Federal Way vs Kent
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Kent, WA?
Federal Way and Kent have similar restriction levels.
Federal Way, WA
King County
Federal Way bans all cannabis retail, production, and processing businesses citywide under FWRC 19.280.010 following a permanent ban adopted by City Council in December 2015. No licensed dispensaries operate in the city.
View full Federal Way rules →Kent, WA
King County
Kent bans new cannabis retail, production, and processing businesses citywide under KCC 15.08 after a 2014 moratorium. Existing licensed retailers from before the ban may continue as legal non-conforming uses.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Retail | Banned citywide, FWRC 19.280.010 | - |
| Production | Banned citywide | - |
| Ban Adopted | December 2015, permanent | - |
| State Buffer | 1,000 ft from schools | 1,000 ft from schools |
| New Retail | - | Banned in Kent |
| New Production | - | Banned in Kent |
| Existing Uses | - | Legal non-conforming |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Federal Way FAQ
Can I open a marijuana dispensary in Federal Way?
No. Federal Way permanently banned cannabis retail, production, and processing under FWRC 19.280.010 in December 2015. You would need to locate in a neighboring city that permits the use and obtain a WSLCB license.
Where is the closest legal dispensary to Federal Way?
Licensed retailers operate in Tacoma, Fife, and Lakewood to the south, and in parts of unincorporated King County. Use the WSLCB retailer locator at lcb.wa.gov to find the nearest open dispensary.
Kent FAQ
Can I open a marijuana dispensary in Kent?
No. Kent does not allow new cannabis retail, production, or processing businesses under KCC 15.08. You would need to locate in a neighboring city that permits the use and obtain a WSLCB license.
Where is the closest legal dispensary to Kent?
Licensed retailers operate in Auburn, Tukwila, SeaTac, and Renton, depending on current zoning and licensing. Check the WSLCB retail locator at lcb.wa.gov for the nearest open dispensary.
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