Animal Ordinances in Kirkland, WA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Kirkland or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Kirkland has 7 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Wildlife Feeding

Kirkland borders greenbelts and Lake Washington, drawing coyotes, deer, and raccoons. RCW 77.15.790 makes negligent feeding of bears, cougars, or wolves a gross misdemeanor statewide.

Key details: Bear Feeding: Gross misdemeanor. State Law: RCW 77.15.790. Bird Feeders: Allowed, managed. WDFW Hotline: (360) 902-2936.

Negligent feeding of bears, cougars, or wolves is a gross misdemeanor under RCW 77.15.790 with up to 364 days jail and 5,000 dollar fines. Attractant nuisance complaints are civil under KMC 1.12.

Livestock

KZC 115.15 regulates livestock by lot size. Small livestock such as goats and sheep need lots of 35,000 sq ft or more. Horses are effectively restricted to large Bridle Trails-adjacent parcels.

Key details: Small Livestock Lot: 35k sq ft typical. Horses: Bridle Trails large lots. Commercial Operations: Prohibited. Code: KZC 115.15 and RCW 16.04.

Livestock exceeding zoning limits is a KZC 115.15 violation with civil fines and removal orders. Animal-at-large cases under RCW 16.04 create civil liability plus impound costs.

Chickens & Livestock

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.

Key details: Base Limit: 3 chickens under 35k sq ft. Roosters: Effectively banned. Setback: 5 ft side and rear typical. Code: KZC 115.15.

Keeping over-limit animals or unsanitary coops is a KZC 115.15 violation with civil fines; rooster noise adds KMC 11.84A nuisance citations.

Exotic Pets

Washington RCW 16.30 bans dangerous wild animals statewide including big cats, bears, wolves, primates, and venomous reptiles. KMC 8.09 enforces locally. Penalties run 200 to 2,000 per animal per day.

Key details: State Ban: Big cats, bears, primates. Penalty: 200 to 2,000 per animal per day. Ferrets: Legal in Washington. Code: RCW 16.30 and KMC 8.09.

RCW 16.30 violations are 200 to 2,000 dollars per animal per day plus mandatory seizure. Native wildlife violations under WAC 220-450 are misdemeanors with seizure and restitution.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Kirkland actively enforces its exotic pets requirements.

Breed Restrictions

Kirkland has no breed-specific bans. Washington RCW 16.08.090 preempts breed bans statewide as of January 2020. Dangerous dog designations are behavior-based under RCW 16.08 and KMC 8.09.

Key details: Breed Bans: Prohibited by state. State Law: RCW 16.08.090. Dangerous Dog Insurance: 250k liability. Code: KMC 8.09 and RCW 16.08.

Violations of dangerous dog orders are Class C felonies under RCW 16.08.100 if a severe attack follows; routine leash or licensing violations are civil infractions under KMC 8.09.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Kirkland gives residents more flexibility on breed restrictions.

Beekeeping

Kirkland permits backyard beekeeping under KZC 115.15 with WSDA registration under RCW 15.60. Hives must use movable frames and be set back from neighbors with flyway barriers.

Key details: State Registration: WSDA required, free. Hive Type: Movable frame required. Setback: 5 ft and flyway barrier. Code: KZC 115.15 and RCW 15.60.

Unregistered hives violate RCW 15.60 and may be ordered removed. Nuisance swarming or aggressive colonies can trigger KMC 8.09 animal nuisance actions.

Dog Leash Laws

Dogs must be leashed in public under KMC 8.09 and Kirkland park rules. Off-leash is only permitted at designated dog parks such as Marymoor (nearby in Redmond). Dogs 12 weeks or older must be licensed with the City.

Key details: Leash Required: All public areas. Voice Control: Not allowed. License Age: 12 weeks and older. Code: KMC 8.09.

Off-leash dogs in public places are civil infractions under KMC 8.09 with fines starting around 50 dollars. Unlicensed animals face additional citations plus back-owed license fees.

The Bottom Line

Kirkland's animal ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Kirkland is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Kirkland can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.