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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, and ensure consistency with existing policies.
Learn About the Update
Why is the City Updating Critical Area Regulations?
The State requires all cities, including Kirkland, to update Critical Area Regulations by the end of 2025. this update will make sure that Kirkland's codes align with current and updated state laws as well as the city goals developed in the 2044 Comprehensive Plan for Kirkland.
What Changes Are Being Considered?
Most of the 2025 updates are focused to improve clarity and connectivity between the critical area codes. Some language and vocabulary will be integrated into the code, but most of Kirkland's critical area codes meets the state recommendations.
Kirkland is considering options to change the Stream and Buffer section of KZC Chapter 90. These change options are provided to meet the intent of updated Best Available Science provided by the State.
Change options will be provided here soon.
Want to stay informed?
Sign up for Critical Area Ordinance email updates
Tell Us What You Think!
2025 Critical Area Update Question and Comment Form
Attend a Planning Commission Meeting. These meetings provide an opportunity for the public to be heard in person or online.
Contact Staff. If you have questions about how critical areas may impact your property, contact planning staff through Our Kirkland.
Meeting Information
View meeting packet information for Planning Commission (PC) or the City Council by clicking on the appropriate tab below
PC
May 22, 2025: Planning Commission Briefing
July 24, 2025: Planning Commission Study Session
City Council
July 1, 2025: City Council Briefing
Correlation with 2044 Comprehensive Plan
Kirkland's 2044 Comprehensive Plan includes many goals and policies which prioritize the protection of critical areas. Some examples of these goals and policies are:
- Goal SCE-1: Protect and enhance Kirkland's natural systems and features.
- Goal SCE-3: Improve public safety by avoiding or minimizing impacts to life and property from geologically hazardous areas.
- Policy LU-1.5: Regulate land use and development in environmentally sensitive areas to improve and protect environmental quality, avoid unnecessary public and private costs, and encourage public access. Utilize mitigation sequencing requirements to prioritize avoiding development in environmentally sensitive areas.
- Goal LU-6: Establish a coordinated and connected system of open space throughout the City that preserves natural systems, protects wildlife habitat corridors, provides land for recreation, promotes actions from the Sustainability Strategic Plan, and preserves natural landforms and scenic areas.
- Policy LU-7.1: Continue to designate and protect critical areas based on best available science, with special consideration to preserving and enhancing anadromous fisheries.
- Goal PR-3: Protect, preserve, and restore the natural environment for current and future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions