Kirkland Suspends Parking Time Limits & Fees During COVID-19 Pandemic

Published on March 18, 2020

Media Contact:
Kellie Stickney
Communications Program Manager
kstickney@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 979-6562

KIRKLAND, Wash. – For the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and to help downtown businesses, the City of Kirkland will suspend parking enforcement of time limitations for parking downtown and will not charge fees for parking in any of the City-owned downtown parking lots.

Recent social distancing measures enacted by the state include a restriction of in-person dining for food establishments. Under the new rule, restaurants, coffee shops, and similar businesses are still allowed to serve customers through take-out, delivery, and drive-through options.

“The social distancing directives from the state and county are having a negative impact on our local Kirkland business,” said City Manager Kurt Triplett. “While we all know that adhering to those directives is the right thing to do to help flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19, the City is exploring all possible ways to help our businesses survive this difficult time. We want to make it as easy as possible for customers to pick up their take-out without feeling nervous about getting a ticket.”

Parking enforcement will still be in effect for vehicles parked in designated disabled parking spaces without disabled permits, as well as vehicles illegally parked in front of fire hydrants or blocking driveways or crosswalks.

“This is a very challenging time, and we all need to be thinking creatively about how can get through this together,” said Mayor Penny Sweet. “The City is evaluating all possible strategies – big and small – to help our businesses navigate this challenging time. This is one of the small ways we’re signaling to our business community that the City is here to help.”

The City also published an informational website for businesses, which is accessible at www.kirklandwa.gov/BusinessSupportCOVID. The website includes resources such as workplace health recommendations, business continuity guidance, unemployment information, insurance information, and financial assistance. Additionally, the City of Kirkland mailed a COVID-19 resource packet to all Kirkland businesses, which included helpful tools and checklists, ideas for customer messaging, an example of a business impact analysis tracker, and a key contact list.

The City will continue to update its website with information on the COVID-19 outbreak.