Business Licensing & Operations in Kirkland, WA

If you live in Kirkland or are thinking about moving there, business licensing & operations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Kirkland has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of business licensing & operations, and some of them might surprise you.

Adult Entertainment

Kirkland requires a city license to run or work as a manager at an erotic performance establishment, on top of a regular business license. The establishment fee is $700 a year, the manager fee is $100, and business must close between 2 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Key details: Establishment license fee: $700 per year. Manager license fee: $100 per year. Closed hours: 2:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.. Stage requirement: 18 inches high, 8 feet from patrons. Minimum age: 21, or 18 if no liquor served.

Operating or working at an unlicensed erotic performance establishment is unlawful under KMC 7.26.020, and violations can trigger suspension (30 days first offense, 90 days second offense within two months, revocation on a third within 24 months) under KMC 7.26.090. The city attorney may separately sue to abate the operation as a public nuisance under KMC 7.26.130, and enforcement remedies under KMC 7.26.140 are cumulative, not exclusive.

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

Massage Establishments

Kirkland requires a $75 annual city license before anyone can operate a massage parlor or public bathhouse, on top of a general business license, and bars operation between midnight and 8 a.m.

Key details: License fee: $75 per year. Business hours allowed: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.. Minimum employee age: 18 years. Required liability insurance: $500,000 combined single limit. License expiration: December 31 each year.

Operating without the KMC 7.32.040 license, employing a worker under 18 or with a disqualifying record under KMC 7.32.060, advertising an unlicensed operation under KMC 7.32.070, or running the business outside the 8:00 a.m. to midnight window set by KMC 7.32.090 are each unlawful acts under the chapter, and a conviction bars license renewal for three years under KMC 7.32.140.

Pawnbrokers

Kirkland requires pawnbrokers to hold a $100 annual city license, hold pledged property untouched for 15 days after reporting it to police, and keep detailed transaction records open to police inspection.

Key details: License fee: $100 per year, non-prorated. Pledged-property hold: 15 days minimum, extendable 15 more. Records retained on: Every pledge, purchase or transaction. Interest cap: Rate set by RCW Chapter 19.60. License expiration: December 31 each year.

KMC 7.36.120 makes it a misdemeanor for a pawnbroker or employee to fail to record a transaction, falsify or destroy records, refuse a records inspection, release pledged property before the 15-day hold under KMC 7.36.080 expires, or accept property from a minor, an intoxicated person, or a known thief. Operating without the KMC 7.36.030 license is separately unlawful, and licenses are revocable for cause under KMC 7.36.040.

Secondhand Dealers

Kirkland requires secondhand dealers, including those handling metal junk and precious metals, to hold a $100 annual city license, keep a detailed transaction ledger, and report every day's transactions to police.

Key details: License fee: $100 per year, non-prorated. Reporting deadline: End of each business day. Exempt low-value items: Used books/clothing $75 or less. Records required on: Every purchase or transfer. License expiration: December 31 each year.

KMC 7.36.120 makes it a misdemeanor for a secondhand dealer or employee to omit or falsify a required record entry, refuse a police or prosecutor inspection, fail to send the chief of police the daily transaction transcript required by KMC 7.36.100, fail to report property believed stolen, or knowingly buy from a minor, an intoxicated person, or a known thief or receiver of stolen property.

Towing Companies

To join Kirkland's police-dispatched towing list, a wrecker company must register with the chief of police, carry $1 million in liability coverage plus on-hook and garage keeper's insurance, provide 24-hour service, and keep its storage yard within 15 miles of the city, under KMC Chapter 7.68; the chief can suspend or revoke registration for noncompliance.

Key details: Scope: Applies to city/police-requested tows only. Insurance minimum: $1M combined single limit per vehicle. Additional coverage: $50,000 on-hook, $50,000 garage keeper's. Service requirement: 24-hour/365-day staffed service. Yard location: Within 15 miles of city limits.

The chief of police may suspend or revoke an operator's spot on the towing list for failing to meet Chapter 7.68's requirements, repeatedly failing to timely respond to impound calls, or failing to perform professionally and competently (KMC 7.68.050(b)). A suspended or revoked operator may appeal in writing to the city manager and the chief of police within five days of the order (7.68.050(c)). The chief may also issue additional written rules for towing operators consistent with the chapter (7.68.060).

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

Auto Repair on Residential Property

Kirkland's home occupation rules block auto repair-style work at a residence: KZC 115.65(4)(d) bars heavy equipment, power tools and power sources that create noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odor or other conditions beyond what a normal residential use produces. Outdoor storage of tools, machinery or vehicles under repair is also prohibited.

Key details: Heavy equipment/power tools: barred if noise/vibration exceeds residential norms. Outdoor storage: prohibited, incl. equipment on vehicles. Commercial vehicle limit: 1 vehicle, 10,000 lb max. Vehicle height/length limit: 9 ft high, 22 ft long. Exception path: Process I review, Ch. 145 KZC.

Running vehicle or engine repair work at a home in violation of KZC 115.65(4)(d)'s equipment and noise standards, or storing tools, parts or vehicles outdoors in violation of subsection (4)(b), is enforced under Chapter 1.12 KMC, Code Enforcement, with civil fines of $100 to $500 per day of noncompliance and possible revocation of the home occupation's business license.

This is one of the stricter rules in Kirkland's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Kirkland is tougher than many cities when it comes to business licensing & operations. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Kirkland, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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.