Environmental Rules in Kirkland, WA (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Kirkland, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Kirkland requires a drainage permit before any project adding 500 square feet or more of new impervious surface, disturbing 7,000 square feet of land, or installing a pipe 12 inches or larger. The Public Works Director runs the Surface Water Utility and bans dumping anything but storm water into city storm drains.
Kirkland Stormwater Drainage Rules
Significant RestrictionsKMC 15.52.090
(a) Prohibition of Illicit Discharges. No person shall throw, drain, or otherwise discharge, cause or allow others under its control to throw, drain or otherwise discharge into the municipal storm drain system and/or surface and ground waters any materials other than storm water. Illicit discharges are prohibited and constitute a violation of this chapter.
Erosion Control
Kirkland's zoning code makes it a violation for a property owner to let construction or site conditions erode, undermine, or deposit sediment onto a neighboring property, under KZC 115.35. Larger developments also must follow the city's surface water design standards, which incorporate the King County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Manual for erosion control during construction.
Kirkland Erosion and Sediment Control Rules
Some RestrictionsKZC 115.35 (Erosion and Sedimentation Regulation)
It is a violation of this code for the owner of the subject property to create, allow or perpetuate conditions on the subject property which cause the erosion or undermining of adjacent property. It is also a violation of this code for the owner of the subject property to create, allow or perpetuate a condition which causes the deposition of sediments or the movement of other geologic materials...
Flood Zones
Any construction or fill in a Kirkland special flood hazard area needs a development permit under KMC 21.56.055, plus a FEMA-standard habitat assessment. Flood hazard areas are drawn from the federal Flood Insurance Study for King County and the FIRM maps under KMC 21.56.030, and the building official administers the permit process as floodplain administrator.
Kirkland Floodplain Development Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsKirkland Municipal Code (KMC) § 21.56.055
A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in Section 21.56.030. The permit shall be for all structures including manufactured homes, as set forth in the definitions, Section 21.56.020, and for all development including fill and other activities, also as set forth in the definitions. The applicant shall al...
Boat Dock Permits
Kirkland limits waterfront property owners to one pier or dock per lot, capped at 480 square feet of surface coverage and 150 feet in length under KZC 83.270. Moorage space cannot be leased or rented, and boats can't be moored within 30 feet of the shoreline.
Kirkland Boat Dock and Pier Permits
Some RestrictionsKirkland Zoning Code (KZC) 83.270
a. Piers, docks, moorage buoys and piles, boat lifts and canopies may only be developed and used accessory to existing dwelling units on waterfront lots or upland lots with waterfront access rights. Use of these structures is limited to the residents and guests of the waterfront lots to which the moorage is accessory and upland lots with legal lake access. Moorage space shall not be leased, ren...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Kirkland requires new and substantially improved residential structures in special flood hazard areas to elevate the lowest floor, including any basement, at least one foot above the base flood elevation, with mechanical equipment and utilities waterproofed or raised to the same height. Critical facilities need three feet of clearance, and a development permit comes first.
Kirkland Base Flood Elevation Freeboard Rule
Some RestrictionsKirkland Municipal Code § 21.56.090(1)(A)
In all areas of special flood hazards where base flood elevation data has been provided as set forth in Section 21.56.030 or 21.56.070(2), the following provisions are required: (1) Residential Construction. (A) New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated one foot or more above base flood elevation. Mechanic...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Kirkland city rules.
Environmental Rules in King County →