Public Comments and Procedures

Hearing Examiner - Appeals

• The purpose of the hearing examiner is to separate the application of city regulations from planning, policy making and legislative functions, and to provide a high level of expertise. The hearing examiner conducts administrative and quasi-judicial hearings arising from the application of the Kirkland Zoning Code and the rules and procedures of the Kirkland Municipal Code. The decisions are made to further the best interest of the community and ensures fairness and due process. The city manager contracts with one or more persons to fill this position.

Hearing Examiner - Applications

• The Rules of Procedure for Applications before the City of Kirkland Hearing Examiner. Applications are considered by the Hearing Examiner at a public hearing held for the purpose of gathering evidence from which the Hearing Examiner will prepare a decision, or a recommendation to the City Council, on an application.

Hearing Examiner - Code Enforcement

• The purpose of the hearing examiner is to separate the application of city regulations from planning, policy making and legislative functions, and to provide a high level of expertise. The hearing examiner conducts administrative and quasi-judicial hearings arising from the application of the Kirkland Zoning Code and the rules and procedures of the Kirkland Municipal Code. The decisions are made to further the best interest of the community and ensures fairness and due process. The city manager contracts with one or more persons to fill this position.

Planning Commission

• The Planning Commission advises the City Council on all matters relating to the Kirkland Comprehensive Plan and land use regulations. The seven members are appointed by the Council to four-year terms.

Design Review Board

• The Design Review Board (DRB) reviews projects for consistency with applicable business district design guidelines and approved master plans. The seven member are appointment by the City Council to four-year terms.

The Hearing Examiner, Planning Commission, and the Design Review Board provide opportunities for public comment at all Regular Meetings. 

At the beginning of regular meetings, the public is invited to provide input on agenda items, which are not of a quasi-judicial nature, or any topic not on the agenda. Below are the procedures that will be followed for public comment:

• During the Responses From the Audience segment of the meetings, members of the public may address the body for three (3) minutes on any topic including agenda items. 
• Individuals willing to speak during the Response From the Audience segment will be called to speak, generally in the order in which they have raised their virtual hand during Zoom meetings or order in which they signed the sign in sheet during in-person meetings. 

Watch live Zoom video:

• Check your computer sound settings to make sure your speaker is working.
• Check your computer volume to make sure you will be able to clearly hear the meeting.
• Be sure you are in an area with a strong internet signal so you can maintain a good connection.
• You can listen over your computer speakers or using earbuds so as to block out surrounding noise.

• Call the "dial in" number on the meeting agenda and you will be able to listen and provide public comment via your phone. If you dial a toll number, your carrier rates will apply. 
• You will be prompted to enter the meeting ID followed by #. This passcode will be included on the meeting agenda.  This only applies if you have joined on the computer or mobile device or are a panelist in a webinar. Press # to skip.
• If the meeting has not already started, you will be prompted to press # to wait if you are a participant.
• Zoom phone controls for participants: Zoom audience members will be alerted to "raise virtual hand" at the appropriate time in the meeting. Press *6 to toggle mute and unmute. Press *9 to raise virtual hand.

When your name is called, for in-person meetings you will step to the podium and speak clearly into the microphone. If an online meeting, you will raise your virtual hand and wait to be called on and unmuted. Make sure you are in an area with strong internet signal and your volume is on and your device is loud enough to be recorded.

• Please be advised that each speaker's testimony is being recorded.
• Give your name , city of residence, and email address. You may be asked to spell your email address for accuracy. 
• Remember the three (3) minute time limit and make sure you have time for your most important points. 
• Try not to repeat what others have said but highlight those issues that have not already been raised. 
• If more than five (5) speakers wish to speak on the same topic and hold the same position, pick one or two spokesperson(s) and have all those who agree raise their hands. 
• All comments should be addressed to the hearing body and not individual members. 
• Questions will not be answered during a speaker’s turn at the podium but may be addressed by the hearing body at the end of the public comment period. 

We value community input and look forward to hearing from you on agenda items. Attend an in-person meeting at City Hall or join the Zoom meeting to provide verbal public comment during the Comments From the Audience portion of the meeting.  You can also submit written comments in advance of the meeting. Be advised that your comments during the in-person or Zoom meeting are being recorded; each speaker is allotted three (3) minutes. The recording secretary will act as the timekeeper. Remember, all information provided is a considered a public record and subject to disclosure upon request. 

The City of Kirkland will enter all comments received into the public record and may make these comments, and any attachments or other supporting materials, including any business or personal information (name, address, email address, phone, etc.) that you provide available for public review. This information may be released on the City's website. Comments received are part of the public record and subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act, RCW 42.56.

Do not include any information in your comment or supporting materials that you do not wish to be made public.

• Mail: City of Kirkland, Planning and Building Department, 123 5th Avenue, Kirkland, WA 98033.
• Public Comment:  Provide public comment on agenda items during the meeting, Your comments will become part of the official meeting record as public testimony and is subject to public disclosure. 
• Email: Email the project planner directly.