Right-of-way permits in Kirkland: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a right-of-way permit in Kirkland, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Kirkland Planning and Building Department.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot lines, where the lot meets the street, cited to Kirkland's source.
When does right-of-way work need a permit in Kirkland?
Issued by city public works (or SDOT in Seattle) under local ROW ordinance. Triggered by physical occupation of or work within the public ROW including driveway aprons, curb cuts, sidewalk replacement, utility tie-ins, hauling routes, and temporary construction staging.
From Kirkland's own code
“A street use permit issued by the department of public works is required for any off premises supplemental directional sign erected in city of Kirkland rights-of-way. The street use permit shall be valid for not more than five years and be subject to application for renewal. The director of public works has authority to issue the permit, provided the proposed signing is consistent with the standards set forth in Sections 19.04.080 through 19.04.087, inclusive, and to otherwise deny the permit.”Source ↗verified 2026-05-29
Required submittals
- ROW work plan / sketch
- Traffic-control plan if arterial
- Certificate of insurance
- Bond if required
Inspection sequence
- Pre-construction
- Subgrade / base
- Final ROW restoration
Contractor specialties needed
General contractor
Who can do this work in Kirkland?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Kirkland and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the right-of-way permit with Kirkland Planning and Building Department, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Kirkland right-of-way quote.
Notes & caveats
Issuing body is city public works, not the building department. Often required as a precondition to a building permit (e.g. addition w/ new driveway). Bond + insurance commonly required. Traffic-control plan for arterial work.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Find where your lot meets the street. Run an address lookup for your right-of-way work in Kirkland — we'll pull your lot lines as the county maps them, which show where the lot ends and the public right-of-way begins.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 4 documents under Required submittals above.
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Kirkland Planning and Building Department ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Kirkland's fee schedule sets them) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files with Kirkland Planning and Building Department, handles reviewer comments, and builds the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Right-of-way permits in Kirkland — FAQ
When does right-of-way work need a permit in Kirkland?
Issued by city public works (or SDOT in Seattle) under local ROW ordinance. Triggered by physical occupation of or work within the public ROW including driveway aprons, curb cuts, sidewalk replacement, utility tie-ins, hauling routes, and temporary construction staging.
How much does a right-of-way permit cost in Kirkland?
Kirkland's right-of-way permit is $188 for a basic permit and $735 for a standard one. Cutting the street adds a street cut fee: $579 for 1 to 50 square feet, $1,158 for 51 to 100, and $1,158 plus $1,158 for each 100 square feet more, with an $85 administrative fee on each. The 3.5% technology fee applies to the permit, not to the street cut fee (Public Works Fee Schedule, January 2026). Apply via https://mybuildingpermit.com.