Animal Ordinances in Kirkland, WA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Kirkland, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Kirkland allows up to 3 small domestic animals such as chickens per lot under 35,000 sq ft as accessory use, with more on larger lots. Roosters are effectively banned by KMC 11.84A noise rules.
Kirkland Chickens and Small Livestock
Some RestrictionsKirkland Zoning Code KZC 115.20 Animals in Residential Zones — Small Domestic Animals (Chickens, Fowl) and Bees
Small Domestic Animals (Chicken, Fowl): If you live in a low-density zone, you may have up to three chickens or other fowl on your property. If your lot size is greater than 5,000 square feet, you can have an additional chicken with every added 1,000 square feet of lot size. The maximum number of chickens for large lots is 20. The following zones are low density: RS 35; RSX 35; RS 12.5; RSX 12....
Dog Leash Laws
Dogs must be leashed in public under KMC 8.09 and Kirkland park rules. Off-leash is only permitted at designated dog parks such as Marymoor (nearby in Redmond). Dogs 12 weeks or older must be licensed with the City.
Kirkland Dog Leash Laws
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Kirkland has no breed-specific bans. Washington RCW 16.08.090 preempts breed bans statewide as of January 2020. Dangerous dog designations are behavior-based under RCW 16.08 and KMC 8.09.
Kirkland Dog Breed Restrictions
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Kirkland permits backyard beekeeping under KZC 115.15 with WSDA registration under RCW 15.60. Hives must use movable frames and be set back from neighbors with flyway barriers.
Kirkland Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Washington RCW 16.30 bans dangerous wild animals statewide including big cats, bears, wolves, primates, and venomous reptiles. KMC 8.09 enforces locally. Penalties run 200 to 2,000 per animal per day.
Kirkland Exotic Pet Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Kirkland borders greenbelts and Lake Washington, drawing coyotes, deer, and raccoons. RCW 77.15.790 makes negligent feeding of bears, cougars, or wolves a gross misdemeanor statewide.
Kirkland Wildlife Feeding Rules
Some RestrictionsRCW 77.15.790 Negligently feeding large wild carnivores — Infraction
RCW 77.15.790 Negligently feeding, attempting to feed, or attracting large wild carnivores to land or a building — Infraction. (1) A person may not negligently feed or attempt to feed large wild carnivores or negligently attract large wild carnivores to land or a building. (2) If a fish and wildlife officer, ex officio fish and wildlife officer, or animal control authority, as defined in RCW 16...
Livestock
KZC 115.15 regulates livestock by lot size. Small livestock such as goats and sheep need lots of 35,000 sq ft or more. Horses are effectively restricted to large Bridle Trails-adjacent parcels.
Kirkland Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsKirkland Zoning Code KZC 115.20 Animals in Residential Zones — Horses and Farm Animals
Animals in Residential Zones. Kirkland Zoning Code has rules related to owning animals. The rules provide detailed information about lot size requirements, proper husbandry, setbacks, and specific zoning regulations. [...] Horses: Two horses are allowed if: your property is located in the RS 35 or RSX 35 zones and within the Bridle Trails neighborhood; if your lot is located in residential lots...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Kirkland city rules.
Animal Ordinances in King County →