Auburn vs Federal Way
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Auburn, WA and Federal Way, WA?
Auburn and Federal Way have similar restriction levels.
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 →Federal Way, WA
King County
Federal Way bans all cannabis retail, production, and processing businesses citywide under FWRC 19.280.010 following a permanent ban adopted by City Council in December 2015. No licensed dispensaries operate in the city.
View full Federal Way rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Federal Way |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Retail | - | Banned citywide, FWRC 19.280.010 |
| Production | - | Banned citywide |
| Ban Adopted | - | December 2015, permanent |
| State Buffer | - | 1,000 ft from schools |
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.
Federal Way FAQ
Can I open a marijuana dispensary in Federal Way?
No. Federal Way permanently banned cannabis retail, production, and processing under FWRC 19.280.010 in December 2015. You would need to locate in a neighboring city that permits the use and obtain a WSLCB license.
Where is the closest legal dispensary to Federal Way?
Licensed retailers operate in Tacoma, Fife, and Lakewood to the south, and in parts of unincorporated King County. Use the WSLCB retailer locator at lcb.wa.gov to find the nearest open dispensary.
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