Federal Way vs Kirkland
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Federal Way, WA and Kirkland, WA?
Federal Way and Kirkland 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 →Kirkland, WA
King County
Home occupations are allowed in all Kirkland residential zones under KZC 115.35 as accessory uses with at most one nonresident employee and no noise, traffic, or neighborhood impacts.
View full Kirkland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Federal Way | Kirkland |
|---|---|---|
| Code | FWRC 19.270 | KZC Chapter 115.35 |
| Family Member Rule | Must reside on property | - |
| Customer Visits | Max 4 per day | - |
| Exterior Evidence | Prohibited | - |
| Max Accessory Area | 1,000 sq ft | - |
| Employees | - | Max 1 nonresident |
| Floor Area | - | ~25 percent of home |
| License | - | Kirkland business license required |
| Prohibited | - | Auto repair, heavy mfg |
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.
Kirkland FAQ
Can I run a business from my Kirkland home?
Yes, as a home occupation under KZC 115.35 if it is clearly accessory, employs no more than one nonresident, and generates no neighborhood impacts.
Do I need a Kirkland business license?
Yes. All businesses operating in Kirkland including home occupations must obtain a city business license under KMC Title 7.
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