Kirkland is actively engaged in updating its development standards to align with recent Washington State mandates concerning middle housing, accessory dwelling units, parking, and design review within its residential zones. These changes are driven by state legislation, notably the "missing middle" housing bill (E2SHB 1110) and the accessory dwelling units bill (EHB 1337), enacted to address the statewide housing affordability and availability crisis. The state's authority to impose such requirements stems from the Growth Management Act (GMA), which compels local governments to plan for housing accessible across all income levels.

The Planning Work Program (PWP) is a document prepared by the City of Kirkland that serves as a blueprint for the city's development over the next three years. It seeks to explore innovative solutions, including the potential for inclusionary zoning and the optimization of “middle housing”—a category that encompasses townhouses, duplexes, and other forms of multi-family dwellings.

The City of Kirkland must comply with new state housing mandates.

The initial focus is on achieving minimum compliance with these mandates.

Public engagement is a priority throughout the process.

A second briefing with draft code amendments will follow in February 2025.