Guide to Signs in Kirkland

The purpose of the sign code (Kirkland Zoning Code (KZC) Chapter 100) is to promote:

Commercial communication that accommodate the need of the business community to convey information to the public;
The protection and enhancement of the visual character and identity of the community by the thoughtful placement, size, and design of signs; and
The elimination of clutter and visual distraction

Permanent Signs

Below is an overview that will help determine sign allowances for a property and/or business. For the complete sign code, please visit KZC Chapter 100.

If there is a Master Sign Plan (MSP) for the subject property, the MSP will contain the sign regulations that apply to the property. If you are unsure if the property has an MSP, call the Planning and Building Department at 425-587-3600 and ask to speak with a planner.

Sign Category

Step 1.Determine the Use

Identify the type of activity that occurs or will occur in the building or property

Step 2.Find the Zoning

Find the property's zoning designation by viewing the zoning map by visiting the City's interactive GIS or by contacting a planner at 425-587-3255. When viewing the zoning map, search for the parcel using the search feature at the top right of the window. Zoom into the parcel. Click on the 'Layers' tab at the bottom left of the window. Click on the 'Planning' layer to turn on the zoning information. Note the zoning designation for the parcel.

View interactive GIS

Step 3.Find the Sign Category

With the zoning designation, visit the Kirkland Zoning Code (KZC) to determine the sign category. The sign category will be found under the Sign Category heading associated with the use in the development standards table.

View the KZC

Sign Area

Step 1.Property Frontage

Determine the linear frontage of your property adjacent to all open, improved public right-of-way or public access easement, including I-405. If you don't already have this information, you can visit the King County Parcel Viewer. Search for the parcel. Click on the 'Property Report' link. This will take you to the property information page. Click on the 'Property Detail' tab (upper right). Click on the link associated with the 'Quarter-Section-Township-Range' field. This will open an Assessors Map where you can determine the linear frontage of the property.

View the King County Parcel Viewer

Step 2.Sign Area

Using the sign area chart in KZC 100.45, determine the sign area that is allowed based on the sign category (C,D, E, or F) and the linear frontage. This is the total sign area allowed for permanent signs on the subject property.

Step 3.Additional Sign Area

Additional sign area may be allowed in certain instances and/or if the property contains a multi-use complex. See KZC 100.40 and KZC 100.45.

Step 4.Sign Dimensions

Additional information on required sign dimensions can be found in KZC 100.65 and KZC 180 - Plates 12 and 13.

Number, Type, and Location

Step 1.Sign Type

Based on the sign category, view KZC 100.30 to determine the type of signs that are allowed.

Step 2.Number of Signs

Information on the allowed number of signs can be found in KZC 100.35.

Step 3.Sign Location

Signs must adhere to the location regulations in KZC 100.75.

IBC

Step 1.Structural Aspects

Plans must clearly show construction materials, method of construction, dimensions, and means of structural support.

For building-mounted signs, plans must include the weight of the sign and detailed method of attaching the sign to the building frame.

For ground-mounted signs, plans must include footing dimension, depth of bury, and pole type and size.

Signs shall be designed and constructed to withstand wind and seismic loads as provided for in the International Building Code (IBC) Chapter 16.

Step 2.Restriction on Combustible Materials

Ground signs may be constructed of any material meeting the requirements of the IBC. Combination signs, roof signs, wall signs, projecting signs, and signs on marquees shall be constructed of noncombustible materials. For exceptions, see the IBC Chapter 26.

Step 3.Display Surfaces

Display surfaces of signs may be made of metal, glass, or approved plastics (CC1 or CC2).

Sign Design Principles

Signs with down lighting are recommended.
Internally lit, plastic-faced, cabinet signs are discouraged. In some business districts, they are prohibited. Instead, channel letter signs, halo-illuminated signs, and signs with opaque sign faces with translucent letters are encouraged.
Signs that reflect the building's architecture and style are encouraged.
Building mounted signs should be an integral part of the building's facade. The location, size, sign design, and sign mounting should conform with the building's architecture and not cover up or conlfict with the building's prominent architectural features.
Blade signs hung from canopies or attached to the building facade are encouraged. Since these signs are perpendicular to the building, they are easily visible to people on sidewalks.
Signs that are creative in nature and reflect the use of the building are encouraged. These types of signs are important for attracting customers and providing visual interest.
Ground-mounted signs should be integrated with required landscaping and other site features. Additionally, this sign type should reflect the materials and design character of the building and/or the site elements.

Prohibited Devices and Signs

Summary of Prohibited Signs/Devices

Kirkland Zoning Code 100.85 has a complete list of prohibited signs and/or devices. Below are the common types of prohibited signs/devices.

Pennants, banners, streamers, and private flags

Twirlers, propellers, and wind-activated devices

Balloons

Any portable outdoor sign

Exceptions

Prohibited signs/devices are allowed in the following situations:

As holiday decorations
For the grand opening of a business or use but for no more than seven (7) days
As temporary signs, if compliant with the temporary sign regulations in KZC 100.115, which are summarized in the 'Temporary Signs' section below.

Temporary Signs

Temporary signs are those intended and designed to be displayed for a limited period of time. They must be made of cloth, paper, cardboard or similar lightweight material and must be installed to be easily removed. They may not be lighted. Below is a list of temporary signs allowed in the City and their associated requirements. For a list of prohibited signs/devices see KZC Section 100.85.

Properties for Sale or Rent

Type	No. of Signs	Size	Permitted Location*	Duration	Example
On-Site	One per dwelling unit for sale or rent	Detached dwelling unit: 6 sq. ft. per sign face Other uses: 32 sq. ft. per sign face	On the property for sale or rent	Remove after property is sold or rented	Coming Soon
Off-Site	One per block within 1/4 mile of property for sale or rent	6 sq. ft. per sign face	Outside sight distance triangle (KZC 115.135) On private property with consent of the property owner In public rights-of-way, other than paved vehicular travel lanes, paved parking areas, sidewalks or pedestrian paths, driveway aprons, and center medians	When property for sale or rent is open for public viewing	Coming Soon

Signs for Properties with Active Construction

Type	No. of Signs	Size	Permitted Location*	Duration	Example
Active Construction Sign	One per right-of-way	32 sq. ft. per sign face	On the property actively under construction	Remove after construction	Coming Soon

Signs Displayed Prior to, During, and After Elections

Type

No. of Signs

Size

Permitted Location*

Duration

Example

Election Signs

No limit

6 sq. ft. per sign face

On private property with consent of the property owner
In public rights-of-way, other than paved vehicular travel lanes, paved parking areas, sidewalks or pedestrian paths, driveway aprons, and center medians

No later than 7 days after the final election

Coming Soon

Temporary Signs in Nonresidential Zones

Type	No. of Signs	Size	Permitted Location*	Duration	Example
Temporary Signs	No limit	No maximum	Property in a nonresidential zone on which the business is located, attached to the face of a building, a wall, or fence.	During the use, event, or condition advertised on the sign but no more than 60 days.	Coming Soon

Signs Associated with Temporary Events

Type	No. of Signs	Size	Permitted Location*	Duration	Example
Temporary Event Signs	No limit	6 sq. ft. per sign face	On the property with which the sign is associated In public rights-of-way, other than paved vehicular travel lanes, paved parking areas, driveway aprons, and center medians Signs placed on sidewalks must be located outside of the path of pedestrian travel, leaving a travel width of at least 5 feet.	Between 2 days prior to and 4 hours after the event	Coming Soon

*Permitted Locations - Additional Requirements

In addition to the requirements above, compliance with Public Works sight distance standards is required (see Pre-Approved plan R-13) and temporary signs are prohibited in the following locations:

Public parks (KMC 11.80.040)
Fire lanes (KMC 21.34 and Fire Department Operating Policy 7)
Within 3' of a fire hydrant (Fire Department Operating Policy 4)
On utility poles, street furniture, utility vaults, or street trees (KMC 11.24.020(1)(K))

What happens if a Temporary Sign violates these rules?

Any sign in the right-of-way found in violation of the temporary sign regulations may be impounded by the City without prior notice. If the sign owner’s contact information is known, the City will attempt to inform the sign owner of the impounded sign(s). Unclaimed signs will be discarded after 30 days. If the sign is found in violation again, it will be discarded without prior notice. Additional code enforcement follow-up may be needed for repeat violations.

Contact Us

Phone

425-587-3600

Quick Links

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