Buffer Zones: Bellevue vs Federal Way
How do buffer zones rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Federal Way, WA?
Bellevue and Federal Way have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
State law and King County Code require licensed cannabis retailers, producers, and processors to sit at least 1000 feet from schools, playgrounds, recreation centers, child care, public parks, public transit centers, libraries, and game arcades. Cities may reduce the buffer to 100 feet for some uses.
View full Bellevue rules →Federal Way, WA
King County
State law and King County Code require licensed cannabis retailers, producers, and processors to sit at least 1000 feet from schools, playgrounds, recreation centers, child care, public parks, public transit centers, libraries, and game arcades. Cities may reduce the buffer to 100 feet for some uses.
View full Federal Way rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Federal Way |
|---|---|---|
| Default buffer | 1000 feet | 1000 feet |
| Reducible to | 100 feet (some uses) | 100 feet (some uses) |
| School buffer | Cannot be reduced | Cannot be reduced |
| Authority | RCW 69.50.331 | RCW 69.50.331 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
How is the distance measured?
Most direct route a person could walk along streets and sidewalks, not straight-line. The LCB calculates this during license review using mapping tools.
Can the buffer be reduced for transit centers?
Yes. Cities and counties can lower the buffer to 100 feet near transit, libraries, parks, and arcades, but schools and playgrounds keep the full 1000 feet.
Federal Way FAQ
How is the distance measured?
Most direct route a person could walk along streets and sidewalks, not straight-line. The LCB calculates this during license review using mapping tools.
Can the buffer be reduced for transit centers?
Yes. Cities and counties can lower the buffer to 100 feet near transit, libraries, parks, and arcades, but schools and playgrounds keep the full 1000 feet.
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