Kirkland, WA Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Weekday allowed hours
- 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Weekend/holiday allowed hours
- 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Equipment covered
- power equipment, incl. leaf blowers
- Exempt holidays
- 6 major federal holidays listed
- Emergency generator exception
- outages and manufacturer testing
- Baseline standard
- adopts Ch. 70.107 RCW noise levels
Summary
Kirkland treats power equipment, including leaf blowers, as a public nuisance if operated before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m. on weekdays, or before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. on weekends and listed holidays, under KZC 115.95(2). The rule applies citywide and adopts state maximum noise levels as its baseline standard.
2. Noise – Public Nuisance – Any noise which injures; endangers the comfort, repose, health or safety of persons; or in any way renders persons insecure in life, or in the use of property, is a violation of this code. The operation of power equipment, including but not limited to leaf blowers, shall be deemed a public nuisance if such operation occurs during the following hours: before 8:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or before 9:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, or the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4945, passed July 21, 2026).
Full Breakdown
107 RCW, and its implementing rules in Chapter 173-60 WAC, as the City's baseline noise standard. m. on Saturday, Sunday, or on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, or Christmas Day. The section does not distinguish between gas and electric equipment; the hours restriction applies to power equipment generally. 25. m. The City may also require a bond under Chapter 175 KZC to secure compliance with the noise regulations on a given project or use.
Violations & Fines
Operating a leaf blower or other power equipment outside the permitted hours in KZC 115.95(2) is a public nuisance violation of the Zoning Code. The City enforces it through Chapter 1.12 KMC, Code Enforcement, which can issue a notice and order of civil violation with fines of $100 per day rising to $500 per day for continued noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time can I use a leaf blower in Kirkland?
Does Kirkland ban gas-powered leaf blowers?
Is there an exception for emergency generators?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kirkland
How Kirkland compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Compare Kirkland to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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Leaf Blower Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle leaf blower rules.