Occupancy Limits: Auburn vs Seattle
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Auburn, WA and Seattle, WA?
Auburn and Seattle have similar restriction levels.
Auburn, WA
King County
Auburn follows Washington State Building Code (IRC) occupancy guidelines based on bedroom count and square footage. STRs commonly cap occupancy at 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests.
View full Auburn rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 6.600 limits a short-term rental operator to a maximum of two dwelling units citywide: the operator's primary residence (where they live more than six months a year) and one secondary unit within Seattle, with grandfathered exceptions for some Downtown Urban Core legacy listings. SMC 6.600 does not set a specific guest-per-bedroom cap, but the underlying dwelling is still subject to occupancy and life-safety standards in the Building, Fire, and Housing codes. STRs are prohibited in RVs, tents, garages, boats, floating residences, waterfront residences, live-work units, and commercial caretaker quarters.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Auburn | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Building code | ACC Title 15 (IRC/IBC) | - |
| Industry standard | 2 per bedroom + 2 | - |
| Bedroom minimum | 70 sq ft + egress | - |
| State preemption | RCW 35A.21.310 | - |
| Detectors | Per WAC 51-51 | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Auburn FAQ
Does Auburn set a specific STR occupancy limit?
Not a citywide numerical cap. Occupancy is limited by building code minimums, septic/well capacity, and the operator's house rules.
Can I host large events or parties?
Even if building code allows the headcount, events may violate noise, parking, and party-house provisions. Most Auburn operators prohibit events in their listings.
Seattle FAQ
How many short-term rentals can one Seattle operator run?
Most operators are limited to two dwelling units total: a primary residence (where they live more than six months a year) and one additional unit within city limits, with limited Downtown Urban Core legacy exceptions.
Does SMC 6.600 set a maximum number of guests per bedroom?
No. SMC 6.600 does not include a numeric guest-per-bedroom cap. Occupancy is governed by the underlying Building, Fire, and Housing/Maintenance codes for the structure.
Can I rent out a basement room without a separate STR license?
Yes. A rented bedroom inside your primary or secondary unit that does not have its own kitchen and bathroom is covered by your existing STR operator license and does not count as a separate unit.
What happens if I exceed the two-unit limit?
FAS can deny or revoke the operator license, and you can face $500 first-violation and $1,000 subsequent-violation penalties under SMC 6.600, plus SDCI land use enforcement under SMC 23.42.060.
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