City updates Kirkland’s watercraft code

Published 2:17 pm Monday, May 13, 2013

The Kirkland City Council recently adopted Ordinance No. 4066, which updates Kirkland Municipal Code Title 14 “Waters & Surfacecraft,” to better reflect the Kirkland community’s needs.

In June 2012, the city enacted an amendment to the existing public disturbance ordinance that allowed for the regulation of watercraft noise (Kirkland Municipal Code 11.84A.070). The law prohibits noise such as frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds from a horn or siren; excessive engine noise; and audio sound system noise audible from 300 feet or more. This amendment was in response to community concerns about an increase in noise from boats such as stereo, engine, and loud voices from boat passengers on Lake Washington along Kirkland’s shores.

The city contracts with King County Sheriff’s Office for marine related services and in partnership and the city and county will continue their balanced approach to watercraft safety education and enforcement. Should you observe unsafe boating behavior, please report it appropriately:

To report emergency watercraft safety concerns, call 9-1-1.

To report non-emergency watercraft safety concerns, call 425-587-3400.