Dispensary Zoning: Federal Way vs Kirkland
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Kirkland, WA?
Federal Way and Kirkland 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 →Kirkland, WA
King County
Kirkland has used zoning authority under KMC Title 140/115 to restrict cannabis retail operations. Washington RCW 69.50.331 requires 1,000 ft buffer from schools, parks, and other sensitive uses.
View full Kirkland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Kirkland |
|---|---|---|
| Retail | Banned citywide, FWRC 19.280.010 | - |
| Production | Banned citywide | - |
| Ban Adopted | December 2015, permanent | - |
| State Buffer | 1,000 ft from schools | - |
| State Licensing | - | WA LCB |
| Buffer Distance | - | 1,000 ft from schools |
| Local Code | - | KMC Title 140/115 |
| State Law | - | RCW 69.50.331 |
| Retail Locator | - | WA LCB website |
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.
Kirkland FAQ
Are there cannabis stores in Kirkland?
Kirkland has utilized zoning authority to restrict cannabis retail. Check the Washington LCB retail store finder for current licensed locations in and around the city.
How far must a cannabis store be from a school?
State law requires minimum 1,000 feet from schools and playgrounds. Other sensitive uses may have buffers reducible to 100 feet by local option.
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