Kirkland, WA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

050 prohibits any person from temporarily or permanently using or utilizing any portion of a street right-of-way, whether or not improved and including a sidewalk or walkway, or a fairway, for personal use, a place of business, or other private use, without first obtaining a street use permit from the city. This is the general encroachment rule that underlies Kirkland's permit system for private occupation of public right-of-way; it does not apply to incorporating an unused, improved right-of-way strip into an abutting private property's landscaping design, which the code specifically exempts.

061 sets the permit mechanics that apply across these private uses: a street use permit is required for any private use of a public right-of-way, runs from January 1 through December 31 of the year issued, and is issued or denied by the director of public works, who evaluates the application against the applicable criteria for the specific type of use. For a fairway used as a pier, the city council itself holds permit authority rather than the director. 068, which govern only cafe tables and produce markets. 12 in addition to any other remedy available at law.