so there is a known flow for ped / biking movement.
replies

Justin Nov 14 2024 at 6:26PM on page 28

Suggestion
There is no way to cross at this intersection, there needs to be a pedestrian light here to allow for use of this trail. Seems like a trail right next to Mill Creek where they just did the Excavation would make an easy win here.
replies

Justin Nov 14 2024 at 6:22PM on page 28

Concern
Need to make this a bike trail area, it already operates like it so let's make that more official.
replies

Justin Nov 14 2024 at 6:21PM on page 28

Suggestion
We need a connection to East Hill near James from the Valley.
replies

Justin Nov 14 2024 at 6:20PM on page 28

Question
This is 167, if you are planning a trail here, FANTASTIC, though it would be stressful unless completely grade separated.
replies

Jordan Quinn Nov 13 2024 at 12:03PM on page 17

Suggestion
I have lived in Kent for nearly 20 years. I and my neighbors have noticed a large uptick in air traffic and particularly noise disturbances in the last eight years or so. I encourage the city council and Mayor Ralph to continue pressing SEATAC to redirect their flight paths away from communities like Kent, Burien, and Auburn.
replies

Raymond Nov 11 2024 at 12:51PM on page 26

Suggestion
The description should begin with LTS 3, rather than just LTS
replies

Lorel Ramirez Nov 8 2024 at 11:25PM on page 30

Suggestion
Okay I see a bus is planned to go along Military Rd from Kent Des Moines Rd to Reith Rd- great! Please make this happen. Sound Transit 574 & King County Metro 193 buses have been passing through here already recently, just no stops within this section. Would love to know more about the Bus line that will serve this area and projected implementation dates :)
replies

Lorel Ramirez Nov 8 2024 at 11:07PM on page 16

Suggestion
Please include a bus line that runs along Military Road from Kent Des Moines Rd to Reith Rd. Can greater connect this neighborhood to facilities like groceries and food along Pac Highway. Plus, the future Kent Des Moines Link Station. The lack of a paved sidewalk plus the steep hill from 241st Street to Kent Des Moines Rd, makes it hard to access transit. Even a bus for those more north on this strip to that Kent-Des Moines Park and ride can better connect us to Kent Station and perhaps east side more. There used to be a bus stop just outside my house along that empty field on Military Rd next to the Kent Armory. Would like that bus stop location back. Please contact me with any inquiries/info to push for public transit in this neighborhood area of mine.
replies

Hoa Nov 1 2024 at 7:13PM on page 44

Suggestion
Explore the feasibility of wireless EV charging infrastructure. Charging cables that have been cut are a headache for all
replies

Hoa Nov 1 2024 at 6:04PM on page 37

A welcomed shift, thank you!
replies

Hoa Nov 1 2024 at 5:41PM on page 24

Question
Are paths to and from schools not generally considered high pedestrian activity areas?
replies

Hoa Nov 1 2024 at 12:20PM on page 13

Suggestion
Consider annexing land south of Park Orchard Elementary to create a continuous sidewalk. Many young children walk to and from school and the current gravel area does not feel safe.
replies

Sheri Oct 28 2024 at 8:04AM on page 20

Concern
The new crosswalk at the Kent Post Office is a very BAD location, with cars to pulling into & out of the PO - the potential for a bad car (possibly pedestrian) crash is now more than ever. It is a high traffic area, why put pedestrians in the way? I feel a little more walking is good for the health of our bodies, please move it north or south, so it's out of the way of cars navigating the busy post office!
replies

Sheri Oct 28 2024 at 7:55AM on page 7

Suggestion
If the road could contain more lanes it would improve the gridlock in rush hours/events/etc...if not, at least adjust the traffic signals so we're not sitting at a red light while no one is going through the green.
replies

Patrick Oct 24 2024 at 6:48PM on page 41

Yes, please fix this! The number of driveways cutting across the sidewalk is insane. It's very dangerous and very uncomfortable.
replies

Patrick Oct 24 2024 at 6:46PM on page 41

Concern
I suspect lack of enforcement is the major driving factor in current dangerous speeds. I watch people do ridiculous things (passing 10+ cars by speeding down the turn lane, for example) every day, and I don't think I've ever seen someone pulled over.
replies

Patrick Oct 24 2024 at 6:44PM on page 41

Continuing to prioritize only cars on Kent-Kangley, forcing other modes to take longer distance routes will make it difficult to achieve this goal.
replies

Patrick Oct 24 2024 at 6:36PM on page 30

Question
Any improvements for bus service out here? The busses are pretty crowded at commute times, so I think more frequency could be justified. I'd ride the bus if it came every 15 minutes (mostly avoid it now)
replies

Patrick Oct 24 2024 at 6:32PM on page 28

Suggestion
While this bike network looks like a big improvement over what we have now, I wish the city would be a bit more aggressive with a 20 year plan. Even as laid out, you can get hardly anywhere without being comfortable with level 3, and honestly are probably still dealing with a few spots of level 4 on most commutes. Although this is a huge and much welcomed improvement, it still makes biking pretty uncomfortable in Kent. If we can accomplish this, though, I will be very grateful (it might just save my life, tbh).
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