Auburn vs Federal Way
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Auburn, WA and Federal Way, WA?
Auburn and Federal Way have similar restriction levels.
Auburn, WA
King County
Auburn allows home occupations in all residential zones under ACC 18.60. Must be incidental, resident-operated, max one non-resident employee. An Auburn Business License is required.
View full Auburn rules →Federal Way, WA
King County
Home occupations are permitted in all Federal Way residential zones under FWRC 19.270: must be run by a resident family member, no exterior evidence, max 4 customer visits per day, and no adverse impacts on neighbors.
View full Federal Way rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Federal Way |
|---|---|---|
| Code | ACC 18.60 | FWRC 19.270 |
| Max Floor Area | 25 percent of home | - |
| Outside Employees | 1 maximum | - |
| Business License | Required | - |
| Allowed Zones | All residential zones | - |
| Family Member Rule | - | Must reside on property |
| Customer Visits | - | Max 4 per day |
| Exterior Evidence | - | Prohibited |
| Max Accessory Area | - | 1,000 sq ft |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Can I run a business from my Auburn home?
Yes. ACC 18.60 allows home occupations in all residential zones if the business is incidental to the residence, uses under 25 percent of the floor area, and has at most one non-resident employee on-site.
Do I need a business license for a home-based business in Auburn?
Yes. An Auburn Business License is required for nearly all businesses including sole proprietors working from home. A Washington State UBI through DOR is also required for most businesses.
Federal Way FAQ
Can I run a business from my Federal Way home?
Yes, within FWRC 19.270 limits: operated by a resident family member, no exterior signs of the business, no more than 4 customers per day, and no adverse impacts on neighbors.
Can my employees work at my home business?
FWRC 19.270 requires the business to be carried on by a family member residing at the property. Non-resident employees on-site typically require Process III conditional use review.
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