Kirkland allows up to 3 small domestic animals such as chickens per lot under 35,000 sq ft as accessory use, with more on larger lots. Roosters are effectively banned by KMC 11.84A noise rules.
Kirkland Zoning Code (KZC) Chapter 115.15 (Animals) regulates keeping of animals in residential zones. For lots under 35,000 square feet (most typical Kirkland residential parcels), residents may keep up to three small domestic animals such as chickens, ducks, rabbits, or similar fowl as an accessory use to a single-family dwelling. Larger parcels scale up proportionally, and one additional animal is allowed for each additional 5,000 square feet above the base threshold. Coops and enclosures must meet accessory structure setbacks, typically at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines and behind the front of the primary dwelling. Slaughter is not permitted in residential zones. Roosters are effectively prohibited because continuous crowing violates KMC 11.84A barking and animal noise provisions. All animals must be maintained in sanitary conditions; KMC 8.09 animal control officers can abate unsanitary coops. HOAs in Bridle Trails, Norkirk, and Juanita may impose stricter rules or outright chicken bans.
Keeping over-limit animals or unsanitary coops is a KZC 115.15 violation with civil fines; rooster noise adds KMC 11.84A nuisance citations.
Kirkland, WA
Leaf blowers and power equipment are restricted to 8 AM to 8 PM weekdays and 9 AM to 6 PM on weekends and holidays under KMC 11.84A. Kirkland has not adopted...
Kirkland, WA
Kirkland sits about 20 miles north of Sea-Tac and is lightly affected by commercial flights. Kenmore Air seaplanes and Renton Municipal general aviation caus...
Kirkland, WA
Kirkland does not impose a citywide overnight parking ban, but enforces the 72-hour rule, signed residential permit zones, and no-parking signs at parks, tra...
Kirkland, WA
Kirkland driveways must remain paved, accessible, and used for vehicle parking per KMC Title 115 zoning code, which limits front-yard paving and requires app...
Kirkland, WA
EV charging in Kirkland follows the Washington State Energy Code, which requires EV-ready capacity in new multifamily and commercial parking and protects pub...
Kirkland, WA
Under KZC 115.40, Kirkland fences may be up to 6 feet except within 15 feet of a street curb. Properties on a neighborhood access or collector street are cap...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle chickens & livestock.
See how Kirkland's chickens & livestock rules stack up against other locations.
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