Commercial and Multi-Family Permit Process

Permitting generally follows a set process. The forms and information you need are associated with each step in the process below.

STEP 1: Property Research

Come prepared with knowledge to speed up the process. Search for tax records, permit history, and assessment records for a specific property address or parcel located in the City of Kirkland, WA.

Do a property search to find which zone the property is located in, then read up on the relevant zoning codes that pertain to it.

Property Search

Additional Tools and Resources to research property, zoning codes and municipal codes.

Related Information:
Before Choosing a Location for Your Business(PDF, 132KB)

STEP 2: Pre-Submittal Conference

A pre-submittal conference is a meeting between those interested in developing property or applying for a development permit, and the city staff who will ultimately review the development permit. The purpose of the conference is to determine the feasibility of the project, identify potential road blocks, and review information required for a complete application.

Pre-submittal conferences are required by the Zoning Code for most land use permits. The Building Code does not require a pre-submittal conference, however, they are HIGHLY recommended for:

  • New commercial / multi-family projects
  • Significant additions to commercial / multi-family projects
  • Complex tenant improvements and restaurants
  • Automobile dealerships

Review Pre-Submittal Conference information to see if you need to schedule a pre-submittal meeting.

Pre-submittal conferences are scheduled online through MyBuildingPermit.com a minimum of (10) business days in advance. Standard meetings are Tuesday mornings at 11 AM and 2 PM, and Thursday afternoons at 2 PM and 3 PM.
Schedule Pre-Submittal Conference

STEP 3: Permit Application Forms & Related Info

Building Permits are required for construction, modification or demolition of a building or structure.
Building Permit Checklist(PDF, 150KB)
Tenant Improvement Checklist(PDF, 101KB) (Interior Only)
Re-Roof Only Checklist(PDF, 89KB)

Application documents for new and existing buildings:
Building Height Table(PDF, 761KB)
Supplemental Building Information(PDF, 679KB)
Rodent Abatement Declaration

Other permits you may need:
Demolition, Move & Sign Permits
Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical & Fire Permits
SEPA Environmental Checklist
State of Washington Department of Ecology
Tree Removal and Landscaping

Related Information:
Development Services Fees
Commercial Energy Forms (Available courtesy of Northwest Energy Efficiency Council)
General Site Plan Requirements(PDF, 278KB)
Public Works Improvement Evaluation Packet PDF(PDF, 116KB) | Excel(XLSX, 45KB)
Surface Water Design and Construction 
PW Pre-Approved Plans

Permit applications are submitted online through MyBuildingPermit.com.
Apply for Permit

STEP 4: Plan Review

City Staff review applications to ensure compliance with code and safety requirements.

Permit Review Timelines are target dates. Actual review times may vary and are dependent upon workload and staffing.

Check the status of your permit review through MyBuildingPermit.com.
Check Status

STEP 5: Inspections

Meet with certified building and electrical inspectors who will inspect the work to ensure code compliance and safety requirements.

Inspection Information
A Building Inspection Checklist includes items commonly written up during the inspection process and provides general information.

Building Inspection Checklists

Inspections are scheduled online through MyBuildingPermit.com.
Schedule Inspection