Exemptions from permit requirements shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of the technical codes or any other laws or ordinances of the City of Kirkland. For new or replacement structures, contact the Planning Department to determine what zoning regulations apply. See the Kirkland Municipal Code Section 21.06.215 for more information.
NOTE: Permit exemptions shall not apply to areas of flood hazard, wetland, steep slope, shoreline or other land use critical areas. Use the Property Search Tool to generate a Parcel Report for the project address to see if any of these critical areas apply.
- Fences(PDF, 265KB) that are 6 feet or less in height*
- Job shacks (portable structures for which the primary purpose is to serve as a temporary office during construction activity of a large development)*
- Hot tubs that are pre-manufactured*. An electrical permit is required.
- Like in-kind appliance and fixture replacement (such as dishwashers, ovens, toilets, sinks) in the same location, provided no modifications are made to gas lines, plumbing lines or electrical circuits
- Like-in-kind re-roofing(PDF, 89KB) of one- and two-family dwellings, provided the roof sheathing is not removed or replaced
- One-story detached IRC accessory structures (accessory to one- or two-family dwellings) used for a tool or storage shed that are 200 square feet or less in area and 12 feet or less in height (vehicle storage, office/studio/craft or similar uses are not exempt from permit)*
- One-story children's playhouses and similar structures (accessory to one- or two-family dwellings) that are 200 square feet or less in area and 12 feet or less in height*
- One-story tree-supported play structures (accessory to one- or two-family dwellings) that are 200 square feet or less in area*
- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work, provided the existing accessibility features are not altered
- Replacement of non-structural siding on one- or two-family dwellings (except for veneer, stucco or EIFS)
- Sidewalks, decks and driveways 30 inches or less above grade, which are not located over a basement or story below, and which are not part of an accessible route*
- Tree pruning*
- Temporary decorative lighting (to be removed within 90 days of putting it up)
- Window replacement, like-in-kind
* A building permit may not be required, but compliance with all codes is still needed. Please consult with the Planning division at 425-587-3600 to confirm the applicable zoning regulations that would apply to your project. Common zoning regulations that could apply to a project are setbacks from property lines, fence height limit in the front yard, and lot coverage limitations.