Overview
The City's Code Enforcement Program supports the City's public safety and environmental protection mission by investigating potential or actual violations of the City, public health, and other applicable regulations. Various City departments and divisions investigate complaints depending on the nature of the violation.
How does the City of Kirkland enforce its Zoning and Municipal Codes?
The Kirkland Municipal Code authorizes City staff to investigate any valid citizen initiated complaints or proactive complaints generated by City staff. If a violation has occurred, a Code Enforcement Officer or other authorized City personnel will try to resolve it first through education, voluntary compliance, and/or negotiation. If this proves ineffective, then more formal enforcement proceedings may commence, including a hearing before the Hearing Examiner. Questions involving procedures and/or types of zoning or municipal code violations subject to the City jurisdiction and review should be directed to the Code Enforcement Program representatives in the Planning and Building Department. Some violations may involve outside agencies. Contact information for various activities can be found in the Typical Code Enforcement Items list below.
Typical Code Enforcement items
On Public Property: Public Works: 425-587-3900 On Private Property: Planning and Building Department: 425-587-3600
If in process, call the Police Non-Emergency line: 425-587-3400
If located in WSDOT ROW can be reported via the graffiti reporting page
Graffiti at bus stops can be reported to King County Metro at 206-477-3850
Street Trees: Public Works, Public Grounds Phone: 425-587-3900 Park Trees: Parks and Community Services Phone: 425-587-3340
Private Trees: Planning and Building Department Phone: 425-587-3600
* The Code Enforcement Officer also picks up improperly placed or sized signs within the public right-of-way. Contact Code Enforcement 425-587-3600 if you are missing a sign(s) from a City right-of-way.
Planning and Building Department Phone: 425-587-3600
Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Planning and Building Department Phone: 425-587-3600
After hours / weekends / Holidays: Police non-emergency line: 425-577-5656
Additional Information
For in-progress activities that must be stopped immediately to prevent irreparable harm:
For non-emergency complaints:
The complaint must include the following:
Not necessarily. Complaints submitted to the City constitute a public record and may be subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). In addition, your name is required so we can keep you informed of the progress of the investigation and/or request further information as needed. Complaints regarding life, health, safety, and environmental concerns are investigated, even if the complaint is made anonymously.
The City investigates every written complaint received. As the complainant, you will be notified of the result of the investigation and any enforcement action to be taken to achieve code compliance. The Code Enforcement Program prioritizes complaints, pursuing life safety and environmental impact issues first and foremost. While all complaints will be pursued, lower prioritized items may take additional time to rectify and complete.
The City’s Ombud Program is available to assist you:
Planning and Building Department
Main Contact information
425-587-3600
CodeEnforcement@kirklandwa.gov
Submit Complaint
Mediation Services
Through an agreement with the City of Bellevue, Kirkland residents are eligible to receive free mediation services. The Bellevue Conflict Resolution Center provides an opportunity to resolve issues between neighbors and/or business owners.
Mediation can occur at any time during a code enforcement process. For more information call 425-452-4091.
King County Lake Swimming Beach Data Program
NE 85th Street Shared-Use Pathway