Move Permit

The Move Permit steps below will replace the Move Permit Checklist(PDF, 137KB)  starting October 28, 2024.

A move permit is required when a building, house, structure, or other object is being moved through the City of Kirkland right-of-way and one or more threshold dimensions or weights are exceeded. Use this webpage to help gather all the required information and documents in order to submit a complete Move Permit Application through www.mybuildingpermit.com.

Please note, a complete application must be submitted at least 11 business days prior to the requested, not guaranteed, move date. Review and approval may affect the timing of the move; staff recommend applicants work with staff prior to submittal to determine all requirements are being met. Corrections may be necessary and require resubmittal and additional review time which may delay the requested, not guaranteed, move date.

Step 1: Determine the dimensions and weight

Determine the dimensions and weight of the object being moved once placed on a trailer or moving platform. The minimum thresholds listed below required a Move Permit:

Dimensions: To determine the total height measurement, include the vertical dimensions of both the vehicle above the ground surface and the load/object being moved.

Weight: The threshold for weight depends on how many axles to the load. The minimum threshold for single axle is 20,000 pounds and for double axle is 34,000 pounds.

Any load measurement above the dimensions and weights listed below requires a move permit
Dimensions  Weight
 Width: 8 feet 6 inches  Single Axle: 20,000 pounds
 Total Height: 14 feet  Double Axle: 34,000 pounds
 Length: 53 feet  

Step 2: Route Map and Pilot Cars

Route Map: An aerial view map highlighting the route clearly showing the starting location (originating destination or initial street/road entrance into Kirkland) and ending location. This may be a copy of a map from the Thomas Guide, directions from MapQuest or Google Maps, or any other program that clearly shows the requested route.

The Move Permit applicant shall drive the route prior to application of the Move Permit to determine impact to trees on public or private properties, impact to bus stops, or any potential roadway restrictions such as parking, active construction or temporary road conditions (ongoing and traffic control in palace may restrict moving through certain streets).

Parking restrictions: Routes that involve streets with parking need to be identified to be evaluated for temporary 24-hour "No Parking" restrictions to help facilitate the move. If parking is present, and determined to impede the move, "No Parking" signs must be placed at least 24-hours prior to  move.

Pilot Cars also known as Escort Services: Review WAC 468-38-100 to determine if pilot cars are required, typically due to the dimensions of the object and proposed route. 

For questions related to a proposed route, including a preliminary assessment of the route for potential restrictions, please email your proposed route to permittech@kirklandwa.gov; please allow 24 to 48 hours for a response.

Step 3: What kind of move you have

Determine what kind of move you have. Each move event requires a separate permit.

Class 1: Originates outside of the City of Kirkland to a destination within the City of Kirkland.

Class 2: Originates within the City of Kirkland to a destination also within the City of Kirkland.

Class 3: Originates within the City of Kirkland to a destination outside the City of Kirkland.

Class 4: Original location and destination are both outside of City of Kirkland, but move route passes through the City of Kirkland. 

Step 4: Determine move schedule and timing

Step 4: Determine move schedule and timing, specifically anticipate start and end times.

Travel on arterial streets is not permitted between 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM.

Any move outside of Monday - Friday between 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM or Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM will require a Work Hours Exception and/or Noise Variance; moves are not permitted on Sundays. If a Work Hours Exception and/or Noise Variance are required, they must be issues prior to Move Permit Approval. For questions, call 425-587-3600 and ask for a Planner. Processing time for a variance or exception is typically 10-business days.

Roadway classification types can be found in Kirkland GIS using the identify tool. Step by step instructions are available in the Street Classification Lookup document(PDF, 868KB)  and by navigating to https://kirklandwa.maps.arcgis.com/home/index.html.

 

 

 

Step 5: Gather the information, submittal documents, and required permit(s)

Gather the information, submittal documents, and required permit(s) for All Move Permits, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 and Class 4 submittal documents.

Step 6: Submit permit

Step 6: Once you’ve completed the steps above, submit the application(s) through www.mybuildingpermit.com. After logging in and selecting Apply and then Kirkland, select: Building – the type of structure you are moving (nonresidential applies to all structures that do not include a residence – Structure Relocation.

 

Please note, there may be additional requirements depending on the scope of the move event. Contact City Staff to discuss your project. 

General Questions

Planning and Building

425-587-3600

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