This page is a portal to the City's neighborhood planning process. Kirkland is made up of 14 vibrant neighborhoods, each with their own unique features and assets. The neighborhoods all have their own neighborhood plan within Chapter 15 of the City's Comprehensive Plan. For each neighborhood, these plans address topics such as:
If you want to know which neighborhood you live or work in, view a map(PDF, 2MB) of Kirkland's neighborhoods.
On April 7, 2026, the City Council reviewed and provided input on a Neighborhood Plan Amendment Request (NPAR) process which will allow any person or group to suggest changes to individual neighborhood plans. NPAR applications may be submitted beginning in 2028 and will be reviewed as a Process IV decision with a two-phase evaluation that is used for all updates to the Comprehensive Plan. The meeting materials for the April 7, 2026 Council briefing describe the recommended NPAR criteria and legislative review details. An updated webpage with process details, applications, and resources for applicants will be made available at a later date. Please contact project planner LeAndra Baker-Lewis at llewis@kirklandwa.gov or 425-587-3265 with any questions.
Each neighborhood has its own plan, which is a document that charts the course for its future. The core purpose of each plan is to help define - through goals, objectives and policies - how each neighborhood should promote mobility, accommodate forecasted household and job growth, and provide open space and recreational opportunities, and other vital services, all in line with the City's Comprehensive Plan.
The City uses the Neighborhood Planning Framework(PDF, 295KB) as a guide for the neighborhood plan update process. The framework helps the community and City staff navigate the neighborhood planning process in order to build better plans. The framework provides a starting point for creating a schedule and work program that are customized to the needs of the neighborhood. The framework establishes expectations for both the neighborhood and City staff throughout the planning process. Lastly, it includes a cookbook of policies to help the community design policies that will shape its future.
All neighborhood plans were updated in 2024 to align them with the 2044 Comprehensive Plan Update. Moving forward, all neighborhood plans will receive a comprehensive update with each 10-year major Comprehensive Plan Update, guided by the Neighborhood Planning Framework. Every neighborhood plan update process incorporates public participation and provides various avenues for community input.
During the update of the 2044 Comprehensive Plan, staff incorporated edits to each neighborhood plan to make the plans as relevant and readable as possible. Draft revisions include:
Please contact project planner LeAndra Baker-Lewis at llewis@kirklandwa.gov or 425-587-3265 with any questions.
King County Lake Swimming Beach Data Program
NE 85th Street Shared-use Pathway