Kirkland, WA Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Kirkland actively promotes native plant landscaping through the Green Kirkland Partnership, which restores natural areas with volunteers using species like western red cedar, Douglas fir, vine maple, Oregon grape, salal, sword fern, red-flowering currant, and Pacific ninebark. Kirkland Zoning Code Chapter 95 sets required landscape standards for new development and gives credit to drought-tolerant and native species. Homeowners may replace lawns with native plant gardens without special permits as long as noxious weeds are not introduced and vegetation heights do not violate sight-triangle rules at intersections. Critical area buffers along streams, wetlands, and the Lake Washington shoreline require native plantings and exclude non-native invasive species under KZC 83 and the Kirkland Shoreline Master Program. Native landscaping supports salmon recovery in Forbes Creek and Juanita Creek, both salmon-bearing waters. Kirkland partners with Washington Native Plant Society and King Conservation District for plant sales and habitat guidance.