Landscaping Rules in Kirkland, WA (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Kirkland, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Kirkland puts street trees in the public right-of-way under city control: adjacent property owners must water and mulch them and may trim branches up to 1.5 inches in diameter for sidewalk clearance, but anything larger needs a public tree pruning permit under KZC 95.20.
Kirkland Street Tree Sidewalk Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsKirkland Zoning Code KZC 95.20(1)(b)
Other than City crews, no person, directly or indirectly, shall prune, trim, modify, alter, or damage any public tree without first obtaining a public tree pruning permit as provided in this chapter, unless the activity falls under the exempt tree removal activities per KZC 95.15 or falls within the maintenance exceptions set forth in subsection (1)(b) of this section... It is the responsibilit...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Kirkland lets owners of developed property remove two to four regulated trees a year without a permit, scaled to lot size, as long as they first file a tree removal notification form. Removing more, cutting a landmark tree, or clearing protected or previously required trees needs a full tree removal permit under KZC 95.25.
Kirkland Tree Removal Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsKirkland Zoning Code KZC 95.25
Any private property owner of developed property may remove up to a specified number of regulated trees based on property size shown in Table 95.25.1 within a 12-month period with the submittal of a tree removal notification form pursuant to subsection (2) of this section. For any tree removal that is beyond what is allowed in this section, a tree removal permit is required pursuant to subsecti...
Weed Ordinances
Kirkland's Property Maintenance Code bans weeds and grass over eighteen inches tall on any premises or exterior property in the city. Code enforcement can enter under a warrant, cut the overgrown vegetation, and bill the owner for the cost. The rule sits in KMC 21.41.302 alongside a duty to clear vegetation blocking sidewalks or posing a fire hazard.
Kirkland Weed and Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsKirkland Municipal Code (KMC) § 21.41.302(d)(2)
Weeds and Grass. Premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds and grass in excess of eighteen inches. Upon failure to comply with this section, any duly authorized employee of the jurisdiction or contractor hired by the jurisdiction shall be authorized to enter upon the property in violation and cut and destroy the weeds or plants growing thereon that are over eighteen in...
Water Restrictions
During a declared water shortage, Kirkland's public works director can forbid, restrict, or ration irrigation and other water uses citywide or for specific customer classes under KMC 15.16.040. Violators face daily surcharges and, on repeat offenses, a flow restrictor or shutoff.
Kirkland Irrigation Restrictions During Water Shortage
Significant RestrictionsKirkland Municipal Code KMC 15.16.040
In case of shortage of water, the department of public works is authorized to impose water use restrictions in order to efficiently safeguard the safety and health of the general public or to provide for the public convenience. The use of water for irrigation, cooling, or other uses may be forbidden, restricted, or regulated and such regulations may be made effective as to all customers or as t...
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal in Kirkland for outdoor irrigation under WA Ecology Policy 1017; residential potable use requires a plumbing permit and treatment under state rules.
Kirkland Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsWA Department of Ecology Rainwater Use Interpretive Policy (Policy 1017)
Rainwater collection. Rainwater collection, including the use of rain barrels, has become more popular as a supplemental source of water. In 2009, we issued a rainwater use interpretive policy, which clarifies that you may use water collected from your rooftop without a water right permit. However, there are rules on using rainwater as a potable (drinkable) water source. Some counties in Washin...
Native Plants
Kirkland's zoning code requires supplemental landscaping on developed lots to reach 80 percent living-plant coverage within two years and gives explicit preference to native plant species drawn from the City's own Native Tree/Plant Lists.
Kirkland Native Plant Landscaping Rules
Some RestrictionsKirkland Zoning Code KZC 95.41 Supplemental Plantings
1. General. The applicant shall provide the supplemental landscaping specified in subsection (2) of this section in any area of the subject property that: a. Is not covered with a building, vehicle circulation area or other improvement; and b. Is not in an area to be planted with required landscaping; and c. Is not committed to and being used for some specific purpose. 2. Standards. The applica...
Artificial Turf
Kirkland allows artificial turf in yards and counts it toward the lot coverage exemptions list under KZC 115.90(2)(g), but installation cannot conflict with tree retention, critical area buffers, protected natural areas or shoreline riparian rules. No separate turf permit exists; compliance is folded into the underlying vegetation and critical area code.
Kirkland Artificial Turf Rules for Yards
Light RestrictionsKZC 115.90(2)(g)
g. Artificial Turf. Artificial turf installation shall not conflict with installation, protection, retention, and maintenance of regulated vegetation, such as trees according to Chapter 95 KZC, protected natural areas according to Chapter 70 KZC, critical areas and their buffers according to Chapter 90 KZC, and shoreline riparian areas according to Chapter 83 KZC.
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Kirkland city rules.
Landscaping Rules in King County →