From civic infrastructure and public safety technology to community health and education, the Kent City Council tackled a broad spectrum of local issues during its Aug. 18, 2026 meeting and workshop.
Discussions centered on major updates to local zoning through the ReCode Kent project aimed at expanding middle housing, alongside an upcoming pilot program to deploy Drones as First Responders (DFR) to optimize emergency response times.
The meeting also addressed citywide operational updates—including the renovation of the Kent Library and a potential ordinance to crack down on unlicensed food vendors.
ReCode Kent
The council heard an update on the ReCode Kent project, with an emphasis on rezoning to encourage the development of more middle housing. Staff have had workshops to address problems builders have encountered with Kent building codes, and are coordinating across various departments to address these issues. The solution they found is to create scalable requirements depending on the size of the project.
Some of the code changes that are being worked out involve beautification: discouraging things like completely blank walls, especially when they face the street, as well as visually dominating, front-facing garages. The code changes will encourage shared driveways and parking in the rear of buildings. They also want to encourage pedestrian and bike paths, with requirements for paved pedestrian connections in new developments.
To make it easier for builders to infill development, codes could potentially allow for more flexibility when it comes to maintaining permeable surfaces or tree canopy. Apparently, developers prefer a more “holistic” approach to tree canopy regulations. City staff want to encourage and incentivise drought tolerant plantings and green space. Residents want more trees, but they want more parking and more housing at the same time.
Drones As First Responders
Commander Josh Bava shared a project that the Kent Police Department has an opportunity to try out. The company that currently provides police drones has offered to set up a Drones as First Responders (DFR) system in the city free of charge. This will allow Kent PD to test the technology for a month. Currently, the police already utilize drones on site to assess situations, as well as to assist firefighters by finding the best place to direct the stream of water in a burning building.
Unlike the current police drones, DFRs would be used off-site. These drones would be docked in a handful of locations throughout the city, where they can be launched in a matter of seconds in response to 911 calls. They would not be autonomous, but controlled remotely by specially trained police operators. The police would deploy drones rapidly to assess the situation immediately after 911 is called. This would help them to know if a police response is needed, and if so, how many officers to send.
DFR could also tell them if a different kind of response is needed, such as fire fighters or a social worker. Drones can be on site much more quickly than typical first responders, and improve police effectiveness. DFR gives officers more information before arriving on the scene, helping to reduce things like use of force and vehicular pursuits.
DFR has been growing in popularity. Chula Vista, CA, currently has the biggest DFR drone program. DFR is also used in Renton, Federal Way, Redmond, and Spokane, as well as San Francisco and New York City. Redmond provides the public with a DFR dashboard, and Kent would do the same, allowing everyone to see how the program is working.
The drones the police use are certified capable of protecting sensitive information without being hacked, and these new drones would be identical. They do not have the ability to read license plates or utilize Flock technology, nor will they be filming anyone’s property as they fly to their destination. Their cameras will be aimed at the horizon until they reach their destination, to protect community privacy. Cost beyond the pilot program is unknown at this time, but according to the presentation it could be a more effective use of public resources.
Kent Library Remodel
KCLS will be closing the Kent Library starting Aug. 30, for an “interior transformation”. It should reopen again in spring of 2027. The design was based on focus groups and input from patrons of all ages as well as staff. The goal is to make the library more modernized and welcoming, as well as open and safe. This will be Kent Library’s first refresh since 2010.
The remodel comes with an expanded children’s area, a teen area, and plenty of pods or quiet study rooms, meeting rooms, and a quiet zone. Shelving height will be lower to create a feeling of more open space.
During the remodel, Kent Panther Lake Library will be open seven days a week, with expanded hours. Holds can be picked up there, or at any other KCLS branch.
Health Department Needs Help With Unlicensed Vendors
According to City Administrator Pat Fitzpatrick, the King County Health Department has asked cities to help them with the growing problem of unlicensed food vendors. These vendors sell improperly handled foods without permits, and often in unsafe conditions. Fitzpatrick said staff are drafting an ordinance that will make it a misdemeanor to sell food without a proper license.
Public Comment: Math Problems
One community member spoke passionately during public comments about the declining math skills of Kent students. He said only one third of Kent students are performing at or above grade level in math, lower than most surrounding districts. He said one of the school board’s core values is “Excellence”, yet they continue to resist addressing this sub-par situation. He asked for support in pressuring the school board to make meaningful changes that would improve kids’ math skills.
