Kirkland's Public Conduct: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles public conduct a little differently. In Kirkland, Washington, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Public Urination

Kirkland Municipal Code § 11.20.070 makes it a misdemeanor to intentionally urinate or defecate anywhere in public other than a washroom or toilet, or anywhere the act could be seen by others. The rule sits inside the city's chapter on offenses against public morals alongside indecent exposure.

Key details: Citation: KMC § 11.20.070. Offense class: Misdemeanor. Max penalty: 90 days jail / $1,000 fine. Covers: Urinating or defecating in public. Related offense: Facilitating (KMC 11.20.080).

Violating KMC 11.20.070 is a misdemeanor punishable under KMC 1.04.010(c) by up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. Property or business operators who knowingly let the conduct happen on their premises face a separate misdemeanor charge under KMC 11.20.080, Facilitating Offense. Kirkland Police issue citations and can make a custodial arrest for offenses committed in an officer's presence.

Compared to other cities, Kirkland takes a harder line on public urination. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Outdoor Smoking Restrictions

Kirkland bans smoking and tobacco use of any kind in every city park. KMC 11.80.216 covers cigarettes, herbal cigarettes, marijuana, cigars, pipe tobacco, smokeless tobacco, and electronic or vaporized smoking devices, with no designated smoking area carved out anywhere in the park system.

Key details: Citation: KMC § 11.80.216. Covers: Cigarettes, cigars, vaping, marijuana, smokeless tobacco. Location: Every city park, no exceptions. Enforcement: Civil infraction under Ch. 11.80 Article III. Added: Ordinance 4945, 2026.

Smoking or using tobacco, including vaping and marijuana, anywhere in a Kirkland park is a civil infraction under Article III of Chapter 11.80. Park rangers, code enforcement officers, and police can cite violators on the spot, and the same enforcement authority under KMC 11.80.032 lets the department remove anyone who refuses to comply with a posted park rule.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Kirkland actively enforces its outdoor smoking restrictions requirements.

Skateboarding Rules

Kirkland bans skateboarding at three specific public sites: Peter Kirk Park, the City Hall grounds, and the Plaza of Champions. Riders caught there face an infraction citation and can have the skateboard seized as evidence under KMC 12.12.030, while negligent skateboarding anywhere in public citywide is a separate violation under KMC 12.12.050.

Key details: Restricted sites: Peter Kirk Park, City Hall grounds, Plaza of Champions. Citywide rule: Negligent skateboarding banned on all public property. Penalty: $50 flat infraction fine (KMC 12.12.060). Skateboard seizure: Board may be seized as evidence, subject to forfeiture.

Riding a skateboard in Peter Kirk Park, on City Hall grounds, or at the Plaza of Champions, or riding negligently anywhere in public in Kirkland, is a traffic infraction under KMC 12.12.060 carrying a flat $50 penalty. Officers may also seize the skateboard as evidence pending the outcome of the case under KMC 12.12.040.

Loitering Rules

Kirkland makes it a violation to remain in or loiter within any city park or recreation area while intoxicated. KMC 11.80.242 sits among the park misdemeanor provisions, so a person cited for loitering while drunk or high in a park faces criminal, not civil, penalties under the city's general misdemeanor schedule.

Key details: Governing section: KMC 11.80.242. Prohibited conduct: Loitering in a park while intoxicated. Penalty class: Misdemeanor under KMC 11.80.310. Max penalty: $1,000 fine or 90 days jail. Applies to: City parks and recreation areas only.

Loitering or remaining in a Kirkland park or recreation area while intoxicated is a misdemeanor under KMC 11.80.242 and 11.80.310, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both, under KMC 1.04.010. A police officer or park ranger may also issue a separate exclusion notice under KMC 11.80.320 barring the person from city parks.

Public Alcohol Use

Kirkland makes it unlawful to open or possess an open container of liquor in any place open to the public. KMC 11.84A.050 allows one narrow exception: a public area the city has specifically identified and posted as a place where liquor may be consumed. Violating the ban is a civil infraction.

Key details: Governing section: KMC 11.84A.050. Applies to: Any public place citywide. Exception: City-posted designated consumption areas only. Penalty class: Civil infraction, not a crime. Adopted: Ordinance 4581, 2017.

Opening or carrying an open container of liquor in public outside a posted consumption area is a civil infraction under KMC 11.84A.050, not a criminal charge. The infraction is handled in Kirkland Municipal Court, with the monetary penalty set under the court's infraction schedule per KMC 1.04.010(e) rather than a fixed amount written into the section itself.

Compared to other cities, Kirkland takes a harder line on public alcohol use. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Kirkland is tougher than many cities when it comes to public conduct. Out of the 5 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.

All of the above reflects Kirkland's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.