BEBuild Eastside

Kirkland ADUs

How to permit an ADU or pre-approved DADU in Kirkland

Kirkland allows up to two ADUs on a property, subject to current development standards. A pre-approved detached ADU design can reduce building-design work, but it does not eliminate site review.

Reviewed against official Kirkland sources · August 2026

Choose the project type

  • Attached ADU within or added to the main house.
  • Detached ADU using a custom design.
  • Detached ADU using Kirkland's pre-approved plan program.

The site is still unique

Even a pre-approved design needs a site plan and site-specific review. Surveys, geotechnical information, trees, utilities, access, drainage, and critical areas can still control placement and cost.

Prepare the required package

  • MyBuildingPermit account and application.
  • Site plan with registration ID for a pre-approved design.
  • Supplemental building information.
  • ADU registration application.
  • Plumbing worksheet.
  • Survey and geotechnical report when applicable.
  • Rodent-abatement documentation when required.

Action plan

What to do next

  1. 1

    Confirm current ADU count, size, setbacks, and parking rules.

  2. 2

    Compare custom and pre-approved design paths.

  3. 3

    Test utilities, access, trees, and critical areas before buying plans.

  4. 4

    Budget impact and utility charges under the current fee schedule.

  5. 5

    Record the ADU documents required after approval.

Official resources

Kirkland links and tools