Home Business in Shoreline, WA (2026)
4 verified home business rules for Shoreline, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
In the City of Shoreline, home occupations are allowed as an accessory use in any dwelling under Shoreline Municipal Code § 20.40.400, capped at 25 percent of the home's floor area, indoor operations only, and no more than two nonresident employees on site. A City business license under Chapter 5.05 SMC is required.
Shoreline home occupation zoning standards
Some RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 20.40.400
Intent/Purpose: The City of Shoreline recognizes the desire and/or need of some citizens to use their residence for business activities. The City also recognizes the need to protect the surrounding areas from adverse impacts generated by these business activities. Residents of a dwelling unit may conduct one or more home occupations as an accessory use(s), provided: A. The total area devoted to...
Signage Rules
Home occupations in Shoreline may install one sign up to four square feet, mounted on the house, a fence, or freestanding as a monument, without a sign permit under SMC § 20.40.400(I). Any additional or larger signage triggers the permit requirements of SMC Chapter 20.50.
Shoreline Caps Home Business Signs at 4 Square Feet
Light RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 20.40.400(I)
I. One sign not exceeding four square feet may be installed without a sign permit. It may be mounted on the house, fence or freestanding on the property (monument style). Any additional signage is subject to permit under Chapter 20.50 SMC.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
SMC § 20.40.400(E)-(F) bars walk-in retail and drop-in service calls at Shoreline home occupations: sales must be by appointment, mail order, or phone/electronic order with off-site delivery, and services to patrons must be scheduled by appointment or delivered off site instead of at the house.
Shoreline Home Occupations Limit Client Visits by Appointment
Significant RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 20.40.400(E)-(F)
E. Sales shall be by appointment or limited to: 1. Mail order sales; and 2. Telephone or electronic sales with off-site delivery. F. Services to patrons shall be arranged by appointment or provided off site.
Home Daycare
In the City of Shoreline, small home-based daycares (Daycare I) are a permitted accessory use in the NR3 and NR2 residential zones under Shoreline Municipal Code § 20.40.320(A), allowed alongside a residence, house of worship or school. Outdoor play areas must be fully enclosed with a fence at least 42 inches high, and hours can be restricted for compatibility with neighbors.
Shoreline home daycare zoning rules
Some RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 20.40.320(A)
A. Daycare I facilities are permitted in NR3 and NR2 zoning designations as an accessory to residential use, house of worship, or a school facility, provided: 1. Outdoor play areas shall be completely enclosed, with no openings except for gates, and have a minimum height of 42 inches; and 2. Hours of operation may be restricted to assure compatibility with surrounding development.
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Shoreline city rules.
Home Business in King County →