Occupancy Limits: Bellevue vs Kirkland
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Kirkland, WA?
Bellevue and Kirkland 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 →Kirkland, WA
King County
Occupancy in Kirkland short-term rentals is capped by bedroom count and International Residential Code floor-area standards, typically two guests per bedroom plus two additional for the dwelling.
View full Kirkland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Kirkland |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom Min | 70 sq ft first; 50 sq ft add | - |
| Ceiling Min | 7 feet | - |
| Typical Formula | 2 per bedroom + 2 | - |
| MF Use Cap | 5 units or 20% | - |
| Code | LUC 20.20.800; IRC | - |
| Standard formula | - | 2 per bedroom plus 2 |
| Typical cap | - | 10 people maximum |
| Bedroom definition | - | IRC egress and size standards |
| Posting required | - | Yes in unit and listing |
| Party ban | - | No events above cap |
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.
Kirkland FAQ
Can I host a party at my Kirkland rental?
Daytime gatherings within the posted occupancy are allowed, but events exceeding the approved occupancy or generating excess noise and parking are prohibited and can result in fines.
Does my finished basement count as a bedroom?
Only if it has been permitted as habitable space with code-compliant egress windows, ceiling height, and smoke alarms; otherwise guests may sleep there as living space but it does not add to bedroom count.
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