Bellevue vs Federal Way
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Federal Way, WA?
Bellevue and Federal Way have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue allows home occupations in all residential zones under LUC 20.30L as accessory uses. The business must be incidental to the dwelling, occupy no more than 25% of floor area, and stay residents-only.
View full Bellevue 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 | Bellevue | Federal Way |
|---|---|---|
| Zones | All residential | - |
| Floor Area | 25% or 500 sq ft max | - |
| Employees | Residents only | - |
| Outdoor Storage | Not allowed | - |
| Code | LUC 20.30L | FWRC 19.270 |
| 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.
Bellevue FAQ
Can I run a business from my Bellevue home?
Yes. Under LUC 20.30L, home occupations are allowed in all residential zones as an accessory use, limited to 25 percent or 500 sq ft of the dwelling, residents-only as employees, and no outdoor storage.
Which home businesses are not allowed in Bellevue?
Auto repair, dispatch services, animal kennels, welding, and other uses that generate excessive traffic, noise, odor, or outdoor activity are not permitted as home occupations.
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.
Compare other topics
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