Kirkland, WA Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)

The City of Kirkland permits residential holiday displays, lights, inflatables, and seasonal decorations on private property as a customary and traditional accessory use of a residence. Seasonal holiday decorations are generally exempt from the sign code permit requirements in KMC Title 100 as long as they are temporary in nature and installed only for the relevant holiday period (typically for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas/winter holidays, Easter, Independence Day, and similar occasions). Decorations may be installed a reasonable time before the holiday (commonly 30-45 days before) and must be removed within 30 days after the holiday ends. Displays that create nuisance conditions may be subject to enforcement, including excessively bright lighting that shines directly into neighboring windows, amplified music or sound effects operating outside quiet hours (10 PM to 7 AM weekdays) per KMC 11.84A, displays that attract large crowds creating traffic or parking hazards requiring public safety response, and structures encroaching on sidewalks or rights-of-way. Projection displays across property lines should be directed only on owned property.