Family daycare homes serving 12 or fewer children are allowed as a home occupation in Kirkland residential zones, subject to KZC 115.42 standards and Washington DCYF licensing under RCW 43.216.
Kirkland Zoning Code (KZC) Chapter 115.42 treats family home childcare as a permitted home occupation when the operator resides in the dwelling and the program serves no more than 12 children at any one time, consistent with the state definition in RCW 43.216.010. Providers must obtain a family home child care license from the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) before opening, which includes background checks, home inspections, and completion of STARS training. Kirkland requires a City business license through FileLocal and compliance with WAC 110-300 licensing rules covering staffing, nutrition, safe sleep, and emergency preparedness. Outdoor play areas must be fully enclosed by fencing at least 48 inches tall, and swimming pools, hot tubs, and ponds must be separately fenced and locked when children are present. Pick-up and drop-off traffic may not create congestion in the public right-of-way, and no more than one non-resident employee is allowed under the home occupation standards in KZC 115.42. Signage is limited to one non-illuminated sign of two square feet or less identifying the provider, and exterior modifications that change the residential character of the dwelling are prohibited. Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and an approved fire extinguisher are required on every level of the home under state licensing rules.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Kirkland, WA
Leaf blowers and power equipment are restricted to 8 AM to 8 PM weekdays and 9 AM to 6 PM on weekends and holidays under KMC 11.84A. Kirkland has not adopted...
Kirkland, WA
Kirkland sits about 20 miles north of Sea-Tac and is lightly affected by commercial flights. Kenmore Air seaplanes and Renton Municipal general aviation caus...
Kirkland, WA
Kirkland does not impose a citywide overnight parking ban, but enforces the 72-hour rule, signed residential permit zones, and no-parking signs at parks, tra...
Kirkland, WA
Kirkland driveways must remain paved, accessible, and used for vehicle parking per KMC Title 115 zoning code, which limits front-yard paving and requires app...
Kirkland, WA
EV charging in Kirkland follows the Washington State Energy Code, which requires EV-ready capacity in new multifamily and commercial parking and protects pub...
Kirkland, WA
Under KZC 115.40, Kirkland fences may be up to 6 feet except within 15 feet of a street curb. Properties on a neighborhood access or collector street are cap...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle home daycare.
See how Kirkland's home daycare rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.