Grading permits are required in Kirkland for fills, cuts, and landscape regrades beyond thresholds in KMC Title 115, with drainage plans reviewed by Public Works under the Ecology Stormwater Manual.
Grading and drainage in Kirkland are regulated through KMC Title 115 clearing and grading provisions, the building code's Chapter on grading, and the Department of Ecology Stormwater Manual for Western Washington. A clearing and grading permit is generally required when a project cuts or fills more than 50 cubic yards of earth, disturbs more than 7,000 square feet, places structural fill, or regrades areas near critical slopes or streams. Permit applications include a grading plan, drainage report, TESC plan, and geotechnical analysis for steep-slope or landslide-prone parcels. Kirkland includes mapped erosion hazard, landslide hazard, and seismic hazard areas that trigger enhanced review. Downhill property owners are protected from increased runoff; new sites must match pre-development flow durations and discharge in a controlled, non-erosive manner. Roof and footing drains must be tightlined to an approved discharge point rather than surface-released onto neighboring property. Violations of grading rules can trigger stop-work orders, civil penalties under KMC 1.12, and required restoration. Homeowners undertaking rockeries, retaining walls over 4 feet, or hillside patios should contact Kirkland Building Division at (425) 587-3000 to confirm the permit pathway.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Kirkland, WA
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