Kirkland, WA Building Safety: Green Building Code (2026)

62 establishes the City's High Performing Building Standards (HPBS) for developments in residential, commercial and mixed-use zones, aimed at cutting building energy use and decarbonizing new construction. S. Green Building Council's LEED Platinum program. The Planning Official may approve an alternative certification if it is judged equal or superior to those listed. Proof of registration in a qualifying program must be submitted before the development permit application, and at permit submittal the project must show it will meet performance standards: reaching or exceeding the zone's maximum allowed density (including any density bonus); an embodied carbon assessment with defined reduction targets; at least 20 percent of required parking as EV-ready and at least 10 percent with a working charger installed; electrical outlets at all bicycle storage areas; a deconstruction and material diversion plan; a 20 percent reduction in water use below state code; and all-electric buildings, except that gas commercial cooking appliances are allowed if wired for future electric replacement.

The HPBS requirement is triggered by dozens of individual zone chapters across the Zoning Code, including commercial, mixed-use and station area plan districts, where it is written as a condition of the applicable density and dimensions table rather than as a blanket citywide mandate on every structure.