Federal Way vs Kirkland
How do home daycare rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Kirkland, WA?
Federal Way and Kirkland have similar restriction levels.
Federal Way, WA
King County
Federal Way permits family home child care in single-family homes. State-licensed providers caring for 12 or fewer children are allowed under RCW 35.63.185 and Federal Way Revised Code Title 19 zoning.
View full Federal Way rules →Kirkland, WA
King County
Family daycare homes serving 12 or fewer children are allowed as a home occupation in Kirkland residential zones, subject to KZC 115.42 standards and Washington DCYF licensing under RCW 43.216.
View full Kirkland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Kirkland |
|---|---|---|
| Max Children (Home) | 12 or fewer | - |
| State Preemption | RCW 35.63.185 | - |
| Licensing Agency | Washington DCYF | - |
| City Permit | Business registration required | - |
| Zoning Code | FWRC Title 19 | - |
| Max children | - | 12 under state license |
| State agency | - | DCYF under RCW 43.216 |
| Zoning permit | - | Allowed home occupation |
| Fence height | - | 48 inches minimum outdoor |
| City license | - | Required via FileLocal |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Federal Way FAQ
Can I run a daycare from my Federal Way home?
Yes. State law RCW 35.63.185 allows family home child care for 12 or fewer children in any residential zone with DCYF licensing plus a Federal Way business registration.
Do I need a zoning permit?
No conditional use permit is required for state-licensed family home child care. Larger commercial child care centers require FWRC Title 19 review.
Kirkland FAQ
Do I need a Kirkland permit to run a daycare at home?
You need a City business license and must meet the home occupation standards in KZC 115.42, plus a DCYF family home child care license before caring for any non-related child.
How many children can I watch at one time?
A licensed family home may serve up to 12 children, with capacity limits based on age mix and available space as determined by DCYF during your home inspection.
Compare other topics
See how Federal Way and Kirkland 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