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

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
Dark Sky International - Protecting the Night Skies
King Count iMap – Chinook Salmon Distribution and New Stream Type Designations
U.S. Fish & Wildlife - Bird Friendly Home Toolkit
WDFW - Living with Wildlife
WDFW - Priority Habitats and Species Map
WDFW - Snags - The Wildlife Tree

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 regulated critical aquifer recharge areas at this time. 

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 (WA State)

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 (2025 King County Noxious Weed List)
• Ivy Removal (Controlling English Ivy - King Conservation District)
• Plant Trees (Tree Planting Rebates)
• Practice Sustainable and Natural Yard Care
  
  

PLEASE DO NOT

• Remove or harm any trees, native plants
• Mow native plants or expand lawns
• Dump yard waste or any garbage in your natural area
• Conduct any restoration without an approved plan (including removal of invasive species and exposing soils)
• Build anything without a City permit or notification

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

Do You Need a Permit?
Permit requirements, including application materials, fees, and review times, depend on the size of your project and the type of critical area on or near your property. Use the City's GIS Interactive Maps to get a general idea of potential critical areas and contact the City early in your planning process to confirm whether a critical area permit is needed.

Streams and Wetlands (KZC 90)
Properties within 125 feet of streams and 300 feet of wetlands should be assessed by a qualified professional as defined by the Kirkland Zoning Code.  If a professional assessment confirms that no wetlands or streams are in these areas, then no further assessment is required.

Geologically Hazardous Areas (KZC 85)
Work within a geologically hazardous area requires a critical area permit.

How to Apply for a Critical Area Permit
Permits must be applied for online, through MyBuildingPermit.com, the one-stop online portal for development service applications, inspection scheduling, permit status information, construction tip sheets, and inspection checklists. Once there, you will be guided through the application process.

During business hours, permits can be applied for online at one of the self-service computers located in the Development Services Center at City Hall. There, permit technicians area available to provide assistance with the application process. 

Tree Removal within Critical Areas
Trees within critical areas or buffers are protected.  For details on removing hazard, nuisance, or emergency trees, please refer to the City's Tree Removal in Critical Areas or Buffers webpage.

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.

To learn more about the 2025 Critical Area Code Updates link to the update web page at

2025 Critical Area Ordinance Update

Coming soon!