Auburn vs Kent
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Auburn, WA and Kent, WA?
Auburn and Kent 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 →Kent, WA
King County
Kent permits home occupations in residential zones under Title 15 with a home occupation permit. The business must be secondary to the residence and not change the residential character.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Code | ACC 18.60 | - |
| Max Floor Area | 25 percent of home | - |
| Outside Employees | 1 maximum | - |
| Business License | Required | - |
| Allowed Zones | All residential zones | - |
| Allowed zones | - | All residential with standards |
| Floor area limit | - | Roughly 25 percent of home |
| Employees | - | Family plus 1 non-resident typical |
| License | - | Kent business license required |
| Nuisance rule | - | No odor, noise, glare outside |
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.
Kent FAQ
Do I need a license to freelance from home?
If you have Kent-based clients or generate income from Kent, a business license is generally required regardless of size.
Can I run a salon from my house?
Cosmetology and similar services have state licensing plus Kent home occupation limits. Client visits, signage, and parking are tightly controlled.
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