Kirkland: Juanita Neighborhood Development Changes
Kirkland's Planning Commission held a crucial hybrid meeting on Thursday, June 12, 2025, significantly impacting the future landscape of the Juanita neighborhood. On the agenda were proposed amendments to the Kirkland Zoning Code (KZC) and Kirkland Municipal Code (KMC), all designed to boost residential capacity in the JBD 4 and BC 1 zones. This move aligns perfectly with the Juanita Neighborhood Plan's vision for more intensified residential and vibrant mixed-use developments. The meeting involved discussions around key proposed amendments and the exciting, and sometimes complex, discussions surrounding them.
One major point of discussion revolved around building height and scale. The proposals suggested allowing mixed-use developments in both JBD 4 and BC 1 zones to reach up to 75 feet. While this opened up possibilities for more housing, there was a strong emphasis on ensuring these new structures seamlessly integrate with the surrounding neighborhood. Interestingly, for government facilities within the BC 1 zone, like Fire Station 24, a more moderate 50-foot height was considered to accommodate new training facilities.
The nuanced conversation about residential density and housing types, particularly in the BC 1 zone, was also a significant part of the meeting. The Commission explored options for permitting attached dwelling units, or townhomes. While proposals suggested limiting these to areas away from 100th Avenue NE, questions lingered about whether townhomes might lead to less dense development and potentially less affordable housing compared to apartments or condominiums. This was especially pertinent given that Kirkland's most pressing housing need lies with households earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), whereas new townhomes often cater to those well above 120% AMI. The discussion also delved into applying existing inclusionary zoning requirements to maintain affordability, with a potential option to allow a 100% AMI threshold for owner-occupied units.
The amendments also placed a strong emphasis on ground floor commercial spaces and active street frontages. Both zones would see mandates for active ground floor commercial uses, specifically along 100th Avenue NE in the BC 1 zone and NE Juanita Drive in the JBD 4 zone. The goal was to foster vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environments. Detailed proposals included specific percentages for commercial frontage and minimum ground floor heights.
Parking standards were another hot topic. A proposal aimed to align minimum parking requirements with the reduced standards outlined in Washington State's Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5184. However, some City Council members expressed reservations about implementing these changes prematurely, before the mandated January 27, 2027, deadline, raising concerns about potential parking shortages without a clear mitigation strategy.
Beyond buildings, the amendments addressed public access and improvements. A significant proposal in the JBD 4 zone required mixed-use developments to provide a public pedestrian easement and construct a pathway connecting Juanita Bay Park and Juanita Beach Park. Furthermore, enhanced frontage improvements, including wider sidewalks and specialized bicycle facilities, were on the table for both zones.
Finally, the preferred review process for mixed-use developments in both areas was Administrative Design Review (ADR), generally considered a less cumbersome process for applicants compared to Design Board Review (DBR). To foster greater density, adjustments to lot size and coverage were proposed; density restrictions for mixed-use developments in the BC 1 study area would be lifted, and maximum lot coverage would increase to 100% for mixed-use developments with commercial ground floor use. Similarly, in the JBD 4 zone, minimum lot size restrictions would be eliminated.
This meeting was more than just a procedural gathering; it was a pivotal moment that will shape the future of Kirkland's Juanita neighborhood. It was about striking a balance between increasing residential capacity and upholding community priorities for thoughtful design, affordability, and access to public amenities.