ADU rules in Kirkland, WA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Kirkland allows one attached ADU and one detached DADU on most single-family lots under KZC Chapter 115, aligned with WA HB 1337 requirements; owner occupancy is not required and many parking minimums have been removed.
Kirkland has updated its accessory dwelling unit rules in Kirkland Zoning Code Chapter 115 to align with Washington House Bill 1337 (2023), which requires cities to allow up to two ADUs per lot in most residential zones. Kirkland now permits one attached accessory dwelling unit (AADU) and one detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) on lots zoned for single-family use, for a total of up to three housing units per lot. Maximum ADU size is typically 1,000 square feet or 50 percent of the primary dwelling, whichever is less. Height limits for DADUs are often 24 feet with setbacks similar to primary structures. Consistent with HB 1337, Kirkland has eliminated owner-occupancy requirements and removed parking minimums for ADUs within one-half mile of major transit. ADUs may be rented separately but cannot be sold as condominiums unless through unit-lot subdivision. Connection to city sewer is required; septic is not available in most of Kirkland. Permit review is through Planning and Building with plans, site plan, and impact fees.
Unpermitted ADU construction is a zoning violation subject to stop-work orders, fines, and potential removal; unregistered short-term use of ADUs may also face licensing violations.
Kirkland, WA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle adu rules.
See how Kirkland's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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