Federal Way vs Kent
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Kent, WA?
Federal Way and Kent have similar restriction levels.
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 →Kent, WA
King County
Kent permits home occupations in residential zones under Title 15 with a home occupation permit. The business must be secondary to the residence and not change the residential character.
View full Kent rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Code | 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 | - |
| Allowed zones | - | All residential with standards |
| Floor area limit | - | Roughly 25 percent of home |
| Employees | - | Family plus 1 non-resident typical |
| License | - | Kent business license required |
| Nuisance rule | - | No odor, noise, glare outside |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Kent FAQ
Do I need a license to freelance from home?
If you have Kent-based clients or generate income from Kent, a business license is generally required regardless of size.
Can I run a salon from my house?
Cosmetology and similar services have state licensing plus Kent home occupation limits. Client visits, signage, and parking are tightly controlled.
Compare other topics
See how Federal Way and Kent compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool