Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Kirkland, WA

Kirkland maintains 139 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with sidewalk & pedestrian rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Kirkland falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Obstruction Rules

Dropping or leaving any object, material or structure on a Kirkland street, sidewalk or public right-of-way that blocks travel is a crime under KMC 19.04.010, treated as a public nuisance the city can remove and bill back to the responsible party.

Key details: Governing section: KMC 19.04.010. Classification: Simple crime and public nuisance. Enforcement path: Citation or Chapter 1.12 civil notice. Cost liability: Violator pays removal costs. Permit exception: Street use permit under 19.04.050.

A first offense is charged as a simple misdemeanor-level crime under 19.04.010, or pursued as a civil infraction via a Chapter 1.12 notice of civil violation. The city may abate a dangerous obstruction immediately and bill the responsible party for removal costs; unpaid removal costs become a debt owed to the city.

Encroachment Permits

Anyone using a Kirkland street right-of-way, including a sidewalk or walkway, for personal or business use must first get a city street use permit under KMC 19.04.050, the general permit that governs any private encroachment onto public right-of-way.

Key details: Governing section: KMC 19.04.050. Permit issuer: Director of public works. Permit term: Jan 1 to Dec 31, annual. Landscaping exception: Unused improved right-of-way strip exempt. Enforcement: Chapter 1.12 civil or criminal citation.

Using the right-of-way privately without a permit violates 19.04.050 and can be charged as an obstruction under 19.04.010 or pursued as a Chapter 1.12 civil violation per 19.04.110; remedies are cumulative, so the city can combine a citation with a civil notice and removal of the unpermitted improvement.

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

Sidewalk Repair

In Kirkland, the owner of the property abutting a public sidewalk bears the cost of maintaining and repairing it. KMC 19.20.030 puts the burden and expense on the abutting owner, and 19.20.040 lets the city council order repairs at the owner's expense when the city engineer finds the walk unsafe.

Key details: Responsible party: Owner of abutting property. Governing section: KMC 19.20.030. Repair-cost carve-out: Owner-caused defects only, per 19.20.030. City-ordered repair authority: Council order under RCW 35.68/35.69/35.70. Noncompliance fine range: $100-$500 per day (Table 1.12.045).

A sidewalk left unrepaired is enforced as a civil violation under KMC Chapter 1.12. The city can first seek a voluntary correction agreement; absent one, it issues a notice and order of civil violation setting a correction deadline. Fines under Table 1.12.045 run $100/day for days 1-15 of noncompliance, $250/day for days 16-30, and $500/day for day 31 onward, capped at $50,000 per violation. A property owner may appeal to the hearing examiner within 21 calendar days of service.

The Bottom Line

Kirkland's sidewalk & pedestrian rules 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.