Kirkland encourages but does not strictly mandate residential sidewalk snow clearing. Property owners are urged to clear sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall. Public Works handles arterial routes.
Unlike some Washington cities that impose mandatory sidewalk snow clearing obligations on abutting property owners, the City of Kirkland takes a more encouraging rather than strictly mandatory approach given the relatively infrequent significant snow events in the Puget Sound region. Kirkland strongly urges residential and commercial property owners to clear snow and ice from public sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours of the end of a snow event. Commercial property owners in business districts, particularly downtown Kirkland, have heightened expectations for prompt sidewalk clearing to maintain public safety. Kirkland Public Works prioritizes snow and ice operations on arterial routes, emergency routes, and school zones. Use of sand or approved ice melt is encouraged over rock salt which can damage concrete and landscaping. Shoveled snow should not be pushed into the street where it creates driving hazards. Property owners may face civil liability for slip-and-fall injuries on unmaintained sidewalks.
Sidewalk snow clearing in Kirkland is largely advisory. However, willful neglect leading to injury may expose the property owner to private civil liability. Pushing snow into the street violates KMC public works rules.
Kirkland, WA
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Kirkland, WA
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Kirkland, WA
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Kirkland, WA
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Kirkland, WA
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Kirkland, WA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle snow & sidewalk clearing.
See how Kirkland's snow & sidewalk clearing rules stack up against other locations.
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