Side sewer permits in Kirkland: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a side sewer 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 City of Kirkland or Northshore Utility District.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to Kirkland's source.
When does side sewer work need a permit in Kirkland?
Where the City of Kirkland owns the sewer, the city engineer's permit is required to construct, extend, relay, repair or make a connection to any sanitary sewer or drain on the property (KMC 15.28.070), so any repair counts, with no minimum length, and any connection to a public or private sewer needs a City permit (KMC 15.28.040). The owner or occupant may take the permit for a private sewer inside the property lines; side sewer work in the right-of-way outside the lot is permitted only to a state-certified plumber or a licensed general contractor. Where a sewer district owns the main, that district issues the permit under its own code, so confirm the owner of the main before applying. WAC 51-56, the state plumbing code, governs how the building sewer is laid.
From Kirkland's own code
“It is unlawful to construct, extend, relay, repair or to make connection to any sanitary sewer or drain inside any real property without obtaining a permit from the city engineer as provided in Section 15.28.040.”Source ↗verified 2026-10-24
Required submittals
- Site plan with sewer line route
- Depth + slope detail
- Cleanout locations
- Utility locate ticket
Inspection sequence
- Pre-cover (open trench)
- Air / water test
- Final
Contractor specialties needed
Side sewer 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 side sewer permit with City of Kirkland or Northshore Utility District, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Kirkland side sewer quote.
Notes & caveats
Issuing body is the sanitary sewer utility, NOT the building department, and inspection is the utility's too. SOME utilities additionally require the contractor to hold a side-sewer card or registration before they will issue; it is not universal, so check the serving utility's own rules rather than assuming either way.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your side sewer work in Kirkland — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline, critical-area or historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 4 documents under Required submittals above.
- 3. Apply with City of Kirkland or Northshore Utility District.
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (City of Kirkland or Northshore Utility District 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 City of Kirkland or Northshore Utility District, handles reviewer comments, and builds the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Side sewer permits in Kirkland — FAQ
When does side sewer work need a permit in Kirkland?
Where the City of Kirkland owns the sewer, the city engineer's permit is required to construct, extend, relay, repair or make a connection to any sanitary sewer or drain on the property (KMC 15.28.070), so any repair counts, with no minimum length, and any connection to a public or private sewer needs a City permit (KMC 15.28.040). The owner or occupant may take the permit for a private sewer inside the property lines; side sewer work in the right-of-way outside the lot is permitted only to a state-certified plumber or a licensed general contractor. Where a sewer district owns the main, that district issues the permit under its own code, so confirm the owner of the main before applying. WAC 51-56, the state plumbing code, governs how the building sewer is laid.
How much does a side sewer permit cost in Kirkland?
Where the City's sewer utility serves the lot, Kirkland's side sewer inspection is $736 for a new side sewer and $169 for a repair or for capping one; a newly connected or expanded sewer customer also pays the City's sewer capital facility charge, $5,124 for a single-family house, and King County's capacity charge. Apply via https://mybuildingpermit.com. King County's sewer service area map shows about half of Kirkland served by Northshore Utility District; there the side sewer permit and its fees come from the district, under its own rules and fee schedule, not from the City, so confirm the lot's utility before applying. District: Northshore Utility District (https://www.nud.net/).