Business Licensing & Operations in Kirkland, WA (2026)
6 verified business licensing & operations rules for Kirkland, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Kirkland requires a city license to run or work as a manager at an erotic performance establishment, on top of a regular business license. The establishment fee is $700 a year, the manager fee is $100, and business must close between 2 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Kirkland Erotic Performance Establishment License
Significant RestrictionsKirkland Municipal Code KMC 7.26.020 License required
(a) It is unlawful for any person to conduct, manage or operate an erotic performance establishment unless such person is the holder of a valid and subsisting license from the city to do so, obtained in the manner provided in this chapter. (b) It is unlawful for any performer, employee or manager to knowingly work in or about or to knowingly perform any service or entertainment directly related...
Massage Establishments
Kirkland requires a $75 annual city license before anyone can operate a massage parlor or public bathhouse, on top of a general business license, and bars operation between midnight and 8 a.m.
Kirkland Massage Parlor Licensing Rules
Some RestrictionsKirkland Municipal Code KMC 7.32.040 Massage parlor or public bathhouse—License required—Fee
(a) It is unlawful to conduct, operate or maintain a massage parlor or public bathhouse unless such establishment or premises is licensed by the city. The licenses and related fees required by this chapter are in addition to the business license that may be required under Chapter 7.02. The application, issuance, renewal, and revocation of such licenses shall be governed by Sections 7.20.030, 7....
Secondhand Dealers
Kirkland requires secondhand dealers, including those handling metal junk and precious metals, to hold a $100 annual city license, keep a detailed transaction ledger, and report every day's transactions to police.
Kirkland Secondhand Dealer Licensing Rules
Some RestrictionsKirkland Municipal Code KMC 7.36.020(e) Definitions — Secondhand dealer
“Secondhand dealer” means every person engaged in whole or in part in the business of purchasing, selling, trading, consignment selling, or otherwise transferring for value, secondhand property, including metal junk, melted metals, precious metals, whether or not the person maintains a fixed place of business within the city; provided, that “secondhand dealer” shall not apply to thrift stores a...
Pawnbrokers
Kirkland requires pawnbrokers to hold a $100 annual city license, hold pledged property untouched for 15 days after reporting it to police, and keep detailed transaction records open to police inspection.
Kirkland Pawnbroker Licensing Requirements
Some RestrictionsKirkland Municipal Code KMC 7.36.080 Keeping property—Time limit
No property bought or received in pledge by any pawnbroker shall be removed from his or her place of business before fifteen days have elapsed since the receipt thereof was reported to the chief of police. A police officer may place a hold of up to fifteen additional days upon the property if the item is potential evidence. The police officer shall make an entry upon the permanent record requir...
Auto Repair on Residential Property
Kirkland's home occupation rules block auto repair-style work at a residence: KZC 115.65(4)(d) bars heavy equipment, power tools and power sources that create noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odor or other conditions beyond what a normal residential use produces. Outdoor storage of tools, machinery or vehicles under repair is also prohibited.
Kirkland Bars Heavy Equipment for Home Auto Repair
Significant RestrictionsKZC 115.65(4)(d)
d. Does not involve activities, including but not limited to the use of heavy equipment, power tools, power sources, hazardous materials, or other equipment or materials that result in noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odors, heat, traffic, parking, or other conditions that exceed, in duration or intensity, such conditions normally produced by a residential use;
Towing Companies
To join Kirkland's police-dispatched towing list, a wrecker company must register with the chief of police, carry $1 million in liability coverage plus on-hook and garage keeper's insurance, provide 24-hour service, and keep its storage yard within 15 miles of the city, under KMC Chapter 7.68; the chief can suspend or revoke registration for noncompliance.
Kirkland Non-Consent Towing Registration Rules
Significant RestrictionsKirkland Municipal Code (KMC) § 7.68.040
(a) The owner shall hold current and valid permits from the state of Washington as may be required for the operation both of the towing business and the automobile storage yard. ... (d) The owner shall provide continuous twenty-four-hour-per-day prompt service each day of the year and there shall be an attendant on duty at all times for the purpose of receiving calls and receiving and releasing...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Kirkland city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in King County →