Dispensary Zoning: Auburn vs Bellevue
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Auburn, WA and Bellevue, WA?
Bellevue has fewer restrictions than Auburn.
Auburn, WA
King County
Auburn City Code does not allow state-licensed recreational marijuana producers, processors, or retailers within city limits. I-502 permits local bans and Auburn maintains one under ACC Title 18.
View full Auburn rules →Bellevue, WA
King County
King County Code Title 21A allows state-licensed cannabis retailers, producers, and processors only in specific commercial, industrial, and rural zones in unincorporated areas. Each city sets its own zoning, and several cities ban retail sales entirely.
View full Bellevue rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Bellevue |
|---|---|---|
| Local Ban | In effect under ACC Title 18 | - |
| State Framework | I-502 and WSLCB allow local bans | - |
| Nearest Retail | Federal Way, Tacoma, unincorporated areas | - |
| Contact | Auburn CD 253-931-3090 | - |
| County code | - | KCC Title 21A |
| Retail zones | - | Community, Regional Business |
| Producer zones | - | Industrial, Forest, Agricultural |
| State license | - | WSLCB required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Are there any legal marijuana shops in Auburn WA?
No. Auburn bans state-licensed recreational cannabis retailers under ACC Title 18. The nearest legal shops are in Federal Way, Tacoma, and unincorporated county areas.
Can Auburn override the local ban and allow a dispensary?
Only through a City Council ordinance amending ACC Title 18 zoning. Until such an ordinance passes, cannabis businesses cannot legally operate in Auburn.
Bellevue FAQ
Can my city ban cannabis stores?
Yes. Washington courts have upheld local moratoriums and bans, so siting rules vary widely by jurisdiction across King County.
Where can I find unincorporated KC zoning?
Check King County iMap or Permitting Division zoning lookup before signing a lease, and confirm the address is outside any city limits.
Compare other topics
See how Auburn and Bellevue compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool