Sign Regulations in Kirkland, WA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Kirkland or are thinking about moving there, sign regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Kirkland has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sign regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Garage Sale Signs

Kirkland garage sale signs may be posted on private property with owner consent but are prohibited in public rights-of-way, utility poles, and street trees. Remove all signs within 24 hours of sale end.

Key details: Private Property: OK with consent. Public ROW: Prohibited. Size Limit: 4-6 sq ft typical. Removal: Within 24 hours of sale end. Poles and Trees: Prohibited.

Signs in public rights-of-way are removed by public works without notice. Signs left up beyond 24 hours after sale end may result in KMC sign code citations with fines typically $50-100.

Holiday Displays

Kirkland allows residential holiday displays on private property as a customary accessory use, exempt from sign permits. Excessive lighting, amplified sound, or traffic hazards may trigger enforcement.

Key details: Permit: Not required. Installation: Reasonable time before holiday. Removal: Within 30 days after. Sound: Off by 10 PM weekdays. Code: KMC Title 100, 11.84A.

Lighting nuisances enforced under KMC 21.41. Amplified holiday sound outside quiet hours violates KMC 11.84A. Displays causing traffic hazards may require modification at owner expense.

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

Political Signs

Kirkland allows political signs on private property with owner consent under content-neutral size rules (typically 6 sq ft residential). Signs in public rights-of-way are prohibited and may be removed.

Key details: Private Property: Allowed with consent. Typical Size Limit: 6 sq ft residential. Public ROW: Prohibited. Illumination: Generally not allowed. Removal: 7-14 days after election.

Political signs in public right-of-way may be removed by Kirkland public works without notice. Signs exceeding size limits on private property are subject to code enforcement under KMC Title 100.

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

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Kirkland gives residents more room on sign regulations. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Kirkland's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.