Occupancy Limits: Bellevue vs Kent
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Kent, WA?
Bellevue and Kent have similar restriction levels.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Bellevue caps STR occupancy per IRC habitability rules and LUC 20.20.800. Industry standard is two guests per bedroom plus two additional. Multi-family STR uses cannot exceed 5 units or 20% of a building.
View full Bellevue rules βKent, WA
King County
Kent short-term rentals follow building code occupancy limits, generally two persons per bedroom plus two additional. RCW 64.37 requires operators to post maximum occupancy.
View full Kent rules βKey Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom Min | 70 sq ft first; 50 sq ft add | - |
| Ceiling Min | 7 feet | - |
| Typical Formula | 2 per bedroom + 2 | Two per bedroom plus two |
| MF Use Cap | 5 units or 20% | - |
| Code | LUC 20.20.800; IRC | - |
| Posting Required | - | Per RCW 64.37 |
| Bedroom Minimum | - | 70 square feet, egress |
| Code Reference | - | WA State Building Code |
| Fine Minimum | - | $250 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
How many guests can stay in a Bellevue Airbnb?
Occupancy is typically set at two guests per legal bedroom plus two additional, subject to IRC minimum square footage per bedroom and any house rules posted by the operator.
Are parties allowed at Bellevue short-term rentals?
House rules must state the maximum guest count, and events that exceed it are prohibited. Excess-occupancy events can be grounds for registration enforcement.
Kent FAQ
How many guests can my Kent STR host?
Generally two per bedroom plus two additional, subject to building code bedroom definitions and fire egress requirements.
Must I post occupancy limits?
Yes. RCW 64.37 requires operators to post maximum occupancy within the unit.
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