Kirkland, WA Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Downtown Design Guide (2026)

Chapter 92 KZC establishes design regulations for new development in twelve Design Districts, including the Central Business District (CBD) that makes up downtown Kirkland. 040. 38(1)(b). A separate set of citywide Design Guidelines exists as a supplemental tool, but those guidelines apply only when a project seeks a Design Modification from the Planning Official or Alternative Compliance from the DRB, not as a stand-alone requirement. Where Chapter 92 conflicts with any other section of the zoning code, Chapter 92 prevails. 11 require buildings on a pedestrian-oriented street to sit at the front property line with a zero setback, orient toward that street, and include a pedestrian-oriented facade: at least 60 percent of the ground-floor facade between two and ten feet above the sidewalk must be windows, doors, display areas, or artwork, and weather protection must cover at least 75 percent of the facade, projecting a minimum of five feet and standing at least eight feet above grade.

Frontages on a pedestrian-oriented street must also include at least 175 square feet of pedestrian-oriented space at the main entrance, with pedestrian-scaled lighting no taller than 15 feet, seating, and landscaping covering at least 20 percent of the space. Along Lake Street South north of Kirkland Avenue and south of Second Avenue South, buildings exceeding one or two stories must additionally demonstrate compliance with Chapter 92 and the Downtown Plan through Design Review before extra height is granted.