Kirkland City Council Reviews Proposed Zoning Amendments for Juanita Business District

Kirkland City Council is moving forward with significant zoning code amendments aimed at enhancing residential capacity and improving community infrastructure in the Juanita neighborhood. During a recent meeting on July 15, 2025, city officials discussed recommendations from the Planning Commission regarding proposed changes to the zoning codes for the Juanita Business District (JBD) and the North Juanita Center.

The council is set to adopt these amendments on September 2, 2025, following extensive community engagement and feedback. Senior Planner Leandra Baker Lewis presented the Planning Commission's recommendations, which include increasing the maximum building height from 26 to 75 feet to accommodate mixed-use developments. This change aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan, which emphasizes the need for additional housing opportunities in urban centers.

Key themes from community feedback highlighted concerns about traffic conditions and the scale of future developments, alongside support for higher density housing and reduced parking minimums. The council is also prioritizing improvements to the active transportation system, including new bike lanes and pedestrian crossings, to enhance mobility in the area.

Several capital projects are currently underway to improve transportation infrastructure in Juanita, including the 100th Avenue Northeast and Juanita Drive corridor improvements. These projects aim to increase multi-modal capacity and enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

The council's discussions also touched on the implications of Senate Bill 5184, which mandates maximum parking minimums for residential and mixed-use developments, further shaping the future of urban planning in Kirkland.

As the city prepares for the upcoming adoption of these zoning amendments, officials are focused on balancing development needs with community concerns, ensuring that Kirkland remains a livable and accessible environment for all residents.