Things have settled down between the city of Kirkland and a tourism company illegally operating float planes on the edge of Lake Washington, though fines for code violation may still be on the table.

Seaplane Scenics had been operating in front of the Woodmark Hotel for more than a year without a permit before citizen complaints pushed the city to issue a notice of violation in June.

The company was in the process of acquiring a Shoreline Conditional Use Permit, but continued to fly despite neighbors’ concerns over pollution, danger to boaters and swimmers, and proximity to protected wetlands.

Seaplane Scenics and Carillon Point argued they didn’t need the city’s permission to taxi to a private dock, but when Kirkland attempted to put the agenda item before the hearing examiner, Seaplane Scenics backed down.

“Before the hearing, Seaplane Scenics agreed that the city has jurisdiction to require a shoreline permit and they agreed to stop their flights until and unless they get a permit,” said Eric Shields, the city’s Director of Planning.

The hearing, initially planned for July 7 but continued to August, was cancelled.

The city continues to advocate for fines against Seaplane Scenics, Shields said, which is something the city and the company didn’t settle before the hearing was cancelled. The city continues to advocate for fines against Seaplane Scenics, an item which should go in front of the hearing examiner in the next few months.