Critical Area Regulations

Wetlands are areas where water is present at or near the surface for much of the year. They provide essential functions like filtering pollutants, reducing flooding, and supporting plant and animal life. They act like natural sponges, helping to absorb stormwater to reduce flooding and filter pollutants before they reach streams and lakes. Wetlands also provide a unique habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species that rely on wetland environments.

These ecosystems take generations to form but can be destroyed quickly. The essential functions they provide are often difficult, if not impossible, to fully replace. As a result, wetlands require strong protection, and any damage must be addressed through restoration or mitigation to recover lost ecological and community value.

Want to learn more?
City of Kirkland - Sensitive Areas Map(PDF, 15MB)
King County iMap - 2024 National Wetland Inventory
WA Department of Ecology - At Home with Wetlands(PDF, 2MB)
WA Department of Ecology - Homeowners Guide to Wetlands and Buffers(PDF, 382KB)
WA Department of Ecology – Earth Day Webpage
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Wetlands Protection and Restoration Webpage

Note: Maps are for reference only. A professional wetland ecologist is required to determine the location, size, quality, and functions of wetlands before development can be reviewed and permitted.

Fish and wildlife conservation areas prioritize the protection of natural areas that support threatened and endangered species such as Chinook salmon and other anadromous fisheries, migratory birds, and other sensitive wildlife.  Healthy fish and wildlife habitats support biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystem services that benefit natural and built environments.

These natural resources span individual properties, neighborhoods, and cities. Successful protection of these moving systems requires regional management, regulation, and cooperation. Like wetlands, many of these natural habitats and the species that depend on them cannot be replaced once they are removed and it will take generations to rebuild the functions they provide.

Want to learn more?
City of Kirkland - Stream and Habitat Monitoring Program
King Count iMap – Chinook Salmon Distribution and New Stream Type Designations
WDFW - Living with Wildlife
WDFW - Priority Habitats and Species Map
WRIA – 2017 Chinook Salmon Conservation Plan Update

Frequently flooded areas are lands within a floodplain, including the 100-year floodplain designation set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that are highly susceptible to flooding.  These areas are important for public health and safety because they are prone to damage during heavy rain events.  In Kirkland, most flood-prone areas are publicly owned and managed as natural spaces.

Want to learn more?
FEMA – National Flood Hazard Map

Critical aquifer recharge areas are places where water surface water soaks into the ground and refills underground water sources (aquifers) that supply drinking water.  Protecting these areas helps maintain clean, reliable groundwater supplies for homes, businesses, and agriculture. Kirkland does not have any designated critical aquifer recharge areas. 

Want to learn more?
WA Department of Health - Source Water Assessment Program

Geologically Hazardous Areas include lands naturally susceptible to landslides, severe erosion, or soils susceptible to liquification during earthquakes. Management of these areas is important to public safety, property protection, infrastructure resilience, and environmental preservation.

Want to learn more?
City of Kirkland - Landslide Hazard Map
City of Kirkland - Interactive GIS Map\
WA Department of Natural Resources – Geologic Hazards
USGS – Natural Hazards

Critical areas can be found all throughout Kirkland including several public parks:

Wetlands
Big Finn Hill Park(King County)
Juanita Bay Park(City of Kirkland)
Neal-Landguth Wetland Park (City of Kirkland)
Yarrow Bay Wetlands (City of Kirkland) 

Streams
O. O. Denny Park (City of Kirkland)

Upland Habitat
Bridle Trails Park (WA State)
St. Edwards Park

Looking for opportunities to get involved locally?
Learn how to Help the Environment
Volunteer with the Green Kirkland Partnership
Learn from Kirkland Conserves

Do you have Critical Areas on your property?

DO CONSIDER

• Invasive Species Management
• Ivy Removal
• Plant Trees (Tree Planting Rebates)
• Practice Sustainable and Natural Yard Care
  
  

PLEASE DO NOT

• Remove or harm any trees, native plants
• Remove any groundcover including invasive species that will expose soil to erosion
• Mow native plants or expand lawns
• Dump yard waste or any garbage in your natural area
• Conduct any restoration without an approved plan
• Build something without a City permit

The Kirkland Zoning Code (KZC) regulates critical areas in two different chapters:

KZC 90 - Wetlands, Streams, Minor Lakes, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas, and Frequently Flooded Areas

KZC 85 - Geologically Hazardous Areas

How to Apply for a Critical Area Permit
Information coming soon!

The Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) and House Bill (HB) 1241 require Kirkland to update its Critical Areas Regulations to align with current state laws and support the goals outlined in the Kirkland 2044 Comprehensive Plan. This process will also include a review to improve clarity, incorporate recent data, and ensure consistency with existing policies.

Meeting Information
Planning Commission Briefing 
May 22, 2025
Meeting Materials

Want to stay informed?
Sign up for Critical Area Ordinance email updates

Coming soon!