Bellevue vs Kirkland
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Kirkland, WA?
Bellevue and Kirkland 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 →Kirkland, WA
King County
Home occupations are allowed in all Kirkland residential zones under KZC 115.35 as accessory uses with at most one nonresident employee and no noise, traffic, or neighborhood impacts.
View full Kirkland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Kirkland |
|---|---|---|
| Zones | All residential | - |
| Floor Area | 25% or 500 sq ft max | ~25 percent of home |
| Employees | Residents only | Max 1 nonresident |
| Outdoor Storage | Not allowed | - |
| Code | LUC 20.30L | KZC Chapter 115.35 |
| License | - | Kirkland business license required |
| Prohibited | - | Auto repair, heavy mfg |
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.
Kirkland FAQ
Can I run a business from my Kirkland home?
Yes, as a home occupation under KZC 115.35 if it is clearly accessory, employs no more than one nonresident, and generates no neighborhood impacts.
Do I need a Kirkland business license?
Yes. All businesses operating in Kirkland including home occupations must obtain a city business license under KMC Title 7.
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