Dispensary Zoning: Auburn vs Kirkland
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Auburn, WA and Kirkland, WA?
Auburn and Kirkland 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 →Kirkland, WA
King County
Kirkland has used zoning authority under KMC Title 140/115 to restrict cannabis retail operations. Washington RCW 69.50.331 requires 1,000 ft buffer from schools, parks, and other sensitive uses.
View full Kirkland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Kirkland |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| State Licensing | - | WA LCB |
| Buffer Distance | - | 1,000 ft from schools |
| Local Code | - | KMC Title 140/115 |
| State Law | - | RCW 69.50.331 |
| Retail Locator | - | WA LCB website |
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.
Kirkland FAQ
Are there cannabis stores in Kirkland?
Kirkland has utilized zoning authority to restrict cannabis retail. Check the Washington LCB retail store finder for current licensed locations in and around the city.
How far must a cannabis store be from a school?
State law requires minimum 1,000 feet from schools and playgrounds. Other sensitive uses may have buffers reducible to 100 feet by local option.
Compare other topics
See how Auburn and Kirkland 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