Kirkland, WA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Front yard (RS/RSX/RSA)
- 20 feet
- Side yard
- 5 ft each, 15 ft combined min
- Rear yard (RS/RSX)
- 10 feet
- Max lot coverage
- 50 percent
- Max height
- 25-30 ft above ABE
- Corner lot relief
- DD-14 front yard averaging
Summary
Detached single-family homes in Kirkland's Low Density Residential zones (RS, RSX, RSA) must sit back 20 feet from the front property line, 5 feet from each side yard with both sides totaling at least 15 feet, and 10 feet from the rear, under KZC 15.30.060's Density/Dimensions Table. Lot coverage tops out at 50 percent, and height is capped 25-30 feet above average building elevation.
15.30.060 Detached Dwelling Unit ... RS: 20'14, 16 RSX: 20'15, 16 RSA: 20'15, 16, 20 ... 5'/15'9 RSX: 5'15 RSA: 5' ... 10' RS, RSX: 10'16 ... 50% RSA: 50%6 ... RS, PLA 3C, PLA 6E: 25' above ABE. RSX, PLA 16: 30' above ABE.
DD-9. Five feet, but two side yards must equal at least 15 feet.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4945, passed July 21, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Kirkland's Density/Dimensions Table for Low Density Residential Zones (KZC 15.30.060) sets the required yards for a Detached Dwelling Unit, the code's term for a single-family house. In the RS, RSX and RSA zones the front yard setback is 20 feet, measured from the front property line to the building. Side yards must be at least 5 feet on each side, but per Special Regulation DD-9, the two side yards combined must total at least 15 feet, so a builder who shrinks one side to the 5-foot minimum has to leave at least 10 feet on the opposite side. The rear yard setback in the RS and RSX zones is 10 feet. The same table sets separate dimensions for the WD II, PLA 3C, PLA 6E and PLA 16 planned areas.
Maximum lot coverage for a detached house is capped at 50 percent of the lot, and building height is limited to 25 feet above average building elevation (ABE) in RS, PLA 3C and PLA 6E zones, rising to 30 feet in RSX, RSA and PLA 16 zones.
Corner lots get relief under DD-14: one of the two required front yards can be reduced to the average of the front yards on the two adjoining lots along the same street, with the applicant choosing which side to reduce (see Plate 24). Lots with two parallel front yards get relief under DD-16: only one must meet the 20-foot minimum, and the other is treated as a rear yard needing just 10 feet. KZC 115.115 separately lists what may project into a required yard, including eaves, chimneys, and fences regulated under KZC 115.40.
Violations & Fines
Building setback violations are enforced by Kirkland's Planning and Building Department under KMC Chapter 1.12, Code Enforcement. A verified encroachment triggers a notice and order and, if needed, a voluntary correction agreement; unresolved noncompliance draws a civil fine of $100 per day for days 1-15, $250 per day for days 16-30, and $500 per day after day 31, capped at $50,000 per violation under KMC 1.12.045. Paying the fine doesn't excuse the duty to remove or fix the encroachment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the front yard setback for a house in Kirkland?
How much side yard setback does Kirkland require?
What is Kirkland's rear yard setback?
Can a corner lot get a smaller front setback?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kirkland
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Setback Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle setback rules.