# Sign Regulations in Kirkland, Washington

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Kirkland, Washington, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Kirkland, Washington (WA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/washington/kirkland
- **Data last verified:** 2026-04-27
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://codepublishing-modern-prod.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/scb8tgumganult7vrxwqxm9p4kwj?response-content-disposition=inline%3B%20filename%3D%22Ordinance%20No.%203719.pdf%22%3B%20filename%2A%3DUTF-8%27%27Ordinance%2520No.%25203719.pdf&response-content-type=application%2Fpdf&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAQSZNCZZNFSF2H7M3%2F20260217%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260217T235223Z&X-Amz-Expires=20128&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEJD%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCIAjZmZAAIuDtP8qOp3NbAkaAXpfIRJqoH2NsTeb44d9%2BAiASR%2FvKkXKe3wHJGP7JgMfOxukA9EqBPJUfUZ79JdF5JirjAwhZEAMaDDA0MDM1OTg3NDEzOCIML6jkgGrj2i08JdDuKsADhfo4NeDDJ474HfsVMYqPb477OQwtbodMSRUgtNN6UzfI6HEvVRIR%2F5O3oTaNI98NAzOgnBBebESBjz2TFYcH56mZVfbf%2Fby%2BvQMF0WIuKKC4nO5p1bGsuQjklRrEu2P3MzYg19lSZfUPcxeRD%2BUKg6BY0srOYsve6ak2B1RZ7qTmGBerE5gYfwn6wbkREiv8DOtWlZaKLQniuKpqNu2WFgj9jB%2BXtNB%2B%2BlF1u0HNkLtK5Vx2LHXXJxIjo3pIR2J4pqGCllBXNUsEwFJC%2Fewnh1JIUPIRDW%2FYFsvk%2BaD3twUt6oPtshi4hjFGZXQWYEKJu%2BOr1bThBrfk1DEqgNUbA2MoXpVQ1YPSbpbaQjwgbLpGyGyzxTW%2BqCPuFkEXp5tbkb0iRgSLmGF7p9gvGrhz1qmPD8TqxtUaV9vTYYaiahh1mebVAgnqpFkgHsjq2yXRJl2J8pVQYbaf5k31EEbR6ele1DqHGqSvbzD41BIM0Uo3C6QkHKrwkY42Fvf%2By0kj7zLCTsOhIwrCfL8SZDjoSaWTA9p7wToeXc9%2FlCQWQFg9HNTBkCTKESUcZlWROnHU9R34K3zi5JV77D7Id%2Bd0rzD38tPMBjqmAWERFUobYs98GLp28TrV9J0V9wKIz%2FvYFP5Ndp28xswZZtpWVZiEhT7FtU%2BMexpBSc2cUkFVveq7dX1sKF0nEQbzxkYQWfGh5sJTQI4D8NKSYvqnNg2phnM%2FvDR0f9OyCI74FCD2voukcYFzrp1k43LlbCybQ3OW79SfwZj85pNGOzLE4ATvCy5H2mgiYnrYf9V1GzdQfGphCsmdwDv6BwjDaozwOPA%3D&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Signature=cda3ad394ecc9fafd8fe402d76cbcaca71ff34bb2650763c406aa96c75440a2b#page=562)

## At a glance

Kirkland, Washington regulates 23 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Pedestal Signs in the Sign Category C zoning district are capped at Max 5 ft above average ground elevation (KZC 100.65(3)(a)). tall, Within overall development limit; no specific per‑sign area cap apart from total (see Wall‑Mounted Sign – Category C)., and Must comply with Plate 12 dimensional standards (KZC 100.65(3)(b)). wide, with a Minimum 5 ft from all property lines, except zones with no setbacks (KZC 100.75(2)(c)). setback (Sec. KZC 100.30(3); 100.35(3)(c); 100.40(3)(c); 100.45; 100.50; 100.65(3); 100.75(2)(c); 100.95; 100.110.). Most commercial signs in Kirkland require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (8 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Sign Category A | 2 | Shall not project above roofline of the building to which attached (KZC 100.65(1)). | Detached dwelling unit identification: 2 sq. ft. total sign area (KZC 100.40(1)(a)); complexes/subdivisions may use up to 20 sq. ft. per sign face (KZC 100.40(1)(b)). | — |
| Sign Category B | 3 | Shall not project above the roofline of the building to which attached (KZC 100.65(1)). | Up to 20 sq. ft. per sign face (KZC 100.40(2)). | — |
| Sign Category C | 4 | Shall not project above roofline (KZC 100.65(1)). | Base maximum sign area for Category C by linear frontage (KZC 100.45): | — |
| Sign Category D | 4 | Shall not project above roofline (KZC 100.65(1)). | Base maximum for Category D by linear frontage (KZC 100.45): | — |
| Sign Category E | 4 | Shall not extend above roofline (KZC 100.65(1)). | Base Category E maximum by linear frontage (KZC 100.45): | — |
| Sign Category F | 5 | Shall not project above roofline (KZC 100.65(1)). | Within overall Category F allowance unless a larger area is granted under KZC 100.70 based on interstate‑oriented use and other criteria. | — |
| Special Signs (Real Estate, Construction, Temporary Commercial, Integral, Private Notice and Instructional, Private Advertising, Private Traffic Direction, Off-site Directional, Political, Projecting and Under Marquee, Fuel Price – all zones) | 12 | Shall not project above roofline of structure to which sign is attached (KZC 100.115). | No maximum sign area stated (KZC 100.115). | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | — | Can allow deviations from standard requirements; cannot increase sign area beyond what master plan approves; minor modifications cannot increase sign area above originally approved plan (KZC 100.80(5)(a)). | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 8 zones)

### Sign Category C

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall-Mounted Sign | Shall not project above roofline (KZC 100.65(1)). | Base maximum sign area for Category C by linear frontage (KZC 100.45): | — | — | No limit on wall‑mounted signs (KZC 100.35(3)(a)). | On same lot as use (KZC 100.75(1)(a)); may extend into abutting right‑of‑way with Public Works approval (KZC 100.75(2)(b)); must avoid sight‑distance areas (KZC 100.75(1)(b)). | — | KZC 100.30(3); 100.35(3); 100.40(3)(a)-(c); 100.45; 100.50; 100.65(1); 100.75; 100.110. |
| Marquee Sign | Shall not project above roofline (KZC 100.65(1)). | Within overall development sign area calculated for Category C (see Wall‑Mounted Sign – Category C). No separate per‑sign cap in ordinance text. | — | — | 1 per business/use per right‑of‑way (KZC 100.35(3)(b)). | Attached to marquee/canopy on building on subject property; may extend into abutting right‑of‑way with Public Works approval (KZC 100.75(2)(b)); must avoid sight‑distance areas (KZC 100.75(1)(b)). | — | KZC 100.30(3); 100.35(3)(b); 100.40(3); 100.45; 100.50; 100.65(1); 100.75; 100.110. |
| Pedestal Sign | Max 5 ft above average ground elevation (KZC 100.65(3)(a)). | Within overall development limit; no specific per‑sign area cap apart from total (see Wall‑Mounted Sign – Category C). | Must comply with Plate 12 dimensional standards (KZC 100.65(3)(b)). | Minimum 5 ft from all property lines, except zones with no setbacks (KZC 100.75(2)(c)). | 1 pedestal/monument/pole sign per abutting right‑of‑way per development (KZC 100.35(3)(c)). | On subject property (KZC 100.75(1)(a)); minimum 5‑ft setback from all property lines except in zones with no setbacks (KZC 100.75(2)(c)); outside sight‑distance areas (KZC 100.75(1)(b)). | — | KZC 100.30(3); 100.35(3)(c); 100.40(3)(c); 100.45; 100.50; 100.65(3); 100.75(2)(c); 100.95; 100.110. |
| Monument Sign | Not to exceed 12 ft above average ground elevation (KZC 100.65(4)(a)). | Within total sign area allotted; for complexes with 7+ uses, a monument center ID sign may be up to 64 sq. ft. per sign face (KZC 100.40(3)(c)). | Must conform to Plate 13 dimensional standards (KZC 100.65(4)(b)). | 5‑ft minimum from all property lines except zones with no setbacks (KZC 100.75(2)(c)). | 1 pedestal/monument/pole sign per abutting right‑of‑way per development (KZC 100.35(3)(c)). | On subject property; minimum 5‑ft setback from property lines except zones with no setbacks; outside sight‑distance areas (KZC 100.75(1)-(2)(c)). | — | KZC 100.30(3); 100.35(3)(c); 100.40(3)(c); 100.45; 100.50; 100.65(4); 100.75(2)(c); 100.95; 100.110. |

### Sign Category F

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall-Mounted Sign | Shall not project above roofline (KZC 100.65(1)). | Base Category F maximum by linear frontage (KZC 100.45): | — | — | No limit on wall‑mounted signs (KZC 100.35(3)(a)). | On same lot as use; may extend into right‑of‑way with Public Works approval (KZC 100.75(2)(b)); must avoid sight‑distance areas (KZC 100.75(1)(b)). | — | KZC 100.30(4); 100.35(3); 100.40(3); 100.45; 100.50; 100.65(1); 100.75; 100.110. |
| Marquee Sign | Not above roofline (KZC 100.65(1)). | No separate per‑sign cap; limited by overall allowed sign area. | — | — | 1 marquee sign per business/use per right‑of‑way (KZC 100.35(3)(b)). | On subject property attached to marquee; may extend into right‑of‑way with Public Works approval (KZC 100.75(2)(b)); outside sight‑distance areas (KZC 100.75(1)(b)). | — | KZC 100.30(4); 100.35(3)(b); 100.40(3); 100.45; 100.50; 100.65(1); 100.75; 100.110. |
| Pedestal Sign | Max 5 ft above average ground elevation (KZC 100.65(3)(a)). | Within overall allowance; center ID pedestal signs in complexes with 7+ uses may be up to 64 sq. ft. per sign face (KZC 100.40(3)(c)). | Per Plate 12 (KZC 100.65(3)(b)). | 5‑ft minimum from all property lines (unless zone has no setbacks) (KZC 100.75(2)(c)). | 1 pedestal/monument/pole sign per abutting right‑of‑way per development (KZC 100.35(3)(c)). | On subject property; 5‑ft minimum setback from property lines except zones that have no setbacks; outside sight‑distance areas (KZC 100.75(1)-(2)(c)). | — | KZC 100.30(4); 100.35(3)(c); 100.40(3)(c); 100.45; 100.50; 100.65(3); 100.75(2)(c); 100.95; 100.110. |
| Monument Sign | Max 12 ft above average ground (KZC 100.65(4)(a)). | Within overall allowance; center ID monument signs in complexes with 7+ uses may be up to 64 sq. ft. per sign face (KZC 100.40(3)(c)). | Per Plate 13 (KZC 100.65(4)(b)). | 5‑ft minimum from all property lines unless zone has no setbacks (KZC 100.75(2)(c)). | 1 pedestal/monument/pole sign per abutting right‑of‑way per development (KZC 100.35(3)(c)). | On subject property; 5‑ft minimum setback from property lines unless no‑setback zone; outside sight‑distance areas (KZC 100.75(1)-(2)(c)). | — | KZC 100.30(4); 100.35(3)(c); 100.40(3)(c); 100.45; 100.50; 100.65(4); 100.75(2)(c); 100.95; 100.110. |
| Pole Sign | Standard maximum 20 ft above average ground elevation (KZC 100.65(5)(a)); greater height may be granted under KZC 100.70 if criteria met. | Within overall Category F allowance unless a larger area is granted under KZC 100.70 based on interstate‑oriented use and other criteria. | Must meet dimensional standards on Plate 13A (KZC 100.65(5)(b)). | Minimum 5 ft from all property lines except in zones with no setbacks (KZC 100.75(2)(c)). | 1 pedestal/monument/pole sign per abutting right‑of‑way per development (KZC 100.35(3)(c)). | On subject property; minimum 5‑ft setback from all property lines except zones with no setbacks (KZC 100.75(2)(c)); must be outside sight‑distance areas (KZC 100.75(1)(b)). Intended primarily for uses serving interstate motorists when special height/area requested (KZC 100.70(1)). | — | KZC 100.30(4); 100.35(3)(c); 100.40(3); 100.45; 100.50; 100.65(5); 100.70; 100.75(2)(c); 100.95; 100.100; 100.110. |

### Special Signs (Real Estate, Construction, Temporary Commercial, Integral, Private Notice and Instructional, Private Advertising, Private Traffic Direction, Off-site Directional, Political, Projecting and Under Marquee, Fuel Price – all zones)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Real Estate Sign, On-site | — | Dwelling units: 6 sq. ft. per sign face. Other uses or developments: 32 sq. ft. per sign face, not to exceed 64 sq. ft. per property for sale or rent (KZC 100.115, table). | — | — | 1 per broker per abutting right‑of‑way for each dwelling unit, use or development (KZC 100.115). | On subject property (KZC 100.115). | — | KZC 100.115 (Real Estate, On-site row); 100.25(1)(c). |
| Real Estate Sign, Off-site | — | 6 sq. ft. per sign face (KZC 100.115). | — | — | 1 per block per property for sale or rent (KZC 100.115). | No limitation on location (KZC 100.115). | — | KZC 100.115 (Real Estate, Off-site row); 100.25(1)(c). |
| Construction Sign | — | 32 sq. ft. per sign face (KZC 100.115). | — | — | 1 per abutting right‑of‑way (KZC 100.115). | On subject property (KZC 100.115). | — | KZC 100.115 (Construction row); 100.25(1)(c). |
| Temporary Commercial Sign | — | No maximum sign area stated (KZC 100.115). | — | — | No maximum (KZC 100.115). | On subject property; must be fully attached to a building face or fence (KZC 100.115). | — | KZC 100.115 (Temporary Commercial row); 100.25(1)(c). |
| Integral Sign | — | 6 sq. ft. per sign face (KZC 100.115). | — | — | 1 per structure (KZC 100.115). | On subject property (KZC 100.115). | — | KZC 100.115 (Integral row); 100.25(1)(c). |
| Private Notice and Instructional Sign | — | 2 sq. ft. per sign face (KZC 100.115). | — | — | No maximum (KZC 100.115). | On subject property (KZC 100.115). | — | KZC 100.115 (Private Notice and Instructional row); 100.25(1)(c). |
| Private Advertising Sign | — | 16 sq. ft. per sign face (KZC 100.115). | — | Must be at least 50 ft from another sign advertising same use/event/condition (KZC 100.115). | No maximum (KZC 100.115). | Location not otherwise limited, provided spacing requirement met (KZC 100.115). | — | KZC 100.115 (Private Advertising row); 100.25(1)(c). |
| Projecting and Under Marquee Sign | Shall not project above roofline of structure to which sign is attached (KZC 100.115). | 4 sq. ft. per sign face (KZC 100.115, second table). | — | — | 1 per pedestrian or vehicular entrance (KZC 100.115). | Within subject property right‑of‑way abutting subject property (i.e., over sidewalk/frontage); must be associated with subject property (KZC 100.115). | — | KZC 100.115 (Projecting and Under Marquee row); 100.85(1)(g). |

## Prohibited signs in Kirkland

- All signs erected or altered after the effective date of this code must comply with the provisions of the Uniform Sign Code and the Uniform Building Code as adopted by the City; if there is a conflict, the provisions of Chapter 100 govern.
- Signs identifying a detached dwelling unit in Sign Category A may not exceed two square feet in area.
- Signs identifying a complex or subdivision in Sign Category A may not exceed 20 square feet per sign face.
- Signs in Sign Category B may not exceed 20 square feet per sign face.
- Developments in Sign Categories C, D, E, and F may not exceed the total sign area allowed by the chart in KZC 100.45, as adjusted by the applicable multipliers and the additional allowances in KZC 100.40(3)(b)–(c).
- Center identification pedestal, monument, or pole signs in multi‑use complexes with seven or more uses or businesses may not exceed 64 square feet per sign face (or 64 square feet for one wall‑mounted sign per abutting right‑of‑way) and may not have internally lighted sign fields; they must be constructed with materials, colors, shapes, or other architectural features that are the same as the associated buildings.
- On designated corridors, electrical signs are prohibited.
- In developments with uses assigned to different sign categories, all signs for the entire development must comply with the sign category assigned to the predominant uses on the subject property.
- Wall-mounted and marquee signs may not project above the roofline of the building to which they are attached.
- Under-marquee signs may not extend further from a building facade than the marquee or canopy to which they are attached.
- Pedestal signs may not exceed five feet above average ground elevation and must conform to the dimensional standards on Plate 12.
- Monument signs may not exceed 12 feet above average ground elevation and must conform to the dimensional standards on Plate 13.
- Pole signs may not exceed 20 feet above average ground elevation and must conform to the dimensional standards on Plate 13A.
- Except as specifically allowed under KZC 100.85(2), the following devices and facilities are prohibited: pennants, banners, streamers, and private flags; strings of lights, flashing lights, colored lights, advertising search lights, and flares; twirlers, propellers, and wind‑activated devices; balloons; signs of a garish or carnival‑like nature; any sign that rotates, turns, or moves by electrical or mechanical means except barber poles; projecting and under‑marquee signs except as permitted by KZC 100.115; any sign attached to or placed on a vehicle or trailer parked on public or private property other than normal identification of a firm or its principal products on a vehicle operating in the normal course of business; portable outdoor signs except as allowed in KZC 100.115; any sign with the shape and colors of a traffic sign; and any sign that constitutes a traffic hazard, including but not limited to signs containing words such as “stop,” “look,” or “danger.”
- All signs must be kept in a safe manner at all times; damaged or deteriorated signs must be repaired within 30 days of notification by the City.
- The area surrounding ground‑mounted signs must be kept free of litter and debris at all times.
- Unless otherwise specified in the code, all nonconforming signs must be removed within 14 days and all conforming signs must be removed within 90 days of the closure or discontinuance of the business, use, or event with which the signs were associated.
- An area around the base of each ground‑mounted sign equal to the sign area must be landscaped; this landscaping must include vegetation and may include other materials such as brick or concrete bases, planter boxes, pole covers, or decorative framing.
- To the maximum extent possible, signs must be constructed and installed so that angle irons, guywires, braces, and other structural elements are not visible, except structural elements that are an integral part of the overall design such as decorative metal or wood.
- No sign may contain or utilize any exposed incandescent lamp with a wattage in excess of 25 watts.
- No sign may contain or utilize any exposed incandescent lamp with an internal or external reflector.
- No sign may contain or utilize any continuous or sequential flashing operation.
- Except for changing message centers, no sign may contain or utilize any incandescent lamp inside internally lighted signs.
- No sign may use external light sources directed toward or shining on vehicular or pedestrian traffic or on a street.
- Internally lighted signs may not use 800 milliamp ballasts if the lamps are spaced closer than 12 inches on center.
- Internally lighted signs may not use 425 milliamp ballasts if the lamps are spaced closer than six inches on center.
- All signs must be located outside those areas required in KZC 115.135 to be kept clear of all sight obstructions.
- Except as allowed under KZC 100.75(2), all signs must be located on the same lot or property as the use, building, or event with which the sign is associated.
- Monument and pole signs must be set back at least five feet from all property lines, except in zones that have no setbacks.
- Real estate, on-site signs for dwelling units may not exceed six square feet per sign face.
- Real estate, on-site signs for other uses or developments may not exceed 32 square feet per sign face and 64 total square feet per property for sale or rent.
- Real estate, off‑site signs may not exceed six square feet per sign face.
- Construction signs may not exceed 32 square feet per sign face.
- Integral signs may not exceed six square feet per sign face.
- Private notice and instructional signs may not exceed two square feet per sign face.
- Private advertising signs may not exceed 16 square feet per sign face and must be located no closer than 50 feet from another sign advertising the same use, event, or condition.
- Private traffic direction signs may not exceed four square feet per sign face.
- Off‑site directional signs may not exceed 16 square feet per use, not to exceed 64 square feet in total.
- Political signs may not exceed six square feet per sign face.
- Projecting and under‑marquee signs permitted as special signs may not exceed four square feet per sign face and may not project above the roofline of the structure to which they are attached.
- Fuel price signs may not exceed 20 square feet per sign face and are also subject to the landscaping requirements of KZC 100.95.

## Signs exempt from permit in Kirkland

- Chapter 100 does not apply to traffic signs, directional signs, and signs displaying a public service message installed by a governmental agency.
- Chapter 100 does not apply to point‑of‑purchase advertising displays such as product dispensers.
- Chapter 100 does not apply to national flags and flags of political subdivisions.
- Chapter 100 does not apply to gravestones.
- Chapter 100 does not apply to historical site plaques and signs integral to an historic building.
- Chapter 100 does not apply to structures or improvements intended for a separate use, such as phone booths, Goodwill containers, and newspaper recycling boxes.
- Chapter 100 does not apply to building addresses with numbers and letters not more than 10 inches in height.
- The general prohibition on pennants, banners, streamers, private flags, strings of lights, flashing lights, colored lights, advertising search lights, flares, twirlers, propellers, wind‑activated devices, balloons, garish or carnival‑like signs, rotating or moving signs (other than barber poles), projecting and under‑marquee signs, vehicle‑mounted signs, portable outdoor signs, signs with the shape and colors of a traffic sign, and traffic‑hazard signs does not apply to holiday decorations appropriately displayed.
- The general prohibition on the devices listed in KZC 100.85(1) does not apply to the use of such devices for no more than seven days to announce the grand opening of a business or use.
- The general prohibition on the devices listed in KZC 100.85(1) does not apply to their use if approved on a temporary basis using Process I when such use will not be detrimental to any nearby neighborhood or use.
- The general prohibition on the devices listed in KZC 100.85(1) does not apply to thematic flags, banners, or pennants that are complementary to and normally associated with the character of a specific location.
- The general prohibition on the devices listed in KZC 100.85(1) does not apply to changing message centers.
- Except as specifically stated in the special‑signs chart, the signs listed in KZC 100.115 (including, but not limited to, real estate signs, construction signs, temporary commercial signs, integral signs, private notice and instructional signs, private advertising signs, private traffic direction signs, off‑site directional signs, political signs, projecting and under‑marquee signs, and fuel price signs) are not subject to the regulations of KZC 100.30 through 100.75 and KZC 100.95.
- The requirement that signs be located on the same lot or property as the associated use, building, or event does not apply to special signs regulated under KZC 100.115, wall‑mounted and marquee signs that extend into a right‑of‑way abutting the subject property with Department of Public Works approval, and monument and pole signs located in zones without setbacks.
- The numeric maximums on the number and size of signs in Sign Categories A through F do not limit the additional special signs permitted under KZC 100.115, unless otherwise specified in that section.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- If a proposed use or site plan requires approval through Process I, IIA, IIB, or III, the Planning Official may require that any sign proposed for that development be approved through the same process when it is determined this will provide more coordinated, effective signs.
- The owners of a development with more than one use or tenant must submit to the City a letter allocating the allowable sign area for the development to the various uses or leasable areas or to development identification signs, and must agree to include that allocation in all leases, rental agreements, condominium by‑laws, and similar documents.
- Pole signs (permitted only in Sign Category F) must be approved using Process I; the City may grant requests for pole signs, and for increased sign area and height, only if specific criteria related to interstate‑oriented uses, scale and character, visual impact on other signs, and traffic safety are met.
- A joint sign package may be proposed by owners of two or more adjoining properties (or properties separated only by a private roadway); it is reviewed and decided by the Planning Director under criteria that it provide more coordinated, effective, and efficient signs, and the allowed sign area is based on the combined total that would be allowed to each property individually; the decision may be appealed using the appeal provisions of Process I.
- A Master Sign Plan is an optional mechanism providing special consideration for integrated sign designs; the City may allow deviations from Chapter 100 requirements when the criteria in KZC 100.80(4) regarding visual harmony, minimum necessary deviations, and character/orientation with surrounding uses are satisfied.
- Applications for a Master Sign Plan are reviewed and decided by the Planning Director, who may consult with the Planning Commission before issuing a decision.
- An application for a Master Sign Plan must include a narrative addressing the approval criteria and a colored rendering of the proposed signs in relation to the development on and around the subject property.
- At an applicant’s request, the Master Sign Plan process may be used to review proposed changes to sign plans that were initially approved as part of a previously approved PUD, CUP, or through Process IIA, IIB, or III.
- The Planning Official may grant minor modifications to an approved Master Sign Plan in writing if the change does not increase the approved sign area and maintains visual harmony with design elements identified in the original plan.
- Decisions approving or denying a Master Sign Plan, and minor modifications to it, may be appealed using the appeal provisions of Process I.
- Off‑site directional signs as special signs must be approved by the Planning Director upon a demonstrated need due to poor visibility or traffic patterns and must be sized and configured to accommodate all uses in the area reasonably needing to be listed; the decision is appealable using the Process I appeal provisions.
- The City may require a bond under Chapter 175 KZC to ensure compliance with any aspect of Chapter 100, including compliance with approved sign plans or Master Sign Plans.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 8 zoning districts in Kirkland — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Kirkland+WA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-kirkland

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