Review the building site
Access, slopes, drainage, existing structures, and utility connections all affect where and how a home can go up. On a build like this we usually plan for 6 to 9 months of pre-construction work (our estimate as of fall 2026) to cover site studies, engineering, and permitting before framing begins. That period can include environmental studies and a survey. We also look at wet conditions and slope, and we confirm setbacks (the required distances between a house and the property lines).
Utilities matter just as much. Inside city limits the question is often a sewer connection. On a parcel without sewer, septic feasibility and perc testing (a soil drainage test) come first, and septic capacity can even limit the number of bedrooms.
The city adds its own layer. Parcels from one side of town to the other behave differently. A lot on the Green River valley floor and one up on East Hill raise different questions, and a parcel that touches a wetland or a steep slope can face a critical areas review under Kent City Code Chapter 11.06 that sets conditions on what and where you build. The City of Kent Permit Center is the authority for your parcel's setbacks, land use rules, and permit requirements. If the lot belongs to an HOA, that approval is separate, and city permit approval does not replace it.
Do not assume a floor plan drawn for another lot will fit yours. Talk through the footprint and driveway access early, so we can flag anything that moves the budget or the schedule.
