What Seattle Regulates: A Complete Ordinance Overview

As one of the larger cities in Washington, Seattle has a substantial set of local ordinances that govern everything from noise levels to what you can build in your backyard. With about 737000 residents, the city maintains 201 distinct rules across 51 categories. This guide gives you the big picture.

Curfew Laws

Park Curfew: Seattle parks are closed to the public from 11:30 PM to 4:00 AM under SMC 18.12.080, with enforcement by Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Seattle Police Department..

Also covered: Juvenile Curfew (moderate). See the full curfew laws guide for Seattle for details.

Tobacco & Vaping

Vape Retail Rules: Washington licenses vapor product retailers through the WA Liquor and Cannabis Board under RCW 70.345. Seattle adds business licensing under SMC 6.208 plus a tobacco-retail license.

Also covered: Flavored Tobacco Bans (moderate), Tobacco Age Restrictions (moderate). See the full tobacco & vaping guide for Seattle for details.

Single-Use Items

Plastic Bag Rules: Seattle banned single-use plastic carryout bags in July 2012 — one of the first major US cities. Washington State then preempted with a statewide ban effective October 1, 2021 (HB 1205).

Also covered: Polystyrene Foam Rules (strict), Plastic Straw Rules (strict). See the full single-use items guide for Seattle for details.

Rental Property Rules

Relocation Assistance: Seattle's Tenant Relocation Assistance Ordinance (TRAO) requires landlords who demolish, substantially rehabilitate, change use, or remove housing from the rental market to pay qualifying low-income tenants relocation assistance through the city's program under SMC 22.210..

Also covered: Security Deposit Rules (strict), No-Fault Evictions (strict), Source-of-Income Discrimination (strict). See the full rental property rules guide for Seattle for details.

Immigration Policy

Sanctuary Policy Preemption: Seattle's Welcoming City Ordinance SMC 4.18, paired with Washington's Keep Washington Working and Courts Open to All Acts, bars city employees from inquiring about immigration status or assisting federal civil immigration enforcement absent a judicial warrant..

Animal Ordinances

Animal Hoarding: Seattle SMC 9.25 limits households to a small number of pets and prohibits neglect. Washington RCW 16.52 makes animal cruelty, including hoarding-related neglect, a gross misdemeanor or felony when injury or death results..

Also covered: Cat Rules (moderate), Microchipping (moderate), Pet Limits (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Seattle for details.

Public Health Rules

Restaurant Grade Cards: Public Health Seattle King County inspects every food establishment 1-3 times yearly, scoring violations numerically. Since 2017, restaurants must post a color-coded sign — Excellent, Good, OK, or Needs Improvement — at the entrance..

Also covered: Rodent Control (moderate), Syringe Disposal (moderate), Food Handler Certification (strict). See the full public health rules guide for Seattle for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Buffer Zones: Washington RCW 69.50.331 requires cannabis retailers to sit at least 1,000 feet from elementary and secondary schools, playgrounds, parks, libraries, and child-care centers. Seattle SMC 23.42 aligns with the state buffer..

Also covered: Social Equity Licensing (moderate), Commercial Cannabis Zoning (moderate), Home Cultivation (strict). See the full cannabis regulations guide for Seattle for details.

Environmental Rules

Coastal Development: Seattle regulates development along its extensive Puget Sound and freshwater shorelines under SMC Chapter 23.60A, the Shoreline Master Program, implementing Washington's Shoreline Management Act with strict buffers and use restrictions..

Also covered: Gas Leaf Blower Ban (permissive), Vehicle Idling Restrictions (moderate), Climate Emergency Mobilization (moderate). See the full environmental rules guide for Seattle for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Permit Requirements: Seattle requires STR operators to hold a City Business License Tax Certificate and a separate STR Operator's Regulatory License ($75/unit/year) under SMC Chapter 6.600. Operators are limited to 2 units; one must be their primary residence if operating 2.

Also covered: Host Presence Rule (strict), Occupancy Limits (moderate), Parking Rules (permissive). See the full short-term rentals guide for Seattle for details.

Fire Regulations

Fire Pit Rules: Outdoor fire pits and open flames are heavily restricted in Seattle due to the city's general prohibition on open burning. PSCAA burn bans also apply.

Also covered: Propane Storage (moderate), Fireworks (strict), Outdoor Burning (strict). See the full fire regulations guide for Seattle for details.

Building Safety

Lead Paint: Seattle follows federal EPA and Washington state lead-based paint regulations under RCW 70A.420. Landlords must disclose known lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 housing.

Also covered: Fire Sprinkler Requirements (strict), Green Building Code (moderate), Childcare Center Rules (strict). See the full building safety guide for Seattle for details.

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses

Specific Plans Overview: Seattle's Comprehensive Plan, last updated as 'Seattle 2035' and refreshed in the 2024 'One Seattle Plan,' channels growth into Urban Villages and Urban Centers. SMC Title 23 implements zoning consistent with the Plan..

Also covered: Density Bonus Law (moderate). See the full zoning overlays & bonuses guide for Seattle for details.

Water Use Rules

Lawn Watering Restrictions: Seattle Public Utilities asks customers for voluntary water conservation under its Water Shortage Contingency Plan. Mandatory outdoor watering restrictions activate only at Stage 2 or above, declared during regional drought emergencies..

Mobility & Curb Rules

Shared E-Scooter Rules: Seattle SDOT permits shared e-scooter operators under SMC 11.65 (since 2020). Lime, Bird, Veo, and others share the streets.

Also covered: Bike Lane Rules (moderate). See the full mobility & curb rules guide for Seattle for details.

Business Licensing & Operations

Adult Entertainment: Seattle regulates adult entertainment under SMC 6.270, requiring premises and manager licenses, four-foot performer-customer separation, no direct tipping, and zoning that confines adult cabarets to specified industrial and commercial zones with buffer distances from residences and schools..

Also covered: Tobacco Retail License (strict), Towing Companies (strict), Massage Establishments (strict). See the full business licensing & operations guide for Seattle for details.

Public Conduct

Aggressive Panhandling: Seattle prohibits aggressive solicitation under SMC 12A.12.015 — soliciting with threatening conduct, after dusk, near ATMs, or by blocking pedestrians — while passive panhandling remains protected speech under Initiative 75 and First Amendment limits set by Seattle courts..

Also covered: Public Urination (moderate), Loud Party Ordinance (moderate), Outdoor Smoking Restrictions (moderate). See the full public conduct guide for Seattle for details.

Hotels & Lodging

Transient Occupancy Tax: Seattle lodging stays under 30 days incur roughly 15.7% in combined transient occupancy taxes — 10.25% state and local sales tax, 7% city special hotel tax, 2% King County tax, and a Tourism Promotion Area fee — collected by operators under SMC 5.36 and remitted monthly..

Homelessness & Encampment Rules

LAMC §41.18 Encampment Rule: Seattle bars camping in parks under SMC 18.12 and on public rights-of-way under SMC 15.48, and the Unified Care Team applies a Multi-Departmental Administrative Rule (MDAR) protocol balancing notice, outreach, and obstruction-based removals after the 2024 Grants Pass v. Johnson ruling..

Drone Rules

Event Drone Restrictions: FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions and the federal stadium rule prohibit drone flights over Seahawks, Mariners, Sounders, and Kraken games at Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, and Climate Pledge Arena, plus Seafair, marathons, and presidential visits..

Also covered: Airport Proximity Rules (strict), Recreational Drones (moderate), Commercial Drones (moderate). See the full drone rules guide for Seattle for details.

Solar Energy

Expedited Solar Permitting: Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections runs Solar Express, an over-the-counter same-day permit pathway for typical residential rooftop PV installations under SMC Title 22. Washington HB-1117 requires statewide expedited solar permitting..

Also covered: Community Solar (permissive), Panel Permits (moderate), HOA Restrictions (permissive). See the full solar energy guide for Seattle for details.

Trash & Recycling

Mandatory Organics Recycling: Seattle SMC 21.36.083 prohibits placing food scraps and compostable paper in garbage carts citywide. Single-family homes, multifamily buildings, and businesses must subscribe to food and yard waste service since the 2015 mandate..

Also covered: Pickup Rules & Schedules (strict), Bin Placement Rules (moderate), Bulk Item Disposal (moderate). See the full trash & recycling guide for Seattle for details.

Privacy & Surveillance

Facial Recognition Ban: Seattle SMC 14.18 (2017, expanded 2018) makes Seattle one of the first US cities to require City Council approval and a Surveillance Impact Report before any city department acquires or deploys surveillance technology, including facial recognition..

Also covered: License Plate Readers (strict), Security Camera Rules (moderate), Recording & Consent Laws (strict). See the full privacy & surveillance guide for Seattle for details.

Historic Preservation

HPOZ Rules: Seattle SMC 25.12 and 25.16-25.30 establish historic districts including Pioneer Square, Pike Place Market, Ballard Avenue, Columbia City, Harvard-Belmont, Fort Lawton, International District, and Sand Point. Exterior changes need Certificate of Approval..

Also covered: Historic-Cultural Monuments (strict). See the full historic preservation guide for Seattle for details.

Invasive Plant Rules

Tree-of-Heaven Removal: Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is a Class C noxious weed in King County. Property owners are encouraged to control it; nurseries are barred from selling it.

Also covered: Bamboo Restrictions (permissive), Prohibited Species (moderate), Front Yard Gardens (permissive). See the full invasive plant rules guide for Seattle for details.

Employment Preemption

Paid Leave Preemption: Seattle's Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) Ordinance SMC 14.16 requires every employer to give workers paid leave that accrues from the first hour worked, usable for illness, family care, domestic violence, and public health closures..

Also covered: Worker Scheduling Preemption (strict), Minimum Wage Preemption (strict). See the full employment preemption guide for Seattle for details.

Noise from Specific Sources

Construction Equipment Noise: Seattle SMC 25.08 limits construction equipment to 80 dBA measured at the receiving property line, with maximum-noise exemptions during permitted weekday daytime hours. Impact equipment like jackhammers requires noise-reduction measures..

Tree Protection

Protected Tree Species: Seattle's overhauled Tree Protection Ordinance, SMC 25.11 (effective 2023), creates a tiered system. Tier 1 exceptional trees, Tier 2 heritage trees, and Tier 3 trees over 12-inch DBH need permits and replacement..

Also covered: Tree Removal Permits (strict), Tree Replacement Requirements (strict), Heritage & Protected Trees (strict). See the full tree protection guide for Seattle for details.

Firearms

Concealed Carry: Washington requires a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) to carry a loaded handgun concealed off your premises. King County Sheriff issues CPLs to Seattle residents under RCW 9.41.070.

Also covered: Local Firearms Preemption (permissive), Open Carry (moderate), Firearms in Vehicles (moderate). See the full firearms guide for Seattle for details.

Filming & Production

Student Filming: Seattle Office of Film + Music issues a free citywide Master Film Permit for productions including student films. Small handheld shoots may proceed without paperwork; tripods, crews, or street use trigger permit and insurance requirements..

Also covered: Production Noise (moderate), Street Closures (moderate), Location Permits (permissive). See the full filming & production guide for Seattle for details.

Accessory Structures

ADU Rules: Seattle adopted Ordinance 127211 (June 2025) to comply with HB 1337. Up to 2 ADUs allowed per lot by right in all residential zones (SMC 23.42.022).

Also covered: Tiny Homes (moderate), Carport Rules (moderate), ADU Rental Restrictions (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Seattle for details.

Special Events & Permits

Parade Permits: Seattle SMC Title 15 requires a Special Event Permit from the Special Events Committee for parades, races, and festivals using city streets. Applications must be submitted at least 30 days in advance, and major events 90+ days..

Also covered: Sidewalk Cafe Rules (moderate), Block Party Permits (permissive), Park Event Permits (moderate). See the full special events & permits guide for Seattle for details.

Sign Regulations

Digital Billboards: Seattle's sign code SMC 23.55 bans new off-premises billboards citywide, prohibits digital conversion of existing billboards, restricts on-premises electronic message centers to 8-second hold times in commercial zones, and bans flashing or animated signs in residential areas..

Also covered: Garage Sale Signs (moderate), Political Signs (permissive), Holiday Displays (permissive). See the full sign regulations guide for Seattle for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Seattle enforces the Seattle Residential Code (SRC) Appendix G, which adopts International Residential Code Section AG105 for private residential pool barriers. Pools and spas with water deeper than 24 inches must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high.

Outdoor Cooking

BBQ & Propane Rules: Seattle Fire Code Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containers larger than 1 lb on combustible balconies of multi-family buildings (3+ units) when within 10 feet of combustible construction. Electric grills are exempt.

Also covered: Smoker Rules (moderate), Outdoor Kitchen Permits (moderate). See the full outdoor cooking guide for Seattle for details.

Holiday Decorations

Holiday Light Rules: Seattle has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance SMC 25.08 applies to any amplified outdoor displays, the Outdoor Lighting Code at SMC 23.86.013 covers light trespass, and HOAs typically set the binding rules.

Also covered: Lawn Ornament Rules (permissive), Inflatable Display Rules (permissive). See the full holiday decorations guide for Seattle for details.

Landscaping Rules

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: Seattle's Tree Protection Code (SMC 25.11, effective July 30, 2023) classifies trees by tier. Tier 2 trees generally cannot be removed except for hazard.

Also covered: Weed Ordinances (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Seattle for details.

Noise Ordinances

Construction Hours: Under SMC 25.08, construction is permitted 7 AM–7 PM on weekdays and 9 AM–7 PM on weekends and legal holidays. Construction noise may not exceed 75 dBA.

Also covered: Barking Dogs (moderate), Quiet Hours (moderate), Aircraft Noise (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Seattle for details.

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

Food Truck Permits: Seattle requires food trucks to obtain a King County food establishment permit, a Seattle business license, and a Seattle street use permit to operate on public streets, with specific health and operational standards enforced by Public Health – Seattle & King County..

Also covered: Vending Zones (moderate). See the full food trucks & mobile vendors guide for Seattle for details.

Soliciting & Door-to-Door

No-Knock Registry: Seattle residents can post No Soliciting signs that solicitors must legally respect, and trespass laws protect homeowners who ask solicitors to leave their property..

Also covered: Solicitor Permits (moderate). See the full soliciting & door-to-door guide for Seattle for details.

Building Setbacks & Zoning

Lot Coverage Limits: Seattle limits the percentage of a lot that can be covered by structures under SMC Title 23, with NR3 residential zones allowing up to 35 percent lot coverage for the principal structure plus additional allowances for accessory structures..

Also covered: Setback Rules (strict), Structure Height Limits (strict). See the full building setbacks & zoning guide for Seattle for details.

Garage & Yard Sales

Garage Sale Permits: Seattle does not require permits for residential garage sales, and no city license is needed for occasional sales of personal property from a residential home..

Also covered: Time Restrictions (permissive), Frequency Limits (permissive). See the full garage & yard sales guide for Seattle for details.

Outdoor Lighting

Dark Sky Rules: Seattle Municipal Code regulates outdoor lighting through zoning standards in §23.45 (residential) and §23.47A (commercial). Fully-shielded fixtures are required on new commercial installations, light trespass is capped at 0.5 foot-candles at residential lines, and recent rules cap color temperature at 3000K.

Also covered: Light Trespass (moderate). See the full outdoor lighting guide for Seattle for details.

Property Maintenance

Property Blight: Seattle enforces property maintenance standards through the Housing and Building Maintenance Code (SMC 22.206) and the Chronic Nuisance Properties ordinance (SMC 10.09), requiring owners to maintain properties free of blight and nuisance conditions..

Also covered: Garage Sale Rules (permissive), Vacant Lot Maintenance (moderate), Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (moderate). See the full property maintenance guide for Seattle for details.

Parking Rules

RV & Boat Parking: Seattle SMC 11.72.070 prohibits parking vehicles wider than 80 inches between midnight and 6 AM, except in industrial zones. The 72-hour street parking limit also applies to RVs.

Also covered: Street Parking Limits (moderate), Dibs & Space Saving (moderate), Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Seattle for details.

Fence Regulations

Height Limits: Under SMC 23.44.014, fences in single-family zones may be up to 6 ft solid in side/rear yards. Above 6 ft, fences must be predominantly open (50%+ open); total max is 8 ft.

Also covered: Material Restrictions (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Seattle for details.

HOA Rules

Assessment & Dues: HOA assessments in Seattle are governed by WUCIOA (RCW 64.90). Associations must adopt an annual budget and may levy regular and special assessments.

Also covered: Board Procedures (moderate), CC&R Enforcement (moderate), Architectural Review (moderate). See the full hoa rules guide for Seattle for details.

Earthquake Safety

Unreinforced Masonry: Seattle has identified over 1,100 unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings that pose earthquake collapse hazards. SDCI maintains a public database of all known URM buildings.

Also covered: Seismic Gas Shutoff (moderate), Soft-Story Retrofit (strict), Foundation Anchoring (moderate). See the full earthquake safety guide for Seattle for details.

Street Vending

Vendor Permits: Seattle requires Street Use permits from SDOT for vending in public rights-of-way. Six types of vending permits are available depending on location and timing.

Also covered: Vending Zones (moderate), Cart & Stand Rules (moderate). See the full street vending guide for Seattle for details.

Code Violation Reporting

Common Violations: Seattle's most common code violations include unpermitted construction, overgrown vegetation and weeds, substandard housing conditions, illegal use of property, and work exceeding permit scope. SDCI enforces the Seattle Municipal Code and International Building Code..

Also covered: Response Times (moderate), How to Report (moderate). See the full code violation reporting guide for Seattle for details.

Permit Requirements

Deck & Patio Permits: Most decks in Seattle require a subject-to-field-inspection construction permit from SDCI. Patios and platforms under 18 inches above grade that are not over a basement do not need a permit.

Also covered: Shed & Outbuilding Permits (moderate), Fence Permits (permissive), Renovation Permits (moderate). See the full permit requirements guide for Seattle for details.

What to Do With This Information

Whether you are renting, buying, or renovating in Seattle, knowing the local rules upfront saves headaches later. Dig into the individual ordinance pages linked above for the complete picture, including fines and exemptions.