Kirkland: Implementation of new WA State Laws
The Washington State Legislature's latest session has brought a wave of new laws, and the City of Kirkland is working hard to implement them. The recent State Legislative Briefing presented to the Planning Commission detailed several key bills that will reshape local zoning and development regulations. For Kirkland residents and developers, these changes mean a more streamlined process and a wider variety of housing options.
A central theme of the new legislation is increasing housing supply and making the development process more efficient. The City of Kirkland's Planning and Building Department is now tasked with updating the Kirkland Zoning Code (KZC) and Kirkland Municipal Code (KMC) to comply with these state mandates. House Bill 1096 requires cities to allow an administrative review process for lot splitting. This means you may be able to divide your property to create more housing units without going through a lengthy public hearing. The goal is to make the process quicker and more predictable, with a compliance deadline of July 27, 2027. House Bill 1998 mandates that cities permit co-living housing—a residential model with private, lockable sleeping units and shared communal spaces like kitchens—on any lot zoned for multi-family housing. This bill aims to create more affordable and flexible housing options. Kirkland must have its code updated by December 31, 2025. Senate Bill 5184 is set to drastically limit minimum parking requirements. The law prohibits cities from requiring more than 0.5 parking spaces per multi-family unit or one space per single-family home. For developers, this means more flexibility and potentially lower construction costs, which could be passed on to homebuyers and renters. The deadline for implementation is January 27, 2027.
Beyond these major bills, the city is also responding to other legislative changes. For instance, new laws streamline the permit review process and modify existing requirements for "middle housing" and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The city has already completed implementation on several bills, including those related to middle housing and unit lot subdivisions, but others, like those affecting transit-oriented development, are still in progress.
In a separate, but equally important, matter, the city is also required to update its Critical Area Ordinance (CAO). This mandate, driven by the State Growth Management Act, requires Kirkland to review and update its regulations for environmentally sensitive areas like streams, wetlands, and geologically hazardous zones. Staff analysis shows that roughly 67% of parcels in Kirkland are potentially impacted by one or more critical areas. While the updates are a state requirement, they also provide an opportunity for the city to simplify its regulations, aiming to reduce the burden on property owners while continuing to protect our natural environment.
The Planning Commission will continue to review and discuss these legislative changes and their impact on Kirkland. As the city works to adopt these new regulations, residents can expect more updates on how these changes will shape our community's future. The public's role in this process is vital, so stay engaged and look for opportunities to provide feedback as these new codes are developed.