Kirkland, WA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

60(4), "Landscape Strip and Street Trees," governs planting in the parkway strip whenever public street improvements are required under Chapter 110 KZC. Landscape strips sit between the curb and sidewalk and must be planted with grass and street trees spaced 30 feet on-center; the applicant plants all landscape strips with vegetation approved by the City, following the details in the Public Works Pre-Approved Plans and Policies Notebook. Every tree planted in the right-of-way must be approved as to species by the Public Works Director, and near overhead lines the species must be selected under City guidelines so it will not interfere with those lines as it matures.

Trees must be at least two inches in diameter at planting, measured to American Association of Nurserymen standards, with a canopy starting at least six feet above finished grade so it does not obstruct sidewalks or driving lanes. 5 feet behind the sidewalk, are required instead where feasible. The abutting property owner is responsible for keeping the sidewalk and landscaping clean, litter-free, and maintained, and the City may require a recorded maintenance agreement running with the property, filed with the King County Recorder's Office. This most recently amended provision (Ord. 5 inches in diameter.