Lot coverage in Kirkland residential zones is capped between 35 and 50 percent depending on zone, measured under KMC Title 115 including primary and accessory structures but excluding specified uncovered features.
Lot coverage in Kirkland is the percentage of a site covered by principal and accessory buildings and is regulated in the bulk standards tables of KMC Title 115. In common RS zones the maximum lot coverage ranges from about 35 percent in lower-density RS 12.5 and RS 8.5 zones up to 50 percent in smaller-lot RSX and RM zones. Decks under a specified height, paved walkways, unroofed patios, and pools are generally excluded from coverage, though they may count toward separate impervious surface limits used for stormwater review. Accessory dwelling units and detached garages are counted in lot coverage calculations. Critical areas, shoreline buffers, and tree-retention standards under KMC 95 can further reduce buildable area, effectively lowering the practical coverage. The city also enforces minimum pervious landscaping requirements and front-yard landscaping in several zones. When calculating lot coverage, the full parcel area is used, including easements but not public rights-of-way. Additions that push coverage over the maximum require either a smaller footprint, a lot consolidation, or a variance heard by the hearing examiner. Detailed zone tables and site-specific guidance are available from Kirkland Planning and Building at (425) 587-3600.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Kirkland, WA
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Kirkland, WA
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Kirkland, WA
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Kirkland, WA
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Kirkland, WA
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Kirkland, WA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle lot coverage limits.
See how Kirkland's lot coverage limits rules stack up against other locations.
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